An exclusively intraabdominal distal esophageal segment prevents primary delayed anastomosis in children with pure esophageal atresia

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of children with pure esophageal atresia (EA) managed by the strategy of delayed primary anastomosis and to find parameters to identify which of these children will have satisfactory esophageal growth to permit a successful primary esophageal anastomosis. Methods: Sixteen children with pure EA were treated by delayed anastomosis strategy from June 1992 to May 2001 at the Instituto da Crian[ccedil]a-University of S[atilde]o Paulo Medical School. The treatment consisted of creating an early feeding gastrostomy, continuous upper pouch suction, and periodic radiologic/endoscopic assessments of the gap between the superior and inferior esophageal pouches. The first assessment was done 4 weeks after the initial gastrostomy. Subsequent assessments were done, when necessary, 4 to 10 weeks after the first one. Children with the gap between the pouches corresponding to 2 vertebral bodies or less were considered for primary repair. Results: The waiting period ranged from 8 to 14 weeks. Five children were considered for primary repair (31.3%). All of them had an end-to-end esophageal anastomosis performed without tension. Eleven children (68.7%) did not show significant esophageal growth after the waiting period and were not considered for primary esophageal anastomosis. Eight of them (50%) showed an entirely intraabdominal distal pouch at the first assessment. Conclusions: (1) Infants with an exclusively intraabdominal distal pouch at the first evaluation will not reach sufficient elongation of the pouches and should be considered early as a candidate for esophageal replacement. (2) Combined radiologic/endoscopic assessment and the measurement of the gap in terms of vertebral bodies is a practical and reliable method to predict the feasibility of primary anastomosis. (3) Using these criteria, primary anastomosis could be accomplished in less than a third of cases.     

Endoscopic interventions in cicatricial strictures of esophageal anastomoses]

Endoscopic balloon hydrodilation was conducted in 39 patients with cicatricial stenoses of esophageal anastomoses, in 12 patients it was combined with electrodissection of the esophageal anastomosis, in 3 with bougienage, and in 10 with temporary endoprosthetics. The anastomosis was dilated adequately (to 2.0-2.5 cm) in 38 patients. In one case endoscopic treatment was ineffective; another surgical intervention was performed. In another case endoprosthetics was complicated by decubitus of the cervical esophagus (favorable outcome). In late-term period of 2 months to 4 years restenosis occurred in 6 of 38 patients; the course of dilation was repeated in 4 patients, 2 patients underwent a reconstructive operation. The authors believe that in development of cicatricial stenosis of the esophageal anastomosis modern methods of therapeutic endoscopy should be resorted to in the first place, and only if they prove ineffective should the question of repeated surgical intervention be discussed. Balloon hydrodilation is the principal method of operative endoscopy in cicatricial stenoses of esophageal anastomoses, which in some cases should be combined with other endoscopic interventions (electroincision and temporary endoprosthetics).     

Successful treatment of esophageal metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma using the da Vinci robotic surgical system

A 59-year-old man with metastatic an esophageal tumor from hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) presented with progressive dysphagia.He had undergone liver transplantation for HCC three and a half years prevously.At presentation,his radiological and endoscopic examinations suggested a submucosal tumor in the lower esophagus,causing a luminal stricture.We performed complete resection of the esophageal metastases and esophagogastrostomy reconstruction using the da Vinci robotic system.Recovery was uneventful and he was been doing well 2 mo after surgery.α-fetoprotein level decreased from 510 ng/mL to 30 ng/mL postoperatively.During the follow-up period,he developed a recurrent esophageal stricture at the anastomosis site and this was successfully treated by endoscopic esophageal dilatation.     

Gastroesophageal reflux after esophageal surgery--evaluations based on esophageal transit scintigram

