Long term outcomes in the use of ileal ureter for radiation-induced ureteral strictures

Purpose

Radiation-induced ureteral stricture disease poses significant surgical challenges. Ureteral substitution with ileum has long been a versatile option for reconstruction. We evaluated outcomes in patients undergoing ileal ureter replacement for ureteral reconstruction due to radiation-induced ureteral stricture versus other causes.

Methods

Between July 1989 and June 2013, 155 patients underwent consecutive ileal ureter creation. The study cohort included 104 patients with complete data sets and at least 7 months of follow up. Records were retrospectively reviewed with regard to demographics, indications, complications, and renal deterioration.

Results

Surgical indications included radiation-induced stricture in 23 (22%) and non-radiation-induced stricture in 81 (78%). Comparing ileal ureter substitution due to radiation versus other stricture etiologies, no statistical significance was observed in regard to age (45.6 vs. 51.2, p?=?0.141), hospital length of stay in days (8.8 vs. 7.7, p?=?0.216), percent GFR loss (MDRD-4 vs. -5%, p?=?0.670 and CKD-EPI-7 vs. -6%, p?=?0.914), 30-day surgical complications (26.1 vs. 30.1%, p?=?0.658), metabolic acidosis (8.7 vs. 1.2%, p?=?0.059), and renal failure requiring dialysis (4.3 vs. 1.2%, p?=?0.337). Fistula formation (13.0 vs. 3.7%, p?=?0.095), partial small bowel obstructions (21.7 vs. 7.4%, p?=?0.063), and small bowel obstructions requiring reoperation (13.0 vs. 1.2%, p?=?0.033) approached or reached statistical significance. Using Kaplan–Meier methodology, there was no difference in time to worsening renal outcome between the radiation and non-radiation groups (p?>?0.05).

Conclusion

Ureteral substitution with ileum is an effective reconstructive option for radiation-induced ureteral strictures in carefully selected patients.

     

Segmental ureterectomy does not compromise the oncologic outcome compared with nephroureterectomy for pure ureter cancer

Purpose

Pure ureter cancers are rare and account for only 1–3 % of urothelial carcinomas with limited data. Nowadays, nephron-sparing methods are reserved mainly for imperative cases. This study intends to assess the oncologic outcome between segmental ureterectomy (SU) and radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for pure ureteral urothelial carcinoma.

Methods

From July 2004 to August 2010, 112 patients at a single tertiary referral center were included. Perioperative data were obtained from our institutional database. Postoperative CT scan, cystoscopy, and contralateral renal echo were performed regularly for survey of disease recurrence.

Results

The mean length of follow-up was 43.8 and 48.3 months for the RNU and SU group, respectively. The bladder recurrences, local recurrences, distant metastasis, and cancer-specific survival rates showed no significant differences between RNU and SU (36.4 vs. 34.2 %, p = 0.83; 23.4 vs. 14.3 %, p = 0.27; and 16.9 vs. 8.6 %, p = 0.244, and 13.0 vs. 5.7 %, p = 0.249, respectively).

Conclusion

The study suggested that SU is not inferior to RNU for ureter cancer in oncologic outcomes and is less invasive and better nephron preservation.     

Metallic ureteral stents in malignant ureteral obstruction: short-term results and radiological features predicting stent failure in patients with non-urological malignancies

Purpose

To provide short-term result of the metallic ureteral stent in patients with malignant ureteral obstruction and identify radiological findings predicting stent failure.

Materials and methods

The records of all patients with non-urological malignant diseases who have received metallic ureteral stents from July 2009 to March 2012 for ureteral obstruction were reviewed. Stent failure was detected by clinical symptoms and imaging studies. Survival analysis was used to estimate patency rates and factors predicting stent failure.

Results

A total of 74 patients with 130 attempts of stent insertion were included. A total of 113 (86.9 %) stents were inserted successfully and 103 (91.2 %) achieved primary patency. After excluding cases without sufficient imaging data, 94 stents were included in the survival analysis. The median functional duration of the 94 stents was 6.2 months (range 3–476 days). Obstruction in abdominal ureter (p = 0.0279) and lymphatic metastasis around ureter (p = 0.0398) were risk factors for stent failure. The median functional durations of the stents for abdominal and pelvic obstructions were 4.5 months (range 3–263 days) and 6.5 months (range 4–476 days), respectively. The median durations of the stents with and without lymphatic metastasis were 5.3 months (range 4–398 days) and 7.8 months (range 31–476 days), respectively.

