Feasibility of esophageal reconstruction using a pedicled jejunum with intrathoracic esophagojejunostomy in the upper mediastinum for esophageal cancer

Objective

An alternative conduit is needed when the gastric tube cannot be used as an esophageal substitute for reconstruction after esophagectomy. We adopted pedicle jejunal reconstruction with intrathoracic anastomosis in the upper mediastinum under such circumstances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of this technique.

Methods

Two hundred and ten patients with esophageal cancer underwent esophagectomy and reconstruction from 1998 to 2013. Among them, 6 patients underwent colon interposition (colon group) and 13 underwent jejunum reconstruction (jejunum group) including 8 thoracoscopic anastomosis. The operative results of both groups were compared with those of 191 gastric tube reconstructions (stomach group).

Results

The operative times in the colon and jejunum groups were significantly longer than that in the stomach group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.018, respectively). The colon group showed more operative blood loss and more frequent anastomotic leakage and ischemic stenosis of the conduit than did the stomach group (1605 vs. 530 g, P = 0.007; 50 vs. 12.6 %, P = 0.035; 16.7 vs. 0 %, P = 0.03, respectively). There was no anastomotic leakage, conduit necrosis and mortality in the jejunum group. Ischemic stenosis of the conduit occurred more frequently in jejunum group than in the stomach group (23.1 vs. 0 %, P < 0.001). However, the stenosis could be managed safely with endoscopic treatment. Patient survival in the colon and jejunum groups was consistent with that in the stomach group.

Conclusions

Pedicle jejunal reconstruction with intrathoracic anastomosis can be performed safely under thoracotomy or thoracoscopic surgery when stomach cannot be used as an esophageal substitute after esophagectomy.     

Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

This review considers the esophagectomy techniques in the treatment of esophageal cancer and provides the guidelines for optimizing the patients' chances at cure, minimizing the risk of mediastinal enteric leak (which carries a mortality rate as high as 50%) and minimizing associated pulmonary insufficiency and infection. The 4 most commonly used routes for resection and replacement include a transhiatal, transthoracic (Ivor-Lewis), tri-incisional (right chest then simultaneous abdominal and left neck), and left chest (distal tumors). Each of these techniques will be described as will the use of colon and jejunum for esophageal replacement. The healthy stomach is the preferred conduit for esophageal replacement. The stomach is well vascularized, easily reaches to the neck, and requires only a single anastomosis for re-establishing intestinal continuity. When the stomach is not available (usually because of prior surgery or disease) the choice of conduits include colon and jejunum. With respect to minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, several groups have significant experience with this and report excellent results. This is an evolving technique but holds much promise for improving the quality of life of patients with cancer without compromising their survival. In locally advanced middle third tumors, thoracotomy and dissection under direct vision's desirable and improves the safety of the operation. The same may apply to tumors receiving neoadjuvant therapy. For tumors of the distal esophagus, transhiatal, tri-incisional, and Ivor-Lewis resection are probably equally as safe, and appear to result in equivalent long-term survival. An intrathoracic anastomotic leak is disastrous, carrying a mortality rate of up to 50%. Any surgeon who performs esophagectomy with an intrathoracic anastomosis must do so with a low incidence of leakage, certainly under 5%. Consideration should be given to a cervical placement if there are factors increasing the risk such as the use of induction therapy.     

236例横结肠代食管术的经验

对２３６例横结肠代食管术治疗食管烧伤瘢痕狭窄８９例及食管癌１４７例的临床经验进行报道。总并发症率１１％，吻合口瘘发生率４．７％，吻合口狭窄发生率２．５４％。横结肠是全食管的理想替代物。横结肠有足够的长度，利用左结肠动脉升支能提供良好血运，横结肠段顺蠕动移植更符合生理要求而易游离。行食管、结肠套入式吻合可减少吻合口瘘发生。对食管瘢痕狭窄病例应尽早进行手术。     

