Colon interposition in the treatment of esophageal caustic strictures: 40 years of experience

The objective of this article was to analyze 40 years of experience of colon interposition in the surgical treatment of caustic esophageal strictures from the standpoints of our long-term personal experience. Colon interposition has proved to be the most suitable type of reconstruction for esophageal corrosive strictures. The choice of colon graft is based on the pattern of blood supply, while the type of anastomosis is determined by the stricture level and the part of colon used for reconstruction. In the period between 1964 and 2004, colon interposition was performed in 336 patients with a corrosively scared esophagus, using the left colon in 76.78% of the patients. In 87.5% a colon interposition was performed, while in the remaining patients an additional esophagectomy with colon interposition had to be done. Hypopharyngeal strictures were present in 24.10% of the patients. Long-term follow-up results were obtained in the period between 1 to up to 30 years. Early postoperative complications occurred in 26.48% of patients, among which anastomosic leakage was the most common. The operative mortality rate was 4.16% and late postoperative complications were present in 13.99% of the patients. A long-term follow up obtained in 84.82% of the patients found excellent functional results in 75.89% of them. We conclude that a colon graft is an excellent esophageal substitute for patients with esophageal corrosive strictures, and when used by experienced surgical teams it provides a low rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term good and functional quality of life.     

食管吻合口良性狭窄治疗方法的临床进展

食管恶性肿瘤术后,食管吻合口狭窄是常见的并发症,其严重影响患者生活质量,主要表现为吞咽困难,严重者无法进食,食管吻合口狭窄可分为良性狭窄和恶性狭窄。良性狭窄治疗方法可分为几类：吞咽康复训练、内镜下药物局部注射、微波凝固治疗,球囊扩张术、食管支架植入术、内镜下切开治疗、联合治疗;恶性狭窄主要通过手术方式进行治疗。本文对食管吻合口良性狭窄治疗方法的研究现状作一综述。     

Left colonic graft in esophageal reconstruction for caustic stricture: mortality and morbidity

The adequacy of the blood supply to the left colon graft and its ability to transport food effectively from pharynx to stomach made it an esophageal substitute of choice, particularly in esophageal caustic stricture. From 1999 to 2009, 60 patients underwent colon interposition for esophageal caustic stricture (n= 57) and cancer (n= 3). An isoperistaltic colonic graft based on the left colonic artery could be used in all of these patients. The substernal route was used exclusively, and upper thoracic inlet was opened when necessary. The isoperistaltic left colonic graft interposed by substernal route represents the surgical procedure of choice in all operations performed for esophageal substitution during the study period. The operative mortality rate was 3.3%. A cervical fistula occurred in 10 patients (16.6%) and cervical anastomotic stricture in five patients (8.3%). Dilation was required in all the stricture of the esophageal colonic anastomosis with good response. The isoperistaltic left colic transplant supplied by the left colic pedicle is an excellent long‐term replacement organ for the esophageal caustic stenosis. When performed by experienced surgeons, the left isoperistaltic esophagocoloplasty is a satisfactory surgical method for esophageal reconstruction with acceptable early morbidity and good long‐term functional results.     

Functional Outcome Following Colon Interposition in Total Pharyngoesophagectomy with or without Laryngectomy

Our study compares deglutition between a group who had undergone total esophagopharyngolaryngectomy and a group who had esophagectomy and partial pharyngectomy with preserved larynx, after reconstruction of the upper digestive tract with pedicled colon interposition. In four patients the laryngeal structures could be preserved (three caustic burns and one proximal esophageal tumor). Six patients underwent a total laryngopharyngectomy for large pharyngeal tumors. Swallowing was assessed by a questionnaire, clinical examination, and videofluoroscopy. All patients had normal intake of semisolid foods and fluids. All patients but three experienced some feeling of narrowing of the tract: four at the level of the hypopharynx, two at the oropharyngeal level, one at the oral level. In the laryngectomy group, solid food caused some degree of delayed swallowing in three patients. Dumping occurred in one case out of the nonlaryngectomy group. On clinical examination a tense motility in all laryngectomy patients appeared, food remnants in five and repeated swallowing movements in four. The videofluoroscopy confirmed repeated swallowing movements and presence of residual food in the oral cavity. Temporal stagnation occurred at the anastomosis site in all patients and in two patients at a place of colon redundancy. Colon interposition is a reliable reconstruction and gives the possibility of a good functional outcome. Although preservation of the larynx facilitates swallowing even in this reconstructive procedure, it may be better to perform a total laryngopharyngectomy and colon interposition in oncological cases where the pharyngeal remnant is borderline for primary closure.     

