Surgical Prevention of Reflux after Esophagectomy for Cancer

Background

Reflux frequently occurs after a gastric conduit has replaced the resected esophagus. In this Swedish population-based cohort study, the potential antireflux effects of using cervical anastomosis, intrathoracic antireflux anastomosis, or pyloric drainage, and a risk of dysphagia due to cervical anastomosis and intrathoracic antireflux anastomosis were studied.

Methods

Patients undergoing esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction in 2001–2005 were included. Reflux symptoms and dysphagia were assessed 6 months and 3 years postoperatively using a validated questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-OES18). The study exposures were cervical anastomosis, antireflux anastomosis, and pyloric drainage procedure. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity-adjusted analyses based on multinomial logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for potential confounding.

Results

A total of 304 patients were included in the study. Adjusted ORs for reflux symptoms were 0.9 (95 % CI 0.3–2.2) for patients with a cervical anastomosis compared to patients with an intrathoracic anastomosis, 0.9 (95 % CI 0.4–2.0) for patients with an antireflux anastomosis versus patients with a conventional anastomosis, and 1.5 (95 % CI 0.9–2.6) for patients after pyloric drainage versus patients without such a pyloric drainage procedure. Dysphagia was not statistically significantly increased after cervical anastomosis or antireflux anastomosis. ORs were virtually similar 3 years after surgery. No interactions were identified. The propensity analyses rendered similar results as the logistic regression models, except for a possibly increased dysphagia with a cervical anastomosis.

Conclusions

Cervical anastomosis, antireflux anastomosis, and pyloric drainage do not seem to prevent reflux symptoms 6 months or 3 years after esophagectomy for cancer with a gastric conduit.     

Long-Term Results of the Modified Thal Procedure in Patients with Chagasic Megaesophagus

Background

Chagas disease is a serious public health issue in South and Central America due to its high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. The esophageal form of the disease leads to achalasia and consequent megaesophagus. In advanced or recurrent cases of megaesophagus, there is no consensus for which of three established techniques—the Serra-Dória procedure, subtotal esophagectomy, or Modified Thal cardioplasty—is best. Very few studies have investigated the average efficacy and long-term outcomes of the Thal procedure. The present study sought to bridge this gap.

Methods

The Modified Thal procedure was performed in 29 patients at Hospital Universitário de Brasília between 1998 and 2008. All underwent clinical and nutritional evaluation, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UDE) with chromoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-h pH monitoring.

Results

Overall, 86 % experienced resolution of all symptoms after surgery. Most patients were classified as Visick grade I, II, or III. The average body mass index was 22.7 kg/m². UDE showed normal mucosa in 76 % of patients, and 11 % had unstained areas on chromoscopy. Esophageal manometry demonstrated incomplete lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation in 50 % of patients, complete LES relaxation in 21 %, and no LES relaxation in 29 %. All showed complete relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter. On 24-h pH monitoring, reflux was pathological in 50 % of patients.

Conclusions

Overall, the modified Thal procedure improved symptoms—namely, dysphagia to liquids with resulting weight loss and malnutrition—in patients with megaesophagus. No correlations were found between clinical complaints, endoscopic findings, and degree of manometric abnormality in these patients.     

Laparoscopic retrosternal bypass for corrosive stricture of the esophagus

Introduction

Surgical management of corrosive stricture of the esophagus entails replacement of the scarred esophagus with a gastric or colonic conduit. This has traditionally been done using the conventional open surgical approach. We herein describe the first ever reported minimally invasive technique for performing retrosternal esophageal bypass using a stomach conduit.

Methods

Patients with corrosive stricture involving the esophagus alone with a normal stomach were selected. The surgery was performed with the patient in supine position using four abdominal ports and a transverse skin crease neck incision. Steps included mobilization of the stomach and division of the gastroesophageal junction, creation of a retrosternal space, transposition of stomach into the neck (via retrosternal space), and a cervical esophagogastric anastomosis.

Results

Four patients with corrosive stricture of the esophagus underwent this procedure. The average duration of surgery was 260 (240–300) min. All patients could be ambulated on the first postoperative day and were allowed oral liquids between the fifth and seventh day. At mean follow-up of 6.5 (3–9) months, all are euphagic to solid diet and have excellent cosmetic results.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic bypass for corrosive stricture of the esophagus using a gastric conduit is technically feasible. It results in early postoperative recovery, effective relief of dysphagia, and excellent cosmesis in these young patients.     