Conduit necrosis following esophagectomy: An up-to-date literature review

Esophageal conduit ischaemia and necrosis is an uncommon but devastating complication of esophagectomy and remains one of the most challenging issues in surgical practice. The incidence, time interval to develop symptoms, and clinical presentation are highly variable with no predictable pattern. Evidence comes from case reports and case series rather than randomized controlled trials. We describe the issues surrounding conduit necrosis affecting the stomach, jejunum and colon as an esophageal replacement and the advantages, disadvantages and challenges of each type of reconstruction. Diagnosis is challenging for the most experienced surgeon. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and computed tomography thorax with both oral and intravenous contrast is the gold standard. Management, either conservative or interventional is also a difficult decision. Management options include conservative treatment and more aggressive treatments such as stent insertion, surgical debridement and repair of the esophagus using jejunum, colon or a musculocutaneous flap. In spite of recent advances in surgical techniques, there is no reliable strategy to manage esophageal conduit necrosis. Our review covers the pathophysiology and clinical significance of esophageal necrosis while highlighting current techniques of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening condition.     

Long-term results of jejunal replacement of the esophagus

Since 1969, jejunal interpositions have been carried out in 19 patients for esophageal replacement. A segment of the upper jejunum was used to bridge the gap in the right thoracic cavity. The distal esophagus and its sphincteric mechanism was preserved in all but four patients, who had peptic strictures. Early postoperative complications such as total necrosis of the graft, perforation of the graft, and anastomotic leak developed in three patients (16%). There were no operative deaths but there were two later deaths (11%). We were able to follow 12 patients over a long term. Among these 12 patients there were two anastomotic strictures, one of which was dilated successfully by bouginage, and one marked redundancy of the jejunum which necessitated surgical correction. Both height and weight were lower than -2 SD on a Japanese standard growth curve in two patients who had anastomotic strictures. Transient stagnation of swallowed barium at the lower esophagus was the common finding; it was observed in seven cases (58%). Only three patients (25%) complained of occasional feelings of delay in swallowing. Stagnation with a mildly redundant jejunum was the common radiologic finding in these three patients. Reflux of the gastric content into the esophagus did not occur. All the patients, except one who still has dysphagia due to anastomotic stricture, can eat anything they wish at almost normal speed. These long-term results indicate that jejunal interposition with preservation of the lower esophagus is a recommendable procedure for esophageal replacement.     

Oesophageal replacement in children

INTRODUCTION

The usual indications for oesophageal replacement in childhood are intractable corrosive strictures and long-gap oesophageal atresia. Generally, paediatric surgeons attempt to preserve the native oesophagus with repeat dilatations. However, when this is not successful, an appropriate conduit must be fashioned to replace the oesophagus. The neo-oesophagus should allow normal oral feeding, not have gastro-oesophageal reflux, and be able to function well for the life-time of the patient.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A Medline search for oesophageal replacement, oesophageal atresia, gastric transposition, colon transposition, gastric tube, caustic stricture was conducted. The commonest conduits including whole stomach, gastric tube, colon and jejunum are all discussed.

RESULTS

No randomised controlled studies exist comparing the different types of conduits available for children. The techniques used tend to be based on personal preference and local experience rather than on any discernible objective data. The biggest series with long-term outcome are reported for gastric transposition and colon replacement. Comparison of a number of studies shows no significant difference in early or late complications. Early operative complications include graft necrosis, anastomotic leaks and sepsis. Late problems include strictures, poor feeding, gastro-oesophageal reflux, tortuosity of the graft and the development of Barrett''s oesophagus. The biggest series, however, seem to have lower complications than small series probably reflecting the experience, built up over years, in their respective centres.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term follow-up is recommended because of the risks of late strictures, excessive tortuosity of the neo-oesophagus and the development of Barrett''s oesophagus.     