Effects of oxidative stress on mitochondrial content and integrity of human anastomotic colorectal dehiscence: a preliminary DNA study

BACKGROUND:

Anastomotic dehiscence is one of the most severe complications of colorectal surgery. Gaining insight into the molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of anastomotic dehiscence following colorectal surgery is important for the reduction of postoperative complications.

OBJECTIVE:

Based on the close relationship between surgical stress and oxidative stress, the present study aimed to determine whether a correlation exists between increased levels of reactive oxygen species and colorectal anastomotic dehiscence.

METHODS:

Patients who underwent surgical resection for colorectal cancer were divided into three groups: patients with anastomotic dehiscence (group 1); patients without dehiscence who underwent neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (group 2); and patients without anastomotic dehiscence who did not undergo neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (group 3). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to measure nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content, and possible oxidative damage to nonmalignant colon and rectal tissues adjacent to the anastomoses.

RESULTS:

mtDNA content was reduced in the colon tissue of patients in groups 1 and 2. Rectal mtDNA was found to be more damaged than colonic mtDNAs in all groups. The 4977 bp common deletion was observed in the mtDNA of tissues from both the colon and rectum of all patients.

DISCUSSION:

Patients in groups 1 and 2 were more similar to one another than to group 3, probably due to higher levels of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria; the greater damage found in the rectum suggests that dehiscence originates primarily from the rectal area.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present study of mtDNA analyses of normal human colon and rectal tissues from patients with colorectal cancer is among the first of its kind.     

Perioperative Considerations in Esophageal Replacement for Epidermolysis Bullosa: Report of Two Cases Successfully Treated by Colon Interposition

Esophageal stricture commonly occurs in patients with epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica recessive (EBDR), but esophageal replacement is considered a high risk procedure because of limited exposure of the airway, malnutrition, and postoperative skin bullae to secondary infection. Recent innovations in care, including preoperative parenteral nutrition, topical care for bullae and skin ulceration, fiberoptic tracheal intubation, electrocardiogram monitoring with metallic pacer leads, and an overall concern to protect the fragile intact skin, have improved the results of esophageal replacement. Utilizing these adjunctive measures, ileocolonic substernal interposition has been successfully performed in a 26-yr-old male and a 19-yr-old female at our institution. Despite cervical anastomotic stricture requiring resection in one, and an obstructive cervical esophageal bullous developing acutely 5 yr after operation in the second, both patients now gum or chew a solid diet. The first patient also benefited from total esophagectomy for squamous dysplasia detected at the time of esophageal replacement. Multidisciplinary management by the surgeon, gastroenterologist, anesthesiologist, and dermatologist makes esophageal replacement available for younger patients with epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica recessive and esophageal strictures.     

Anterior vs. Posterior Mediastinal Routes in Colon Interposition after Esophagectomy

Background/Aims: Colon interposition is the most commonly used method of esophageal reconstruction when the stomach cannot be used; however, this method may cause surgical complications such as anastomotic leakage and sepsis due to colon necrosis. Therefore, many surgeons use a retrosternal or subcutaneous route because it is easier to manage the subcutaneous drainage when anastomotic leakage occurs. However, some researchers have reported that the posterior mediastinal route provides better long-term functional outcomes after surgery than the anterior mediastinal route. Thus, in this study, we compared these reconstruction routes used for colon interposition, with or without the supercharge technique, in patients with a history of distal gastrectomy, who have undergone colon interposition after esophagectomy. Methodology: We retrospectively studied 30 patients who underwent esophagectomy with colon interposition. These patients were divided into 2 groups based on the reconstruction route: the anterior mediastinal or subcutaneous route (A group), or the posterior mediastinal route (R group). Results: Anastomotic leakages were observed in 4 patients (26.7%) in the A group and in 1 patient (6.7%) in the R group. Conclusions: Ischemia is not always the result of arterial failure, but may also originate from venous blood flow impairment due to injury or distortion of veins.     