Laparoscopic Stapled Cardioplasty for End-Stage Achalasia

Introduction

The standard of care for achalasia is laparoscopic Heller’s cardiomyotomy. This procedure achieves satisfactory and long-standing results in over 85 % of patients. However, in 10–15 % of patients, esophageal function will progressively deteriorate, and up to 5 % will develop end-stage achalasia. Options in these difficult patients are limited, and include redo cardiomyotomy, repeat dilatation, and in severe cases, esophagectomy.

Methods

In this report, we describe an alternate approach, a cardioplasty, which was originally described by Heyrovsky in 1913.

Results

The development of an angulated stapling device now makes this operation feasible by a laparoscopic approach.

Conclusion

This report highlights our technique for laparoscopic cardioplasty in patients with end-stage achalasia.     

Significance of Limited Hiatal Dissection in Surgery for Achalasia

Introduction

It is speculated that postoperative pathologic gastroesophageal reflux after Heller’s myotomy can be diminished if the lateral and posterior phrenoesophageal attachments are left intact. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of limited hiatal dissection in patients operated due to achalasia.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, 3 years follow-up of 84 patients operated due to achalasia. In 26 patients, Heller–Dor with complete hiatal dissection was done (G1), limited hiatal dissection combined with myotomy and Dor’s procedure was performed in 36 patients (G2), and with Heller’s myotomy alone in 22 (G3). Stationary manometry and 24 h pH study were performed in regular postoperative intervals.

Results

Postoperatively, higher median values of lower esophageal sphincter resting pressures were marked in G2 and G3, while patients in G1 were presented with higher median values of pH acid score (p?<?0.001). Abnormal DeMeester score 3 years after surgery was present in 23.1% of patients in G1 and 8.5% and 9.1% in G2 and G3 accordingly. There was no statistical difference between the groups concerning postoperative dysphagia recurrence.

Conclusion

Indicating further long-term studies, 3 years after the operation limited hiatal dissection compared to complete obtains better reflux control in achalasia patients, regardless of Dor’s fundoplication.     

Embedded Cervical Esophagogastrostomy: A Simple and Convenient Method Using a Circular Stapler After Esophagectomy for Esophageal Carcinomas

Background

Cervical esophagogastrostomy is currently the most common method for esophageal reconstruction after esophagectomy. The advantages and disadvantages of hand-sewn, linear-stapled, or circular-stapled anastomoses have been subject to debate in recent years. We explored a new method of end-to-side anastomosis using a circular stapler that embeds the anastomosis and the remaining esophageal tissue into the gastric cavity to reduce the occurrence of anastomotic leakage and to prevent gastroesophageal reflux.

Methods

In 127 patients with esophageal carcinomas, end-to-side anastomoses with esophageal embedding were performed by connecting the anvil and body of the circular stapler inside the stomach before firing and embedding the anastomosis and remaining esophagus into the stomach after esophagectomy. Retrospective investigations on postoperative complications such as leakage, stricture, and gastroesophageal reflux were conducted.

Results

A total of 123 patients (96.9 %) had successful surgery, and 4 patients (3.3 %) developed anastomotic leakage, with the total morbidity of 20 of 123 (16.3 %) and in-hospital mortality of 1 of 123 (0.8 %). The incidence of stricture (<1 cm) affected 14 of 123 patients (11.4 %). Eight patients underwent dilatation treatment as a result of severe dysphagia (6.5 %). Half of the patients [62 of 123 (50.4 %)] experienced postoperative heartburn, 11 of 123 patients (8.9 %) experienced acid regurgitation, and 16 of 123 patients (13.0 %) experienced nocturnal cough.

Conclusions

Embedded cervical esophagogastrostomy with circular stapler is a simple and convenient method, with low incidence of anastomotic leakage and a good antireflux effect.     

Outcomes of Esophagectomy for Esophageal Achalasia in the United States

Background

While the outcomes after Heller myotomy have been extensively reported, little is known about patients with esophageal achalasia who are treated with esophagectomy.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample over an 11-year period (2000–2010). Patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of achalasia who underwent esophagectomy (group 1) were compared to patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy (group 2) during the same time period. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, postoperative complications, and total hospital charges. A propensity-matched analysis was conducted comparing the same outcomes between group 1 and well-matched controls in group 2.