Conclusion

Metallic ureteral stents are effective and safe in relieving ureteral obstructions resulting from non-urological malignancies, and abdominal ureteral obstruction and lymphatic metastasis around ureter were associated with shorter functional duration.     

Treatment of ureteral anastomotic strictures with reimplantation and survival after cystectomy and urinary diversion

Objective

To examine whether long-term renal function and overall survival outcomes vary according to management approach for ureteral anastomotic stricture (UAS) after cystectomy and urinary diversion.

Linear-Stapled Gastrojejunostomy with Transverse Hand-Sewn Enterotomy Closure Significantly Reduces Strictures for Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background

Gastrojejunostomy (GJ) stricture is a common complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity, and the optimal anastomotic technique remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to use cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis to compare rates of gastrojejunostomy strictures after linear stapling with longitudinal versus transverse enterotomy closure in gastric bypass patients.

Methods

Charts of all consecutive patients with at least 60 days of post-operative follow-up after laparoscopic RYGB (LRYGB) at our tertiary care institution from Nov 2009 to Dec, 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Gastrojejunostomy stricture was diagnosed by history and upper endoscopy. CUSUM method of quality control analysis was used to determine sequential improvement in stricture rates with the change in technique.

Results

A total of 197 patients were included (97 longitudinal closure, median age 44 (21–67), median BMI 47 (35–80), 85.8 % female). Gastrojejunostomy strictures occurred in 16 % of longitudinal and 0 % of transverse patients (p?=?<0.0001). CUSUM analysis demonstrated sequential statistically significant improvement in stricture rates after the change in technique was applied. The longitudinal group had a statistically significant increased rate of surgery-related readmissions (15.5 vs 6.0 %, p?=?0.038), with 43.7 % of those readmissions related to GJ strictures. There were no other significant outcome differences between groups.

Conclusions

Linear-stapled anastomosis with a transverse enterotomy closure significantly reduces the rate of gastrojejunostomy stricture for LRYGB, considerably reducing procedural morbidity.     

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Semi-mechanical versus Hand-sewn or Circular Stapled Esophagogastrostomy for Prevention of Anastomotic Stricture

Background

Successful anastomosis is essential in esophagogastrectomy, and the application of the circular stapler effectively reduces the anastomotic leakage, although stricture formation has become more frequent. The present study, a randomized controlled trial, compared the recently developed semi-mechanical anastomosis with a hand-sewn or circular stapled esophagogastrostomy in prevention of anastomotic stricture.

Methods

Between November 2007 and September 2008, 160 consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma underwent surgical treatment our department. Five patients were excluded from this study, and the remaining 155 patients were completely randomized to receive either an everted plus side extension esophagogastrostomy (semi-mechanical [SM] group) or a conventional hand-sewn esophagogastric anastomosis ([HS] group) or a circular stapled ([CS] group) esophagogastric anastomosis, after dissection of the esophageal tumor and construction of a tubular stomach. The primary outcome was the incidence of an anastomotic stricture at 3 months after the operation (defined as the diameter of the anastomotic orifice ≤0.8 cm on esophagogram). Secondary outcomes were the dysphagia score and reflux score, as well as the anastomotic diameter.

Results

The anastomotic stricture rate was 0 % (0/45) in the SM group, 9.6 % (5/52) in the HS group, and 19.1 % (9/47) in the CS group (p < 0.001). The mean diameter of the anastomotic orifice was 18.2 ± 4.7 mm in the SM group, 11.5 ± 2.4 mm in the HS group, and 9.5 ± 3.0 mm in the CS group (p < 0.001). The reflux/regurgitation score among the three groups was similar.

Conclusions

Semi-mechanical esophagogastric anastomosis could prevent stricture formation more effectively than hand-sewn or circular stapler esophagogastrostomy, without increasing gastroesophageal reflux.     

End-to-End Cervical Esophagogastric Anastomoses Are Associated with a Higher Number of Strictures Compared with End-to-Side Anastomoses

Background

Leakage and benign strictures occur frequently after esophagectomy. The objective of this study was to analyze the outcome of hand-sewn end-to-end versus end-to-side cervical esophagogastric anastomoses.

Methods

A series of 390 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction was analyzed.