内镜全程直视引导沙氏探条扩张治疗高位食管癌术后吻合口狭窄的临床分析

目的：探讨胃镜全程直视引导食管沙氏扩张探条扩张治疗高位食管癌术后吻合口狭窄的临床应用价值。方法50例高位食管癌术后吻合口狭窄病例随机分为2组各25例,一组为对照组,行非全程胃镜引导下的食管扩张术,另一组为观察组,行全程胃镜下引导的食管扩张术,并对上述两组病例在操作成功率、扩张后食管腔直径增大值等指标进行比较分析。结果对照组扩张成功率为84.00%,观察组扩张成功率为96.00%,明显高于对照组（P〈0.05）。研究显示在24例全程胃镜引导下的食管扩张术可使食管直径增大（6.7±1.3）mm,而21例非全程胃镜引导下的食管扩张术可使食管直径增大（4.1±1.1）mm,两组食管腔直径增大值比较差异显著（P〈0.05）。结论在高位食管吻合术后吻合口狭窄的扩张治疗中,全程胃镜下引导的食管扩张术可以直视扩张部位进行操作,方法较传统的非全程胃镜引导下的食管扩张术的更具优势。     

Esophageal replacement by colon interposition with microvascular surgery for patients with thoracic esophageal cancer: the utility of superdrainage

Replacing the thoracic esophagus with the colon is one mode of reconstruction after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. There is, however, a high incidence of postoperative necrosis of the transposed colon. This study evaluated the outcomes of colon interposition with the routine use of superdrainage by microvascular surgery. Twenty‐one patients underwent colon interposition from 2004 to 2009. The strategy for colon interposition was to: (i) use the right hemicolon; (ii) reconstruct via the subcutaneous route; (iii) perform a microvascular venous anastomosis for all patients; and (iv) perform a microvascular arterial anastomosis when the arterial blood flow was insufficient. The clinicopathologic features, surgical findings, and outcomes were investigated. The colon was used because of a previous gastrectomy in 18 patients (85.7%) and synchronous gastric cancer in three patients (14.3%). Eight patients (38.1%) underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy including three (14.3%) treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy. Seven patients (33.3%) underwent microvascular arterial anastomosis to supplement the right colon blood supply. Pneumonia occurred in four patients (19.0%). Anastomotic leakage was observed in five patients (23.8%); however, no colon necrosis was observed. The 3‐year and 5‐year overall survival rates were both 50.6%. Colon interposition with superdrainage results in successful treatment outcomes. This technique is one option for colon interposition employing the right hemicolon.     

Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis of the residual esophagus after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

A 91-year-old man was referred to our hospital with intermittent dysphagia. He had undergone esophagectomy for esophageal cancer(T3N2M0 Stage Ⅲ) 11 years earlier. Endoscopic examination revealed an anastomotic stricture; signs of inflammation,including redness,erosion,edema,bleeding,friability,and exudate with white plaques; and multiple depressions in the residual esophagus. Radiographical examination revealed numerous fine,gastrografinfilled projections and an anastomotic stricture. Biopsy specimens from the area of the anastomotic stricture revealed inflammatory changes without signs of malignancy. Candida glabrata was detected with a culture test of the biopsy specimens. The stricture was diagnosed as a benign stricture that was caused by esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis. Accordingly,endoscopic balloon dilatation was performed and antifungal therapy was started in the hospital. Seven weeks later,endoscopic examination revealed improvement in the mucosal inflammation; only the pseudodiverticulosis remained. Consequently,the patient was discharged. At the latest follow-up,the patient was symptomfree and the pseudodiverticulosis remained in the residual esophagus without any signs of stricture or inflammation.     