结肠代食管术吻合口瘘及肠段缺血的防治

目的探讨降低结肠代食管术（ERC）后吻合口瘘和肠段缺血发生率的有效措施。方法回顾分析1966年3月至2006年3月间实施ERC术的572例患者的临床资料。在实施ERC时．掌握移植结肠段的长度比预测需要再长3-4cm,并维护移植结肠段的主要供血血管充分供血的原则,保证肠段上提通道宽畅无阻,尽量采用顺蠕动向移植;1996年以后,术中常规首选左结肠动脉和肝曲的边缘血管作为移植肠段主要供血管。结果本组患者以食管癌和食管瘢痕狭窄为主（92．5％）。食管切除重建占55．6％,食管改道占44．4％。全组吻合口瘘发生率为11．9％．其中1996年后的吻合口瘘发生率为5．6％,低于此前的13．6％（P〈0．05）：术中采用顺蠕动向移植者其吻合121瘘发生率为6．2％．低于逆蠕动向移植者的65．5％（P〈0．01）。全组无1例出现结肠段缺血坏死。结论实施ERC时．采用移植结肠段的足够长度和维护充分供血是预防肠段缺血和吻合121瘘的主要措施。移植肠段通道通畅有利于肠段存活。顺蠕动向移植有利于降低吻合口瘘的发生率。     

Detection of gastric conduit ischemia or anastomotic breakdown after cervical esophagogastrostomy: the use of computed tomography scan versus early endoscopy

Background

Concern over potential injury to the anastomosis has limited the use of early postoperative endoscopy to diagnose conduit ischemia or anastomotic breakdown. Alternatively, a computed tomography (CT) scan has been suggested as a noninvasive means for identifying these complications. This study aimed to compare CT scan with early endoscopy for diagnosing gastric conduit ischemia or anastomotic breakdown after esophagectomy with cervical esophagogastrostomy.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2007, 554 patients underwent an esophagectomy and gastric pull-up with cervical esophagogastrostomy at the University of Southern California. Records were reviewed to identify patients who had undergone endoscopy and CT scan within 24 h of each other during the first three postoperative weeks for suspicion of an ischemic conduit or anastomotic breakdown. The accuracies of CT scan and endoscopy in diagnosing an ischemic conduit were compared.

Results

A total of 76 patients had endoscopy and CT scan for clinical suspicion of conduit ischemia or anastomotic breakdown. Endoscopy was performed without complications in all 76 patients. The postoperative endoscopic findings were normal in 24 of the patients, and none subsequently experienced an ischemic conduit or anastomotic breakdown. Evidence of ischemia was present in 28 patients, 7 of whom had black mucosa throughout the gastric conduit with the anastomosis still intact and required removal of their conduit. The remaining 24 patients had partial or complete anastomotic breakdown. On the CT scan, 23 of the 76 patients showed evidence of conduit ischemia (n = 9) or anastomotic breakdown (n = 14). There was no evidence of ischemia or anastomotic breakdown on CT scan for the 24 patients with normal endoscopy or for 3 of the 7 patients who had their conduit removed for graft necrosis.

Conclusion

A normal CT scan does not rule out the possibility of an ischemic gastric conduit after esophagectomy. Early endoscopy is a safe and accurate method for assessing conduit ischemia.     

Anastomotic leak after esophagectomy

Anastomotic leaks continue to be a source of considerable morbidity and mortality after esophageal resection. Careful attention to the contributing factors to the development of a leak, particularly conduit ischemia and anastomotic technique, can reduce the incidence of anastomotic complications postoperatively. Selective management of leaks, including non-operative treatment when indicated, will maximize the chance for a successful outcome.     

结肠或胃重建食管治疗食管烧伤后瘢痕狭窄100例

目的 总结结肠或胃重建食管治疗食管烧伤后瘢痕狭窄的临床经验及疗效。方法回顾分析100例应用结肠或胃重建食管烧伤后食管瘢痕狭窄的临床资料。74例未切除瘢痕段食管，结肠经胸骨后隧道上提至颈部或咽部吻合；26例经胸切除瘢痕段食管，行食管胃胸内吻合23例，颈部吻合3例。结果结肠重建食管死亡5例（6．8％），术后发生颈部吻合口瘘14例（18．9％），吻合口狭窄5例（6．8％）。26例胃重建食管者无死亡，术后发生吻合口狭窄2例，脓胸1例。结论食管烧伤后高位的广泛狭窄可旷置瘢痕段食管采用结肠重建，中下段病变能在主动脉弓下吻合者可切除瘢痕段食管用胃重建，提高外科技术可明显降低结肠重建食管的并发症。     