By means of esophageal transit scintigram using 99mTc-DTPA, 15 patients (13 esophageal carcinomas and 2 cardia carcinomas) were studied, in whom esophagogastric anastomosis was done according to the posterior invagination anastomosis technique we had devised. In all 8 patients with anastomosis at cervical region, gastroesophageal reflux was not seen on both scintigrams before and after meals, and the average pressure gradient of high pressure zone at anastomosis was 39.8 cmH2O. In 2 of 7 patients with intrathoracic anastomosis, the scintigram before meals showed severe reflex, and the endoscopic findings showed diffuse and moderate erosion in the esophageal mucosa. The average pressure gradient across the anastomosis was 6.5 cmH2O. In these 2 patients, the new fornix with a sharp angle of His was not formed. In the remaining 5 patients with intrathoracic anastomosis, reflux was not seen on the scintigram before meals. However, in 2 of them, the scintigram after meal and endoscopic examination revealed mild reflux and mild esophagitis respectively. Furthermore in one patient very mild reflux was observed only on the scintigram after meals but the endoscopic findings showed the normal esophageal mucosa. In these 5 patients, the average pressure gradient across the anastomosis was 17.0 cmH2O, which was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) than that in 2 patients with severe reflux and was significantly lower (p less than 0.01) than the mean value of high pressure zone in 8 patients with cervical anastomosis. In conclusion, it is presumed that the formation of a large fornix enough to store food and a sharp angle of His are important factors in maintaining an anti-reflux mechanism. The esophageal transit scintigram was proved to be an excellent technique in detecting and evaluating quantitatively gastroesophageal reflux.     

The novel application of an emerging device for salvage of primary repair in high-risk complex esophageal atresia

IntroductionPreservation of native esophagus is a tenet of esophageal atresia (EA) repair. However, techniques for delayed primary anastomosis are severely limited for surgically and medically complex patients at high-risk for operative repair. We report our initial experience with the novel application of the Connect-EA, an esophageal magnetic compression anastomosis device, for salvage of primary repair in 2 high-risk complex EA patients. Compassionate use was approved by the FDA and treating institutions.Operative TechniqueTwo approaches using the Connect-EA are described – a totally endoscopic approach and a novel hybrid operative approach. To our knowledge, this is the first successful use of a hybrid operative approach with an esophageal magnetic compression device.OutcomesSalvage of delayed primary anastomosis was successful in both patients. The totally endoscopic approach significantly reduced operative time and avoided repeat high-risk operation. The hybrid operative approach salvaged delayed primary anastomosis and avoided cervical esophagostomy.ConclusionThe Connect-EA is a novel intervention to achieve delayed primary esophageal repair in complex EA patients with high-risk tissue characteristics and multi-system comorbidities that limit operative repair. We propose a clinical algorithm for use of the totally endoscopic approach and hybrid operative approach for use of the Connect-EA in high-risk complex EA patients.     

Total gastric transposition: an alternative to esophageal replacement in children

Total gastric transposition was performed in 21 children as an alternative procedure for esophageal replacement. The age at the operation ranged from 15 months to 11 years. Half of the children were less than 2 years old. Fifteen patients had esophageal atresia. The stomach was passed toward the neck either through the esophageal bed (6 cases, with concomitant blunt esophagectomy without thoracotomy) or the retrosternal route (15 cases). There was one death in the early postoperative period secondary to an anastomotic leak and acute mediastinitis in a case of pharyngogastric anastomosis. Three other patients developed cervical leak with spontaneous closure but this ultimately led to a late anastomotic stricture (more than 6 months) requiring endoscopic dilatation. Only one child needed more than three attempts of endoscopic dilatation. None of these patients required surgical revision. The mean follow-up was 60 months (range, 10 to 122 months). Despite bulky atonic intrathoracic stomach occurring in some children, only two patients developed regurgitation and symptoms of poor gastric emptying. There were neither early nor late respiratory problems. Excellent and good functional outcome were achieved in 85% and 15% of the patients, respectively. Two patients have not undergone a weight catch-up phase. The majority of the children have been between the 20th and 80th percentile for weight. Five children remain below the 20th and two below the 5th percentile. The remarkably low morbidity and mortality combined with satisfactory functional results indicate that the total gastric transposition is a safe and easy alternative surgical procedure for esophageal replacement in children.     

New procedure for purse-string suture in thoracoscopic esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis

Background In endoscopic surgery, one of the greatest problems is the difficulty with the reconstructive procedure. This problem frequently makes operating times longer. The authors have performed thoracoscopic esophagectomy and intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis for reconstruction using a circular stapler for the esophageal cancer. Although the circular stapler is a useful device for gastrointestinal anastomosis, it was difficult to place a purse-string suture and to fixate the anvil into the proximal esophagus endoscopically.Methods The authors devised a new procedure for the placement of the purse-string suture by using an Endo-Stitch device along with a new method to incise the esophageal wall and thereby facilitate fixation of the anvil.Results The authors attempted this procedure for five patients. The anastomoses were performed successfully.Conclusions The new procedure can make endoscopic intrathoracic anastomosis feasible and safe. In addition, this procedure can be applied widely to other endoscopic reconstructions.     