Results

Nine hundred sixty-three patients with achalasia and 18,003 patients with esophageal cancer underwent esophagectomy. The propensity matched analysis showed a trend toward a higher mortality in group 2 (7.8 vs. 2.9 %, p?=?0.08). Postoperative length of stay and complications were similar in both groups. Total hospital charges were higher for the achalasia group ($115,087 vs. $99, 654.2, p?=?0.006).

Conclusion

This is the largest study to date examining outcomes after esophagectomy in patients with achalasia. Based on our findings, esophagectomy can be considered a safe option, and surgeons should not be hindered by a perceived notion of prohibitive operative risk in this patient population.     

Revisional laparoscopic antireflux surgery after unsuccessful endoscopic fundoplication

Background

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), a novel endoscopic procedure for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), currently is under evaluation. In case of treatment failure, subsequent revisional laparoscopic antireflux surgery (rLARS) may be required. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of revisional antireflux surgery after previous endoscopic fundoplication.

Methods

Chronic GERD patients who underwent rLARS after a previous TIF procedure were included in the study. Pre- and postoperative assessment included GERD-related quality-of-life scores, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) usage, 24-h pH-metry, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and registration of adverse events.

Results

Revisional laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was feasible for all 15 patients included in the study without conversions to open surgery. Acid exposure of the distal esophagus improved significantly after rLARS, and esophagitis, PPI usage, and hiatal hernia decreased. Quality of life did not improve significantly after rLARS, and 33 % of the patients experienced dysphagia.

Conclusion

Revisional laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was feasible and safe after unsuccessful endoscopic fundoplication, resulting in objective reflux control at the cost of a relatively high rate of dysphagia.     

Transesophageal endoscopic myotomy (TEEM) for the treatment of achalasia: the United States human experience

Background

From our early experience with NOTES, our group has acquired familiarity with transesophageal submucosal dissection and myotomy in swine model, which allowed us to perfect a model to perform purely endoscopic transesophageal myotomy (TEEM) for the treatment of achalasia and apply it into clinical practice. This study was designed to assess the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of TEEM in a series of patients with achalasia.

Methods

Under institutional review board approval, patients were enrolled on our study, where TEEM was offered as an alternative to laparoscopic or robotic Heller myotomy. The inclusion criteria were patients with achalasia confirmed by esophageal manometry, between age 18 and 50 years, and ASA class 2 or lower. The exclusion criteria were pregnancy, prior esophageal surgery, immunosuppression, coagulopathies, and severe medical comorbidities. The procedures were performed under general anesthesia, with the patient in supine position on positive pressure ventilation. With a GIF-180 (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) positioned at 10 cm above the GEJ, a mucosotomy was performed at the 2 o’clock position, and a submucosal space was developed caudally creating a controlled submucosal tunnel extending 2 cm distal to the GEJ. Upon completion of this tunnel the gastroesophageal lumen was inspected for mucosal integrity. The scope was then reinserted into the submucosal tunnel and using a triangle-tip knife, myotomy was performed starting at 5 cm above the GEJ and ending at 2 cm below the GEJ. During this process the circular muscle layer of the esophagus was carefully divided with preservation of the longitudinal layer. At the end of the procedure, the mucosal incision was closed longitudinally with endoscopic clips and surgical glue.

Results

Five patients underwent TEEM, with no perioperative complication. All patients reported significant improvement of their dysphagia immediately after the procedure. On the first postoperative day, all barium swallows showed disappearance of the classical bird beak taper, rapid emptying of contrast into the stomach, and absence of leaks. All patients were discharged on the second postoperative day on liquid diet. Two patients reported transient heartburn, which were well controlled with medications. The average preoperative GERD-HRQL was 20, which improved to 11.3 at 7 days postoperative and 2 at 30 days postoperative. To date, three patients have already returned for their 6-month follow-up, reporting adequate swallowing and low LES pressures on esophageal manometry (their mean preoperative LES resting pressure was 36.46 mmHg and residual pressure was 43.16 mmHg, whereas the 6-month follow-up mean LES resting pressure was 10.06 mmHg and residual pressure was 0.43 mmHg).

Conclusions

TEEM seems to be safe, feasible, and effective for the treatment of patients with achalasia. Long-term data are still necessary for wide-spread utilization of this novel technique.     

Early dysphagia complicating anterior cervical spine surgery: incidence and risk factors

Background

Dysphagia is a common complication of anterior cervical spine surgery, and most of them occurred in the early postoperative period. This study aimed to determine the incidence of early dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery and to identify its risk factors.