Results

The end-to-end technique was performed in 112 (29 %) patients and the end-to-side in 278 (71 %) patients. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 20 (18 %) patients with an end-to-end anastomosis versus 58 (21 %) patients with an end-to-side anastomosis (p?=?0.50). A higher incidence in anastomotic strictures was seen in end-to-end anastomoses (48 (43 %)) compared with end-to-side anastomoses (89 (32 %); p?=?0.04). Moreover, a median of 11 (7–17) dilations was necessary in patients with a benign anastomotic stricture in the end-to-end group compared with four (2–8) dilations in patients with a benign anastomotic stricture in the end-to-end group (p?<?0.036). After multivariate analysis, the difference in anastomotic leakage rates remained nonsignificant (p?=?0.74), whereas anastomotic stricture rate and number of dilations were higher in the end-to-end group (p?=?0.03 and p?=?0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

The technique of anastomosis is not significantly related to anastomotic leakage rate. However, patients with end-to-end anastomoses develop postoperative strictures more frequently, requiring a higher number of dilations compared to end-to-side anastomoses.     

Lessons from 151 ureteral reimplantations for postcystectomy ureteroenteric strictures: A single-center experience over a decade

Objectives

Ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures are common after cystectomy with urinary diversion. Endoscopic treatments have poor long-term success, although ureteral reimplantation is associated with morbidity. Predictors of successful open repair are poorly defined. Our objective was to characterize outcomes of ureteral reimplantation after cystectomy and identify risk factors for stricture recurrence.

Retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for the treatment of retrocaval ureter

Purpose

To present our surgical techniques for retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) pyelopyelostomy for retrocaval ureter and our initial experience with this method in 4 patients.

Methods

From June 2010 to May 2011, 4 patients with retrocaval ureter underwent retroperitoneal LESS pyelopyelostomy with a homemade single-port device and standard straight laparoscopic instruments. The single-port device was made with a surgical glove and Foley catheter and allowed the introduction of three trocars. A 3-cm incision was made at the middle axillary line, midway between the iliac crest and the twelfth rib. The retrocaval segment of the ureter was mobilized and transposed anteriorly to the inferior vena cava. The pyelopyelostomy anastomosis was completed with intracorporeal freehand suturing. A double-pigtail ureteral stent assembly was implanted in 3 of the 4 patients.

Results

All retroperitoneal LESS pyelopyelostomies were successful without conversion to standard laparoscopy or open surgery. The mean operating time was 105 min (range, 90–135 min). The mean blood loss was 18 mL (range, 5–50 mL). None of the patients required blood transfusion. The double-pigtail ureteral stent was removed 4–6 weeks postoperatively. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.3 days (range, 6–9 days). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. At a mean follow-up of 10 months, excellent improvement in the ureteral obstruction was observed.

Conclusions

We report our initial experience using LESS for the treatment of retrocaval ureter. Our results in 4 patients suggest that this minimally invasive approach is a feasible treatment of retrocaval ureter. Long-term follow-up of more cases is needed to confirm its benefits.     

Ureteral tumours showing a worse prognosis than renal pelvis tumours may be attributed to ureteral tumours more likely to have hydronephrosis and less likely to have haematuria

Purpose

To demonstrate the relationships among tumour location, hydronephrosis, and tumour stage in patients with Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UUT-UC). Moreover, we want to determine whether primary tumour location is an independent predictor of prognosis in those patients.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 251 UUT-UC patients from our centre treated with radical nephroureterectomy between 2000 and 2010. Patients who had previous radical cystectomy, preoperative chemotherapy, previous contralateral UUT-UC, multifocal tumours, or metastatic disease at presentation were excluded. Overall, 217 patients were then available for evaluation. The relationships among tumour location, hydronephrosis, and tumour stage were analysed. Tumour location was categorized as renal pelvis or ureter. Progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) probabilities were estimated using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses.

Results

Tumour location was renal pelvis in 146 cases (67 %), ureter in 71 cases (33 %). Median follow-up was 52 months. Compared with renal pelvic tumours, ureteral tumours were more likely to have hydronephrosis and to be associated with advanced stages (p < 0.001), but less likely to have haematuria. The 5-year CSS estimate was 79.3 % for renal pelvic tumours and 64.7 % for ureteral tumours (p = 0.03). The 5-year PFS probability was 68.7 % for renal pelvic tumours and 54.2 % for ureteral tumours (p = 0.02). On univariable and multivariable analysis, tumour location was an independent prognostic factor for CSS (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Ureteral tumours were associated with a worse prognosis than renal pelvis tumours. The possible hypothesis may be due partially to that ureteral tumours are more likely to have hydronephrosis and less likely to have haematuria.     