Laparoscopic ischemic conditioning of the stomach for esophageal replacement

OBJECTIVES: A considerable percentage of morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up is due to leakage of the esophagogastrostomy, which is mainly caused by ischemia of the gastric fundus. Previous clinical studies demonstrated that impaired microcirculation of the gastric conduit almost recovers within the first 5 postoperative days. Therefore, this study was designed to improve gastric perfusion by laparoscopic ischemic conditioning of the stomach. METHODS: The study group consisted of 83 patients with 44 esophageal adenocarcinomas and 39 squamous cell carcinomas. A total of 51% received neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. First, all patients underwent laparoscopic mobilization of the stomach including the cardia and preparation of the gastric conduit. After a mean delay of 4.3 days (range, 3-7 days), a conventional right-sided transthoracic en bloc esophagectomy was performed. Reconstruction was done by gastric pull-up and high intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy. RESULTS: Three conversions (3.6%) to open surgery were necessary during laparoscopic mobilization of the stomach. The reoperation rate was 2.4% (one relaparoscopy for control of a bleeding of the stapler line, one rethoracotomy for chylothorax). Two patients showed circumscribed necroses of the upper part of the fundus after gastric pull-up into the chest. These necroses were resected for reconstruction by esophagogastrostomy. Five patients (6.0%) developed small anastomotic leakages with minor clinical symptoms; however, the gastric conduits were well vascularized. All leakages healed after endoscopic stenting. Major postoperative complications were observed in 13.3% of the patients and the 90-day mortality was 0%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ischemic conditioning of the gastric conduit is feasible and safe and may contribute to the reduction of postoperative morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up.     

Combined use of the cephalic vein and pectoralis major muscle flap for secondary esophageal reconstruction

Secondary reconstruction of thoracic esophageal defects is a challenging problem for microsurgeons. Because of previous surgeries and coexisting disease, gastric pull‐up, and creation of a pedicled colon conduit are often impossible. Transfer of a supercharged pedicled jejunum flap or free jejunal interposition is usually the last resort; however, identifying appropriate recipient vessels and adequately covering the reconstructive conduit are often difficult. We performed secondary thoracic esophageal reconstruction with combined use of the cephalic vein as a recipient vein and the pectoralis major muscle flap for coverage in three patients. Two patients underwent transfer of a supercharged pedicled jejunum flap, and the other patient underwent free jejunal interposition. No wound complications occurred, and all patients could resume oral intake. The cephalic vein is a more reliable recipient vein than is the internal mammary vein. The skin graft‐covered pectoralis major muscle flap provides secure external coverage to prevent anastomotic leakage even in complicated cases. Combined use of the cephalic vein and the skin graft‐covered pectoralis major muscle flap is a versatile option for secondary thoracic esophageal reconstruction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:319–323, 2014.     

Retrograde esophageal intubation

Intrathoracic esophageal injury can be treated using conventional surgical techniques, including buttressed closure, T-tube drainage, resection, and exclusion with diversion. If esophageal replacement is necessary, stomach, left or right colon, and jejunum are commonly used conduits. Problems arise when esophageal drainage and diversion is necessary in patients with prior gastrectomy. This problem compounds when planning esophageal reconstruction in those with previous colectomy because preserving esophageal length is crucial. We developed the technique of retrograde esophageal intubation, and we have successfully used it in three patients requiring total or near total gastrectomy and concomitant colon resection as part of damage control laparotomy. The injuries resulted from penetrating trauma in two patients and a failed gastric bypass in one. The technique involved retrograde placement of an Ewald tube through the skin into the open, distal esophagus, creating a controlled esoghagocutaneous fistula. The restoration of gastrointestinal continuity was performed 6 months after the initial injury. The reconstructive procedure was based on the precise anatomy involved. Esophagogastrostomy, loop gastrojejunostomy, and Roux-en-Y esophojejunostomy were used in one patient. Each developed an anastomotic leak, which all resolved with simple drainage. Retrograde esophageal intubation is simple, can be used long-term, and allows control of esophageal secretions without cervical esophagostomy. Esophageal length is preserved and can be used as part of a damage control operation.     