Surgical management of esophageal strictures after caustic burns： A 30 years of experience

AIM: To analyze a 30-year historical series of patients treated in our hospital, who ingested corrosive substances, and to assess the effectiveness of surgical therapy administered in patients with strictures after caustic injury in esophagus during this period. METHODS: A total of 79 cases of caustic burns in esophagus were treated in Tangdu Hospital from 1971 to 2001. Their clinical and pathological data were reviewed, and collected from the medical records of patients and interviews with them. RESULTS: More men (n = 61) than women (n = 18) ingested caustic substances with a sex ratio of 3.4:1 during the 30-year period. The caustic materials were liquid lye and acids (54 cases and 25 cases, respectively). Sixty-eight patients were given esophageal replacement in more than three months after caustic injury with no postoperative death, of which 17 cases developed postoperative complications making a complication rate of 25%. The most common one was cervical anastomotic leakage. All patients had improvement in swallowing afterwards. CONCLUSION: The presence and severity of injuries are correlated with the amount of caustic substances ingested. Surgical treatment is a good option in patients with severe strictures, and colonic interposition might be the best surgical process. The most important factors to guarantee a successful outcome for surgery are good vascular supply and absence of tension in the anastomosis.     

Early experience of the compression anastomosis ring （CAR~（TM） 27） in left-sided colon resection

AIM: To evaluate clinical validity of the compression anastomosis ring (CAR™ 27) anastomosis in left-sided colonic resection.METHODS: A non-randomized prospective data collection was performed for patients undergoing an elective left-sided colon resection, followed by an anastomosis using the CAR™ 27 between November 2009 and January 2011. Eligibility criteria of the use of the CAR™ 27 were anastomoses between the colon and at or above the intraperitoneal rectum. The primary short-term clinical endpoint, rate of anastomotic leakage, and other clinical outcomes, including intra- and postoperative complications, length of operation time and hospital stay, and the ring elimination time were evaluated.RESULTS: A total of 79 patients (male, 43; median age, 64 years) underwent an elective left-sided colon resection, followed by an anastomosis using the CAR™ 27. Colectomy was performed laparoscopically in 70 patients, in whom two patients converted to open procedure (2.9%). There was no surgical mortality. As an intraoperative complication, total disruption of the anastomosis occurred by premature enforced tension on the proximal segment of the anastomosis in one patient. The ring was removed and another new CAR™ 27 anastomosis was constructed. One patient with sigmoid colon cancer showed postoperative anastomotic leakage after 6 d postoperatively and temporary diverting ileostomy was performed. Exact date of expulsion of the ring could not be recorded because most patients were not aware that the ring had been expelled. No patients manifested clinical symptoms of anastomotic stricture.CONCLUSION: Short-term evaluation of the CAR™ 27 anastomosis in elective left colectomy suggested it to be a safe and efficacious alternative to the standard hand-sewn or stapling technique.     

Predictors of outcomes of endoscopic balloon dilatation in strictures after esophageal atresia repair: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) has become the first line of therapy for benign esophageal strictures (ESs);however,there are few publications about the predictive factors for the outcomes of this treatment.AIM To assess the predictive factors for the outcomes of EBD treatment for strictures after esophageal atresia (EA) repair.METHODS Children with anastomotic ES after thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair treated by EBD from January 2012 to December 2016 were included.All procedures were performed under tracheal intubation and intravenous anesthesia using a three-grade controlled radial expansion balloon with gastroscopy.Outcomes were recorded and predictors of the outcomes were analyzed.RESULTS A total of 64 patients were included in this analysis.The rates of response,complications,and recurrence were 96.77%,8.06%,and 2.33%,respectively.The number of dilatation sessions and complications were significantly higher in patients with a smaller stricture diameter (P=0.013 and 0.023,respectively) and with more than one stricture (P=0.014 and 0.004,respectively).The length of the stricture was significantly associated with complications of EBD (P=0.001).A longer interval between surgery and the first dilatation was related to more sessions and a poorer response (P=0.017 and 0.024,respectively).CONCLUSION The diameter,length,and number of strictures are the most important predictive factors for the clinical outcomes of endoscopic balloon dilatation in pediatric ES.The interval between surgery and the first EBD is another factor affectingresponse and the number of sessions of dilatation.     