Clinical Application of Mucosal Valve Technique for Anastomosis During Esophagogastrostomy

Background

The study aims to compare the efficacy in prevention of anastomotic complications using layer-to-layer mucosal valve technique versus circular stapled technique for esophagogastric intrathoracic anastomosis after resection for esophageal and gastric cardiac carcinoma.

Methods

From January 2005 to December 2010, 136 patients received layer-to-layer mucosal valve technique (LM group), 219 received circular stapled anastomosis (CS group) after curative intent resection for esophageal and gastric cardiac carcinoma. The technique details were reported and the clinical results were analyzed.

Results

The two groups were comparable on clinical baseline characteristics. The average duration of operation was longer with LM technique by 16 min, but without statistical significance (P?=?0.073). There was no anastomotic leakage in the LM group, while in the CS group, leakage occurred in seven patients (3.2 %, P?=?0.047). Both the incidence and grade of postoperative dysphagia were significantly lower in the LM group (P?<?0.05). Significantly fewer patients experienced stricture after LM technique (3.8 %) compared with CS anastomosis (18.2 %, P?<?0.001). CS anastomosis was associated with a significantly higher incidence of persistent stricture requiring more dilatation (P?<?0.001). Symptoms of reflux were better controlled by LM technique; 82.7 % of patients were asymptomatic with respect to reflux compared to 58.9 % in the CS group, P?<?0.001. And there was a significant reduction in the incidence of esophagitis in remnant esophagus in the LM group (P?=?0.001).

Conclusions

The layered mucosal valve anastomosis could significantly diminish the incidence of anastomotic complications and could be used as an alternative for esophagogastric anastomosis after resection of esophageal and gastric cardiac carcinoma.     

Results of secondary ureteral implantation after kidney transplantation

Background

We reviewed our experience with ureteral complications and secondary ureteral implantation after kidney transplantation.

Methods

Between 1997 and 2005, 636 patients underwent kidney transplantation at our transplant center. Ureteral implantation was performed in the Lich?CGregoire technique. Thirty-one patients with ureteral complications after kidney transplantation and subsequent secondary ureteral implantation were analyzed for operative parameters and long-term transplant function.

Results

Twenty-seven patients had a ureteral stenosis and 4 patients a ureteral leakage. In 25 patients (81%), a resection of the distal transplant ureter followed by secondary ureteral implantation was performed. In 4 cases (13%), the native ureter was anastomosed to the transplant pelvis and in the remaining 2 cases (6%) to the transplant ureter. Three major complications occurred. At median follow-up of 5 years, 18/30 patients (60%) had a good transplant function and 12/30 patients (40%) had returned to dialysis. One patient with depression died from suicide.

Conclusions

Secondary ureteral implantation can be performed with acceptable morbidity and good long-term transplant outcome.     

How to manage total avulsion of the ureter from both ends: our experience and literature review

Objectives

To evaluate the treatment alternatives of total avulsion of the ureter from both ends including ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) and ureterovesical junction (UVJ).

Methods

Total ureteral avulsion on both ends of the ureter was examined in 4 cases performing ureteroscopy. In two male patients of the four cases, avulsion was noticed intraoperatively and ureteral re-anastomosis at UPJ and re-implantation at UVJ were performed immediately. Boari flap was performed for one female patient immediately and for the other female patient who was referred from another hospital after the ureteroscopy, 4 days later.

Results

One patient who had ureteral re-implantation was followed with 3-month intervals by ultrasonography and abdominal X-ray. At the end of 1 year, it was determined that kidney parenchyma was normal and the patient had kidney and upper ureteral stones. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed, and the patient was stone-free at the end of the operation. Two years after the surgery, both kidneys were normal. This is the only case who had a successful ureteral re-implantation in literature. The other patient turned up a year later for routine checks after the ureteral stent was removed. Then, hydronephrosis and renal atrophy were detected. The patient did not accept nephrectomy or any other intervention and he was lost to follow-up. Boari flap procedure was performed after UPJ repair for the other two female patients. Their kidneys were both normal 3 months after the operation.

Conclusions

In case of ureteral avulsion from both ends of the ureter in the male patients, as bladder capacity is not enough for a Boari flap, proximal anastomosis and distal re-implantation could be a good choice for the management of this untoward event. This new approach also saves time for reconstructive treatments if necessary. If bladder capacity is enough to reach UPJ, Boari flap could be a good choice in female patients.     