Surgical treatment of cervical anastomotic leaks following esophageal reconstruction

Cervical anastomotic leaks occurring in the early postoperative period after esophageal reconstruction are life-threatening complications, with a mortality rate similar to that of intrathoracic leaks if the posterior wall of the anastomosis is affected. Prompt diagnosis and aggressive surgical treatment is vital. The surgical procedures commonly used are often inadequate or unsatisfactory because of the difficulties encountered in the subsequent reconstruction. Twelve patient with an early cervical anastomotic leak following elective esophageal surgery were treated using an original surgical technique which allows diversion and simple delayed reconstruction of the anastomosis without risk of late stricture. Uncontrolled mediastinal sepsis accounted for the three deaths of the series and occurred in patients with a leak of the posterior anastomotic wall in whom definitive surgical treatment was delayed.     

Complete mechanical cervical anastomosis using a narrow gastric tube after esophagectomy for cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Fibrous stenosis of the esophagogastric cervical anastomosis remains a significant complication occurring in up to one-third of cases. Trying to reduce the incidence of this complication, we describe our technique of cervical esophagogastric anastomosis using endoscopic linear stapler which seems to reduce the incidence of fibrous stricture formation after resection of esophageal cancer. METHODS: Between March 2000 and June 2003, 26 patients (15 males and 11 females) underwent esophagectomy using tubulized stomach for reconstruction. Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis using linear endoscopic stapler was performed in all cases. The occurrence of post-operative anastomotic leak and development of anastomotic stricture were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: All patients survived esophagectomy and were available for post-operative follow-up. Anastomotic leak developed in one case. No patient developed fibrous stenosis that required dilatation therapy. CONCLUSION: Complete mechanical esophagogastric anastomosis, using endoscopic linear stapler is effective and safe, even when a narrow gastric tube is used as esophageal substitute. This technique seems superior to other techniques to reduce the incidence of post-operative anastomotic complications.     

Mechanical cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy for cancer

AIM: Fibrous stenosis of the esophagogastric cervical anastomosis remains a significant complication occurring in up to one third of cases. Trying to reduce the incidence of this complication, we describe our technique of cervical esophago-gastric anastomosis using endoscopic linear stapler which seems to reduce the incidence of fibrous stricture formation after resection of esophageal cancer. METHODS: Between March 2000 and December 2004, 34 patients (20 males and 14 females) underwent esophagectomy using tubulized stomach for reconstruction. Mean age was 57 years. Eight patients with advanced stage (5 T3 and 3 T4) underwent induction chemotherapy. The most of patients was affected by squamous cell carcinoma. In all cases we performed cervical esophagogastric anastomosis using linear endoscopic stapler. The occurrence of postoperative anastomotic leak and development of anastomotic stricture were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: All patients survived esophagectomy and 30 of them (88%) were available for postoperative follow-up at 6 months. Anastomotic leak developed in 1 case. No patient developed fibrous stenosis that required dilatation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Complete mechanical esophago-gastric anastomosis, using endoscopic linear stapler is effective and safe, even when a narrow gastric tube is used as esophageal substitute. These technique seems superior to other techniques to reduce the incidence of postoperative anastomotic complications.     

贲门周围血管离断加经腹食管横断吻合术治疗门静脉高压症的疗效评价

目的探讨贲门周围血管离断加经腹食管横断吻合术治疗门静脉高压症的疗效。方法对1997年6月至2002年6月在我科行贲门周围血管离断加经腹食管横断吻合术治疗的48例门静脉高压症患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果94%的患者得到了随访,平均随访时间为39个月。术后静脉曲张消失率为93%,食道曲张静脉再出血率2%,患者存活率为93%,手术死亡2例。术后门静脉系统血栓形成发生率为8%,膈下积液发生率为6%,吻合口漏发生率为8%,吻合口狭窄发生率为6%。结论贲门周围血管离断加经腹食管横断术是治疗门静脉高压症的一种有效术式。     