Gastrointestinal Symptoms after Colon Interposition

To assess gastrointestinal symptoms after colon interposition, 12 patients with colon interposition for malign disease and 33 for benign esophageal disease were interviewed. A 7-day diary, including time of eating and gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by patients during and between meals, was kept by every patient. The observations of the interview and diary were compared. No patient bad swallowing difficulties or heart burn. All could also eat solid foods; 24% bad no gastrointestinal symptoms during follow-up. Regurgitation, vomiting, and dumping symptoms were common, being observed in 22, 31, and 18% of the cases. There were no differences with these symptoms between patients with anti- or isoperistaltic colon grafts. The information from interviews agrees with the information recorded in the diaries. We conclude that various degree reflux symptoms are common after colon interposition, being experienced by almost half of the patients.     

Does celiac trunk stenosis correlate with anastomotic leakage of esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy?

The formation of a gastric tube for esophageal replacement requires partial devascularization of the stomach and induces microcirculatory changes in the anastomotic region of the gastric fundus. The additional influence of celiac trunk stenosis on anastomotic healing has not been investigated. In total, 23 patients with an esophageal carcinoma underwent transthoracic esophagectomy. Reconstruction was performed by a gastric tube (x22) with cervical or thoracic esophagogastrostomy or colon interposition (x1). All patients had a selective mesenterico-celiacography preoperatively via puncture of the right femoral artery. Preoperative cardiovascular and pulmonary risk factors were assessed. Angiographic findings were correlated to postoperative anastomotic leakage of esophagogastrostomy (x22). In seven out of 23 patients (30.4%), a stenosis of the celiac trunk could be demonstrated (x3 stenosis of 50%, x4 stenosis > 80%). Except for one patient with an additional stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery of > 80%, none of the patients with celiac trunk stenosis developed a postoperative anastomotic leakage of the esophagogastrostomy. Coronary artery disease was the only preoperative risk factor to predict a stenosis of the celiac trunk. Isolated stenosis of the celiac trunk does not seem to impair circulation of the gastric tube.     

A new three-layer-funnel-shaped esophagogastric anastomosis for surgical treatment of esophageal carcinoma

AIM: To reduce the incidence of postoperative anastomoticleak, stenosis, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) for patientswith esophageal carcinoma, and to evaluate the conventionalmethod of esophagectomy and esophagogastroplastymodified by a new three-layer-funnel-shaped (TLF)esophagogastric anastomotic suturing technique.METHODS: From January 1997 to October 1999, patientswith clinical stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ (Ⅱa and Ⅱb) esophagealcarcinoma, which met the enrollment criteria, were surgicallytreated by the new method (Group A) and by conventionaloperation (Group B). All the patients were followed at leastfor 6 months. Postoperative outcomes and complicationswere recorded and compared with the conventional methodin the same hospitals and with that reported previously byMcLarty etalin 1997 (Group C).RESULTS: 58 cases with stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ (Ⅱa and Ⅱb)esophageal carcinoma, including 38 males and 20 femalesaged from 34 to 78 (mean age: 57), were surgically treatedby the TLF anastomosis and 64 by conventional method inour hospitals from January 1997 to October 1999. The qualityof swallowing was improved significantly (Wilcoxon W＝2 142,P＝0.0 001) 2 to 3 months after the new operation in GroupA. Only one patient had a blind anastomatic fistula diagnosedby barium swallow test 2 months but healed up 3 weekslater. Postoperative complications occurred in 25 (43 %)patients, anastomotic stenosis in 8 (14 %), and GER in 13(22 %). The incidences of postoperative anastomotic leak,stenosis and GER were significantly decreased by the TLFanastomosis method compared with that of conventionalmethods (x2＝6.566, P ＝0.038; x2＝10.214, P＝ 0.006;x2＝21.265, P＝0.000).CONCLUSION: The new three-layer-funnel-shapedesophagogastric anastomosis (TLFEGA) hasmore advantagesto reduce postoperative complications of anastomotic leak,stricture and GER.     