Telescopic anastomosis in esophageal and gastric surgery

In 1991 we tried to adopt the telescopic anastomosis technique which had been used in bowel surgery made with the esophagus. In our method a 1.5-2 cm long stump of the distal esophagus is laid in the lumen end-to-side of the other organ (stomach, jejunum, large bowel). The oral the worst blood supplied part of the stomach has also removed and an end-to-end anastomosis has been made. We used this method in 125 patients until the end of 1997. In 89 cases during esophageal resections, and from it in 36 cases the anastomoses were made and-to-end, in 36 cases during total gastrectomies were made telescopic anastomosis leakage in the neck that healed after conservative treatment. We noticed advanced ischemic necrosis of the stomach used for replacement in 4 cases. Two of these patients healed after operative treatment. After gastrectomies all anastomosis healed without any complication. In 6 cases occurred anastomotic stenosis always after anastomotic leakage. 3 patients could be treated with dilatation, in 3 cases had to make reoperations due to stenosis. The authors emphasize that the method is simple, made in single lawyer, the sutures are not drained the lumen. They have not got strong opinion about the propensity for stenosis due to few cases.     

Superdrainage of the ileocolic vein to the internal jugular vein interposed by an inferior mesenteric vein graft in replacing the esophagus with the right hemicolon

The fear of serious complications, such as a necrotic conduit caused by an impaired blood circulation can arise when replacing the esophagus with an intestinal conduit. The aim of this paper is to present effective superdrainage of an intestinal conduit using an inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) interposition graft. In 2008, we performed superdrainage of the ileocolic vein to the internal jugular vein interposed by an IMV graft in replacing the esophagus with the right hemicolon for advanced thoracic esophageal cancer in three patients with a synchronous gastric cancer or a previous gastrectomy. No leakage at the enteric anastomoses occurred. Neither ischemic lesions in these intestinal conduits nor complications caused by harvesting an IMV graft were observed. Superdrainage of the ileocolic vein to the internal jugular vein interposed by an IMV graft effectively improves the blood circulation in intestinal conduits brought up to the neck as an esophageal replacement.     

Technical Factors that Affect Anastomotic Integrity Following Esophagectomy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Due to the significant contribution of anastomotic leak, with its disastrous consequences to patient morbidity and mortality, multiple parameters have been proposed and individually meta-analyzed for the formation of the ideal esophagogastric anastomosis following cancer resection. The purpose of this pooled analysis was to examine the main technical parameters that impact on anastomotic integrity.

Methods

Medline, Embase, trial registries, and conference proceedings were searched. Technical factors evaluated included hand-sewn versus stapled esophagogastric anastomosis (EGA), cervical versus thoracic EGA, minimally invasive versus open esophagectomy, anterior versus posterior route of reconstruction and ischemic conditioning of the gastric conduit. The outcome of interest was the incidence of anastomotic leak, for which pooled odds ratios were calculated for each technical factor.

Results

No significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic leak was demonstrated for the following technical factors: hand-sewn versus stapled EGA, minimally invasive versus open esophagectomy, anterior versus posterior route of reconstruction and ischemic conditioning of the gastric conduit. Four randomized, controlled trials comprising 298 patients were included that compared cervical and thoracic EGA. Anastomotic leak was seen more commonly in the cervical group (13.64 %) than in the thoracic group (2.96 %). Pooled analysis demonstrated a significantly increased incidence of anastomotic leak in the cervical group (pooled odds ratio = 4.73; 95 % CI 1.61–13.9; P = 0.005).

Conclusions

A tailored surgical approach to the patient’s physiology and esophageal cancer stage is the most important factor that influences anastomotic integrity after esophagectomy.     