Deferred Primary Anastomosis Versus Diversion in Patients with Severe Secondary Peritonitis Managed with Staged Laparotomies

Background

There is inconclusive data on whether critically ill individuals with severe secondary peritonitis requiring multiple staged laparotomies may became eligible candidates for deferred primary anastomoses (DPA). We sought to compare a protocol for DPA against a protocol for diversion in severely ill critical patients with intra-abdominal sepsis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed examining 112 patients admitted through an ICU between 2002 and 2006, with diagnosis of secondary peritonitis and managed with staged laparotomies whom required small- or large-bowel segment resections. Patients were categorized and compared according to the surgical treatment necessitated to resolve the secondary peritonitis (DPA versus diversion). Outcome measures were days on mechanical ventilation, days required in ICU, days required in hospital, incidence of fistulas/leakages, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and mortality.

Results

There were 34 patients subjected to DPA and 78 to diversion. Fistulas/leakages developed in three patients (8.8%) with DPA and four patients (5.1%) with diversion (p = 0.359). ARDS was present in 6 patients (17.6%) with DPA and 24 patients (30.8%) with diversion (p = 0.149). There were 30 patients (88.2%) with DPA and 65 patients (83.3%) with diversion discharged alive (p = 0.51). There were not statistical significant differences between groups among survivors regarding hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, and days on mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions

We did not find significant differences in morbidity or mortality when we compared DPA versus diversion surgical treatment. It is feasible to perform a primary anastomosis in critically ill patients with severe secondary peritonitis managed with staged laparotomies.     

Isoperistaltic left colic graft interposition via a retrosternal approach for esophageal reconstruction in patients with a caustic stricture: mortality,morbidity, and functional results

Purpose

To report our results of treating esophageal caustic stricture with an isoperistaltic left colic graft interposed via a retrosternal route.

Methods

We reviewed 70 patients who underwent substernal left colon interposition, performed retrosternally, for an esophageal caustic stricture, between January, 1999 and December, 2011.

Results

The median operative time in this series was 3 h. A pharyngoplasty was performed in 10 patients (14.28 %), the thoracic inlet was found to be enlarged in 33 patients (47.1 %), and posterior cologastric anastomosis was performed in 58 patients (82.8 %). Two patients (2.8 %) died. Minor and major postoperative complications developed in 28 patients (40 %), including graft ischemia in 2 (2.8 %) and cervical anastomotic leakage in 14 (20 %). Five patients (7.14 %) developed a cervical anastomotic stricture. The functional results were satisfactory.

Conclusion

Retrosternal isoperistaltic left colic transplant interposition is an excellent long-term replacement for an esophageal caustic stricture. If performed by experienced surgeons, this procedure is effective for esophageal reconstruction.     

Risk Factors for Anastomotic Stricture Post-esophagectomy with a Standardized Sutured Anastomosis

Background

Benign anastomotic strictures occur frequently after esophagectomy, and impact on postoperative recovery, nutritional status, and quality of life. This large cohort study explored the incidence of stricture after transthoracic (2- and 3-stage) and transhiatal resections with uniform single-layer sutured anastomotic technique, and aimed to identify independent risk factors.

Methods

Patients undergoing esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction between February 2001 and October 2014 were studied prospectively. Symptomatic anastomotic stricture was defined as dysphagia requiring endoscopic dilatation, and refractory strictures as those requiring >5 dilatations. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors independently associated with stricture development.

Results

Five-hundred and twenty-four patients, 77 % with adenocarcinoma, underwent esophagectomy [2-stage, n = 328 (62.6 %); 3-stage, n = 129 (23.3 %); transhiatal, n = 74 (14.1 %)], with an overall inhospital mortality rate of 2.7 %. 58.5 % of patients received neoadjuvant therapy [chemotherapy only, n = 119 (22.7 %); chemoradiation, n = 188 (35.9 %)]. Anastomotic stricture developed in 125 patients (24.5 %), was refractory in 20 (3.9 %) and required a median of 2 dilatations (range 1–18). On multivariable analysis, ASA grade (P < 0.05), cervical anastomosis (P < 0.001), and a significant postoperative cardiac event (P < 0.05) were independently associated with stricture risk. Refractory strictures were independently associated with anastomotic leak (P = 0.01) and transhiatal resections (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Benign anastomotic strictures are common, particularly with cervical reconstruction, and after transhiatal resection. Refractory strictures are rare. Where fitness and oncologic equivalence apply, a thoracic anastomosis provides significant advantages compared with a cervical anastomosis in terms of anastomotic stricture risk.