Benign esophageal stricture after thermal injury treated with esophagectomy and ileocolon interposition

Thermal injuries of the esophagus are rare causes of benign esophageal stricture, and all published cases were successfully treated with conservative management. A 28-year-old Japanese man with a thermal esophageal injury caused by drinking a cup of hot coffee six months earlier was referred to our hospital. The hot coffee was consumed in a single gulp at a party. Although the patient had been treated conservatively at another hospital, his symptoms of dysphagia gradually worsened after discharge. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and computed tomography revealed a pin-hole like area of stricture located 19 cm distally from the incisors to the esophagogastric junction, as well as circumferential stenosis with notable wall thickness at the same site. The patient underwent a thoracoscopic esophageal resection with reconstruction using ileocolon interposition. The pathological findings revealed wall thickening along the entire length of the esophagus, with massive fibrosis extending to the muscularis propria and adventitia at almost all levels. Treatment with balloon dilation for long areas of stricture is generally difficult, and stent placement in patients with benign esophageal stricture, particularly young patients, is not yet widely accepted due to the incidence of late adverse events. Considering the curability and quality-of-life associated with a long expected prognosis, we determined that surgery was the best treatment option for this young patient. In this case, we decided to perform an esophagectomy and reconstruction with ileocolon interposition in order to preserve the reservoir function of the stomach and to avoid any problems related to the reflux of gastric contents. In conclusion, resection of the esophagus is a treatment option in patients with benign esophageal injury, especially in cases involving young patients with refractory esophageal stricture. In addition, ileocolon interposition may help to improve the quality-of-life of patients.     

Side-to-side stapled intra-thoracic esophagogastric anastomosis reduces the incidence of leaks and stenosis

SUMMARY.   Trans-hiatal esophagectomy with a hand-sewn anastomosis was for 2 decades the preferred approach in our institution for patients with esophageal cancer. In our experience, this anastomotic technique was associated with a 12% leak rate and a 48% rate of stricture requiring dilatation. We sought to determine if a side-to-side intra-thoracic anastomosis was associated with a lower rate of anastomotic stricture and leak. Thirty-three consecutive patients with distal esophageal cancer or Barrett's esophagus with high grade dysplasia underwent a trans-thoracic esophagectomy with a side-to-side stapled intra-thoracic anastomosis. The overall morbidity was 27%, with no anastomotic stricture or leaks. One patient died (3%). The median time to the resumption of an oral diet was 7 days (range 5–28), and the median length of stay in hospital was 9 days (range 6–45). Trans-thoracic esophagectomy with a side-to-side stapled anastomosis is safe and it is associated with a very low rate of anastomotic complications. We consider this to be the procedure of choice for patients with distal esophageal cancers.     

Radiology of colonic interposition and its associated complications

A retrospective review of the medical records, pathology reports, and radiographic studies of 81 patients who had undergone colonic interposition was undertaken, with special attention to postoperative complications. Both early (within 30 days postoperatively, 81 patients) and late (later than 30 days postoperatively, 57 patients) complications were reviewed. Early findings included anastomotic narrowing (18 patients), anastomotic leak (13), aspiration (11), and ischemic necrosis of the colon (3). Late findings included aspiration (9 patients), anastomotic strictures (8), gastric stasis (6), redundancy and tortuosity of the colon (5), anastomotic ulcers (4), gastrocolic reflux (3), and gastroesophageal reflux into the residual esophagus (2).