Colon interposition for benign esophageal disease

We reviewed 53 consecutive patients with benign disease who underwent esophageal resection followed by colon interposition to assess operative morbidity and long-term results. Indications were gastroesophageal reflux in 32 patients, advanced motility disorders in eight, esophageal perforation in six, and strictures not related to reflux in seven. There were two operative deaths (3.8%). Fourteen other patients (26.4%) had 18 major complications including three graft infarcts, two graft perforations, and four anastomotic leaks, one of which required surgical treatment. Follow-up was complete in 83% of patients and averaged 5 years. Eight patients required dilations; and 15 underwent late reoperations for stricture, persistent symptoms, or anastomotic leak. Of the 20 patients who did not have pyloroplasty done at the initial resection, five (25%) required a subsequent gastric emptying procedure. Results were rated by patients (subjectively) and physicians (objectively, based on symptoms and the need for further therapy) as 1 = excellent, 2 = good, 3 = fair, and 4 = poor. The patients' ratings averaged 1.89, with 27 patients (75%) claiming good or excellent results despite symptoms of postprandial fullness in 78% and dysphagia in 42%. Objective ratings averaged 2.05, with 28 of 39 patients (72%) rating the results as excellent or good. Despite a 30% major complication rate and a 37% late reoperative rate, colon interposition for benign esophageal disease can be accomplished with low mortality and high patient acceptance and remains our preferred technique for reconstruction of benign esophageal disease.     

Colon interposition for esophagus in children

In 25 years, from 1959 to 1984, esophageal substitution was performed in 32 patients. In most, the transverse colon was used, brought through the left chest on a vascular pedicle of the left colic artery. Indications for operation included: 21, esophageal atresia; 5, caustic injury; 3, peptic stricture; 2, esophageal varices with previous splenectomy; and 1, cartilagenous hamartoma of the esophagus. Six patients had failed prior reconstructions (1, gastric tube; 2, intrathoracic stomach; 1, presternal jejunum; 1, sloughed colon segment, 1, extensive stricture after primary repair). There was one postoperative death from fluid overload early in the series. Two patients had a localized leak at the upper anastomosis in the neck; neither resulted in stricture. One patient had a side leak in the lower intrathoracic colon, probably from an anchoring suture placed too deeply. Most patients had pyloroplasty with their operation. Four who did not required one later. Four patients required late reoperation for redundancy of the lower colon segment which emptied poorly; one lower colon was revised for stricture from exstrinsic compression at the substernal hiatus and another one for an inflammatory pseudopolyp with bleeding. There was no loss of a colon segment from ischemia. There is follow-up on all but one patient. Nineteen are more than ten years postoperative (mean of 18 years). Growth was assessed in that group. In atresia patients growth correlated with weight preoperatively and the presence or absence of associated anomalies. In the others growth was excellent in all but one patient. In our experience the colon conduit provides an excellent substitute esophagus for pediatric patients. The operation should have relatively low rate of major complications, most of which are avoidable, and most of which can be corrected to give a satisfactory long-term result.     

Redoing reconstruction of the esophagus using remnants of the ileo-left colon aided by microvascular anastomosis

Theoretically, the jejunum, fasciocutaneous or myocutaneous flap is recommended as an esophageal substitute in redoing reconstruction of the esophagus after a second incidence of corrosive injury. However, other esophageal substitutes should also be considered. We present a case of a 42-year-old woman who underwent esophageal reconstruction using an ileocolon graft for corrosive esophageal stricture ten years before. The patient ingested caustic drain cleaner again and underwent resection of the ileocolon graft secondary to corrosive necrosis. Two and a half months after the second incidence of corrosive injury, reconstruction of the esophagus was again performed using a graft of remnant ileo-left colon aided by microvascular anastomosis. The patient was able to swallow a regular diet after the procedure. Remnant ileo-left colon is a good alternative esophageal substitute in cases of repeated corrosive injury.     

Leaks, strictures, and necrosis: a review of anastomotic complications following esophagectomy

Since the first reports of esophageal resection for the treatment of various esophageal diseases and disorders, morbidity related to the anastomosis and the chosen replacement conduit have remained a frequent nemesis, a constant concern, and an ongoing area of research and experimentation. In this review of this key component of esophageal resection, an analysis is presented of the most frequent complications related to the anastomosis and conduit: anastomotic leak, conduit necrosis, and conduit stricture. In each case, a review of the current pertinent literature and experience is reported with a view to providing management recommendations to minimize or prevent occurrences, to improve timely diagnosis and to best treat these complications when they arise.