     

Single versus double stapling anastomotic technique in rectal cancer surgery

Purpose

The present study was designed to investigate whether there is a difference in the anastomotic leakage rate (AL) between the single stapling (CSA) and double stapling (DSA) anastomosis techniques.

Methods

One hundred consecutive rectal cancer patients who underwent rectal resection with primary anastomosis were enrolled in this study.

Results

The overall rate of clinical anastomotic leakage in both groups was 7 % (7/100); 6 % (3/50) in the CSA group and 8 % (4/50) in the DSA group. The anastomotic technique did not have any significant influence on the rate of AL. All AL were seen in low anastomoses (7 cm and below). The rate of AL in patients with a diverting stoma (13 %, 3/23) was not significantly different from that of the patients without (5.2 %, 4/77) (p = 0.195). The mean length of the operation was significantly shorter in the DSA group compared to the CSA group, at 127 and 141 min, respectively (p = 0.005). There were significantly higher rates of AL in patients receiving preoperative long course radiotherapy (15.4 %, 6/39) compared with those who did not receive radiotherapy (1.63 %, 1/61) (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

The CSA and DSA techniques are equally safe for the creation of a rectal anastomosis, without any significant difference in the AL rate. However, we recommend using the DSA technique because it has other definite advantages. In cases of neoadjuvant treatment and a low anastomosis, proximal diversion is recommended.     

What Is the Risk of Clinical Anastomotic Leak in the Diverted Colorectal Anastomosis?

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify clinical leak in diverted colorectal anastomoses.

Design

Cohort analysis.

Setting

The study was conducted in a subspecialty practice at a tertiary care facility.

Patients

Consecutive subjects undergoing colorectal anastomosis and proximal fecal diversion between July 16, 2007 and June, 31 2012.

Interventions

No intervention was applied.

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical anastomotic leak.

Results

Two hundred forty-five patients underwent a colorectal anastomosis with proximal fecal diversion. A total of 34 (14 %) clinical leaks were identified at a median of 43 days. Clinical leaks were identified in 13 (5 %) patients within 30 days of surgery (early leaks) and in 21 (9 %) patients after 30 days of surgery (late leaks). Age, sex, use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and method of anastomotic construction were similar in patients with clinical leaks as compared to those with no evidence of leak. However, clinical leaks were more likely to develop in patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or other diagnoses, i.e., radiation enteritis, ischemia, and injury/enterotomy. Patients with clinical leak were not more likely to have air leaks on intraoperative air leak testing.

Conclusions

In diverted anastomoses, most leaks become clinically apparent beyond 30 days. The standard practice of censoring outcomes that occur beyond postoperative day 30 will fail to identify a substantial fraction of leaks in diverted colorectal anastomoses.     

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.     

One-step reconstruction of the right inferior hepatic veins using auto-venous grafts in living donor liver transplantation

Purposes

Reconstruction of the right inferior hepatic vein (RIHV) presents a major technical challenge in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using right lobe grafts.

Methods

We studied 47 right lobe LDLT grafts with RIHV revascularization, comparing one-step reconstruction, performed post-May 2007 (n = 16), with direct anastomosis, performed pre-May 2007 (n = 31).

Results

In the one-step reconstruction technique, the internal jugular vein (n = 6), explanted portal vein (n = 5), inferior vena cava (n = 3), and shunt vessels (n = 2) were used as venous patch grafts for unifying the right hepatic vein, RIHVs, and middle hepatic vein tributaries. By 6 months after LDLT, there was no case of occlusion of the reconstructed RIHVs in the one-step reconstruction group, but a cumulative occlusion rate of 18.2 % in the direct anastomosis group. One-step reconstruction required a longer cold ischemic time (182 ± 40 vs. 115 ± 63, p < 0.001) and these patients had higher alanine transaminase values (142 ± 79 vs. 96 ± 46 IU/L, p = 0.024) on postoperative day POD 7. However, the 6-month short-term graft survival rates were 100 % with one-step reconstruction and 83.9 % with direct anastomosis, respectively.

Conclusion

One-step reconstruction of the RIHVs using auto-venous grafts is an easy and feasible technique promoting successful right lobe LDLT.