Methods

A review of 186 consecutive patients undergoing anterior cervical spine surgeries in a 3-year period was performed. Dysphagia at postoperative 1 month was surveyed, and the severity of dysphagia was evaluated. Demographic information and procedural characters were collected to determine their relationships to dysphagia.

Results

A total of 50 patients developed early postoperative dysphagia, including 23 males and 27 females. The incidence of early dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery was 26.9 % in this study. Mild, moderate, and severe dysphagia were found in 30, 14, and 6 patients, respectively. Female, advanced age, multi-levels surgery, use of plate, and a big protrusion of plate were found to be significantly increased early dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery.

Conclusion

There is a relatively high incidence of early dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery, which may be attributable to multiple factors.     

Can Different Subsets of Ineffective Esophageal Motility Influence the Outcome of Nissen Fundoplication?

Background

Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease includes three different subsets that may affect symptom profiles. Our aim was to assess symptoms and functional outcome in patients with erosive esophagitis according to different subsets of IEM, before and after Nissen fundoplication (NF).

Methodology

A retrospective study with prospective follow-up of 72 patients with reflux esophagitis and IEM in whom open NF was performed. Based on principal manometric esophageal body motility disorder, patients were divided in three groups: predominantly low-amplitude (LAC, N?=?38), non-propulsive (NPC, N?=?18), and simultaneous low-amplitude esophageal contractions (SC, N?=?16). Patients underwent symptomatic questionnaire and stationary esophageal manometry before and 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years after surgery.

Results

Preoperatively, patients in NPC and SC groups had higher mean scores of dysphagia, without statistical significance as opposed to the LAC group (p?=?0.239). Postoperative dysphagia occurred in 36 patients, without statistical significance between groups regarding dysphagia grades (p?=?0.390). A longer duration of postoperative dysphagia was noted in the SC group (p?p?Conclusion Three years after NF, successful symptomatic and functional outcome was achieved in analyzed groups of patients with erosive esophagitis regardless of IEM subtype.     

Intrathoracic Esophagogastric Anastomosis Using a Linear Stapler Following Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy in the Prone Position

Background

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in the prone position typically includes thoracoscopic mediastinal dissection and laparoscopic gastric tube construction, followed by esophagogastric anastomosis in the neck. We introduced an intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis using linear staplers.

Technique

The lower mediastinal dissection and the gastric tube construction are done in the laparoscopic part of the operation. The esophagus is transected at the cranial level of the aortic arch after the completion of the upper mediastinal lymph node dissection in the prone position. The excess length of the gastric tube is sacrificed before making the anastomosis. Side-to-side esophagogastric anastomosis is performed using a 35-mm endoscopic linear stapler. The entry hole is closed with hand suturing using the posterior and the axillary port.

Results

Twenty-six patients with middle or lower esophageal tumor underwent MIE with an intrathoracic anastomosis. The mean thoracoscopic procedure time was 302 min. One patient had an anastomotic leakage, which was successfully managed with drainage. There has been no anastomotic stenosis. Pneumonia was observed in two patients. There was no mortality.

Conclusions

MIE with an intrathoracic linear-stapled anastomosis with the patient in the prone position is safe and feasible.     

Techniques and short-term outcomes for total minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophageal resection in distal esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers: pooled data from six European centers

Introduction

Esophagectomy for cancer can be performed in a two-stage procedure with an intrathoracic anastomosis: the Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. A growing incidence of distal and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas and increasing use of minimally invasive techniques have prompted interest in this procedure. The aim of this study was to assess short-term results of minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (MIE-IL).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed from June 2007 until September 2014, including patients that underwent MIE-IL for distal esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer in six different hospitals in the Netherlands and Spain. Data were collected with regard to operative techniques, pathology and postoperative complications.

Results

In total, 282 patients underwent MIE-IL, of which 90.2 % received neoadjuvant therapy. Anastomotic leakage was observed in 43 patients (15.2 %), of whom 13 patients (4.6 %) had empyema, necessitating thoracotomy for decortication. With an aggressive treatment of complications, the 30-day and in-hospital mortality rate was 2.1 %. An R0-resection was obtained in 92.5 % of the patients. After neoadjuvant therapy, 20.1 % of patients had a complete response.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for distal esophageal and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas is an upcoming approach for reducing morbidity caused by laparotomy and thoracotomy. Anastomotic leakage rate is still high possibly due to technical diversity of anastomotic techniques, and a high percentage of patients treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. An aggressive approach to complications leads to a low mortality of 2.1 %. Further improvement and standardization in the anastomotic technique are needed in order to perform a safe intrathoracic anastomosis.

     

Endoscopic suture repair of full-thickness esophagotomy during per-oral esophageal myotomy for achalasia

Background

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) requires advanced flexible endoscopic skills, especially in the management of complications.

Methods

We present a full-thickness esophagotomy while performing POEM and repair using an endoscopic suturing device.

Standard operative technique

An anterior esophageal 2 cm mucosectomy is created 7–10 cm proximal to the gastroesophageal junction after a submucosal wheal is raised. A submucosal tunnel is created and extended to 2 cm on the gastric cardia. A selective circular myotomy is performed. The mucosectomy is closed using endoscopic clips.

Case presentation

An inadvertent full-thickness esophagotomy was created while performing the mucosotomy on an inadequate submucosal wheal. We were able to resume the POEM technique at the initial esophagotomy site. There was a discussion to convert to laparoscopy. However, as we succeeded in creating the tunnel, we continued with the POEM technique. After the selective myotomy was completed, we used an endoluminal suturing device (Overstitch, Apollo Endosurgery, Austin TX) to close the full-thickness esophagotomy in two layers (muscular, mucosal). A covered stent was not an option because the esophagus was dilated, which precluded adequate apposition. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. At 9-month follow-up, had excellent palliation of dysphagia without reflux.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates the importance of identifying extramucosal intrathoracic anatomy, thus emphasizing the need for an experienced surgeon to perform these procedures, or at a minimum to be highly involved. Raising an adequate wheal is crucial before mucosectomy. Inadequacy of the wheal may reflect local esophageal fibrosis. If this fails at multiple locations in the esophagus, it may be prudent to convert to laparoscopy. This case also demonstrates the need for advanced flexible endoscopic therapeutic tools and a multidisciplinary approach to manage potential complications.     

Lateral position could provide more excellent hemodynamic parameters during video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy for cancer

Background

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy is a feasible technique that has been shown to be safe for the treatment of esophageal cancer. There continues to be controversy about the optimal position during thoracoscopic esophagectomy. In this study, we compared the intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, clinical pathological characteristics, as well as postoperative complications in patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position (PP) or left-lateral decubitus position (LDP).

Methods

Between January 2011 and June 2011, 23 patients underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomies for cancer of the esophagus in LDP (group A). Since February 2011, we have performed thoracoscopic esophagectomies for cancer of the esophagus in PP for 21 patients (group B). The demographics and clinicopathologic factors, as well as the intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, of the two groups were analyzed.

Results

No postoperative death occurred in these 44 patients. Overall morbidity was similar in the two groups. No significant difference in the length of operation or number of retrieved mediastinal nodes between the two groups was observed, but the intraoperative blood loss in group A was significantly higher than in group B (P = 0.0228). There was no significant difference of the intraoperative mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, heart rate, and stroke volume variation between the two groups and various positions. In group A, the cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), as well as stroke volume index (SVI) did not exhibit significant difference after altering patients’ position from LDP to SP. However, patients who underwent thorascopic esophagectomy in PP had lower CO, CI, and SVI than in LDP during the thoracoscopic stage.

Conclusions

Compared with the PP, the LDP could provide more excellent hemodynamic parameters during thoracoscopic esophagectomy. However, the various hemodynamic statuses did not exert significant influence on the occurrence of postoperative complications.     

Preoperative symptoms and postoperative sequelae of intrathoracic neurogenic tumors: a single institution’s experience

Objective

Most intrathoracic neurogenic tumors are resected for therapeutic diagnosis; many adult tumors are benign. However, few studies have reported the preoperative symptoms, postoperative modalities, and sequelae of these tumors. We focused on and evaluated the diversity and postoperative prognosis of these tumors.

Methods

We assessed 31 consecutive cases of intrathoracic neurogenic tumors resected at Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital between 1988 and 2012. Two cases involved multiple tumors; therefore, complete resection or enucleation was performed only in the remaining 29 cases. The patients’ clinical records were investigated retrospectively.

Results

All tumors were benign. Five cases (16.1 %) presented with preoperative symptoms; 2 cases with non-neurologic symptoms (dysphagia due to tumor oppression and a massive hemothorax with neurofibromatosis type 1) improved after surgery, but 3 others with neurologic symptoms (back pain, hand motor paralysis, and Horner’s syndrome) did not. Ten cases (32.3 %) presented with postoperative modalities or sequelae. Eight cases presented with neurologic sequelae (Horner’s syndrome, 4 cases; grip weakness, 3 cases; hypohidrosis, 3 cases; and hand numbness, 2 cases). All the patients presenting with neurologic sequelae had tumors proximal to the first or second thoracic vertebra; no tumors proximal to or under the third thoracic vertebra caused neurologic sequelae. Severe neurologic sequelae in daily life were observed in 2 cases, but they did not radically improve.

Conclusions

While the non-neurologic symptoms caused by intrathoracic neurogenic tumors can be resolved by resection, the neurologic symptoms may not improve. Tumors proximal to the first or second thoracic vertebra can cause postoperative neurologic sequelae.     

Reoperations for esophageal achalasia

Purpose

To define the factors predisposing to recurrence and evaluate the results of reoperations for achalasia.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of ten patients (4 men and 6 women; mean age, 51.5?±?11.0?years), who underwent reoperations for achalasia between August 1994 and August 2010.

Results

The primary surgical procedures were Heller–Dor (HD) cardioplasty in nine patients and Heller myotomy in one patient. The factors contributing to failure of the primary operation included inadequate myotomy (n?=?2), recurrent adhesion after myotomy (n?=?2), reflux esophagitis (n?=?2), difficulty in passage caused by tortuosity of the esophagus (n?=?2), difficulty in passage through the thoracic esophagus (n?=?1), and severe chest pain (n?=?1). The reoperations included repeated HD procedures (n?=?4), repair of an esophageal hiatal hernia (n?=?2), thoracic esophageal myotomy (n?=?2), straightening of the lower esophagus with gastropexy (n?=?1), and subtotal esophagectomy (n?=?1). The success rate of the reoperations for resolving symptoms was 90?% (9 patients).

Conclusion

Selecting surgical procedures based on the causes and conditions of recurrence led to symptomatic improvement and acceptable outcomes.     

Laparoscopic Cardiomyotomy for Achalasia: Clinical Outcomes Beyond 5 Years

Background

Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy is the most common surgical procedure for the treatment of achalasia, although few reports describe long-term surgical outcomes.

Methods

The outcomes for 155 patients who underwent a laparoscopic cardiomyotomy with anterior partial fundoplication more than 5 years ago (July 1992 to May 2004) were determined. Patients were followed prospectively at yearly time points using a structured questionnaire which evaluated symptoms of dysphagia, reflux, side-effects, and overall satisfaction with the clinical outcome.

Results

Clinical data were available for 125 patients. Thirteen patients died within 5 years of surgery, four were unable to complete the questionnaire, and one developed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Nine patients were lost to follow-up, and three would not answer the questionnaire (92.2% late follow-up). Postoperative dysphagia, odynophagia, chest pain, and heartburn was significantly improved at 1 year, 5 years, and late (5+?years) follow-up, with outcomes stable beyond 12 months. Seventy-seven percent of patients reported a good or excellent result (minimal or no symptoms) at 5 years and 73% at late follow-up. At late follow-up, 90% considered they had made the correct decision to undergo surgery.

Conclusions

At minimum 5 years follow-up, laparoscopic cardiomyotomy for achalasia achieves effective and durable relief of symptoms, and most patients are satisfied with the outcome.     

Impact of perioperative peripheral blood values on postoperative complications after esophageal surgery

Purpose

Prediction of the postoperative course of esophagectomy is an important part of the strict perioperative management of patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer.

Methods

To evaluate their clinical importance, peripheral blood values, including white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte count, and the levels of total protein, transferrin, factor XIII, D-dimer, fibrin, and fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) were measured before and after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in 24 patients.

Results

The preoperative WBC and the pre- and postoperative lymphocyte count were decreased remarkably in patients who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy. The values of perioperative serum transferrin were significantly lower in patients with postoperative pneumonia than in those without. The activity of plasma factor XIII was suppressed on postoperative day (POD) 7 in patients with pneumonia and on POD 14 in patients with leakage.

Conclusions

These results suggest that patients who receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy are potentially immunosuppressed, the preoperative serum transferrin level is a possible predictive marker of postoperative pneumonia, and suppression of factor XIII activity is related to anastomotic insufficiency.