Early stoma closure in colorectal resections after endoscopic monitoring of the anastomosis. Clinical results

The need for a protection of a colo-colonic or colorectal anastomosis (by a colostomy or ileostomy) does not always encounter a general consensus except in selected clinical settings such as a low or ultra-low colorectal anastomosis or a colo-colonic or colorectal anastomosis after resection for acute disease. Commonly, a protective stoma is closed within 3-6 months after x-ray or endoscopic monitoring of the anastomosis. We believe in the importance of an open debate on the timing of bowel reconstruction and on the ways of monitoring the anastomosis. The aim of our study was to confirm the feasibility of early closure of stomas without specific increased risks, and especially to demonstrate the usefulness of early endoscopic monitoring of the anastomosis. We present 26 consecutive patients who underwent a left colonic resection or a colorectal resection with a stoma constructed for protection. In these patients the early restoration of bowel continuity was achieved between postoperative days 8 and 15 after endoscopic monitoring. There have been no specific complications related to the endoscopic manoeuvre. The morbidity rate after early bowel continuity restoration was 4.1%, which is lower than the rates encountered in the literature (6-8.6%). We consider as innovative the concept of early endoscopic monitoring, which is commonly not indicated in the presence of a recent anastomosis. We believe that in selected conditions the risk of perforation due to this manoeuvre can be eliminated.     

Delayed primary anastomosis for esophageal atresia: 18 months' to 11 years' follow-up.

In 1977 we started treating babies with isolated esophageal atresia by delayed primary anastomosis and in 1981 reported our early experience in five cases treated between 1977 and 1979. Since 1979, 11 further consecutive cases have been managed by initial gastrostomy followed by delayed primary esophageal anastomosis. Their mean gestation was 35 weeks (range, 28 to 40 weeks) and mean birth weight was 2,040 g (range, 1,140 to 2,720 g). The esophageal gap between the two ends when assessed initially at fluoroscopy ranged from 2.2 to 4.5 cm (mean, 3.2 cm). Age at delayed primary anastomosis ranged from 6 to 20 weeks. Anastomotic leak occurred in three babies in the immediate postoperative period and all were successfully managed conservatively. Eight of the 11 patients developed anastomotic strictures; seven cases required 1 to 5 esophageal dilatations. One patient who did not respond to multiple esophageal dilatations required resection of an esophageal stricture. One patient died at 15 months of age of unrelated causes. The 10 surviving patients have been followed-up from 18 months to 11 years. At follow-up, seven patients were eating normally. Three patients had swallowing difficulties and all three were found to have esophageal strictures on barium swallow, two of them also had gross esophageal reflux and hiatus hernia. The height and weight in the 10 patients varied from 3rd centile to 75th centile. Delayed primary anastomosis is feasible in cases of isolated esophageal atresia and the patient's own esophagus is the best. A more aggressive approach should be applied to gastroesophageal reflux in these patients.     

Prevention and treatment of early complications in patients after reconstructive surgery of the esophagus]

The work deals with clinical appraisal of the course of the early postoperative period and the prevention and treatment of complications after reconstructive operations on the esophagus. The postoperative period was studied in 99 patients. Complications occurred in the early postoperative period in 48.5% of patients, obstructive processes in the lungs were of principal importance among them. The authors conclude that particular significance in the prevention of acute respiratory failure in patients after one-stage plasty of the esophagus should be attached to the early diagnosis of pulmonary complications, prolonged artificial lung respiration, and measures for maintaining normal passage of the respiratory tract (cleansing bronchoscopy, early activation of patients, adequate anesthesia). The main importance in reducing mortality after one-stage esophageal plasty belongs to the measures of prevention and treatment of incompetence of the sutures of the esophageal anastomosis and mediastinitis.     

食管平滑肌瘤的诊断与治疗

目的 总结10年来食管平滑肌瘤诊断与治疗的经验。方法 分析1993年至2002年间52例食管平滑肌瘤患者的临床资料。结果 本组54％的患者以进食困难为首发症状。诊断准确率：上消化道钡剂低张双对比造影检查为64％，CT为44％，胃镜为27％，超声内镜为90％。本组患者经胸腔镜手术6例，内镜下切除术9例，行食管平滑肌瘤摘除术32例，食管部分切除、食管胃吻合术5例。仅1例术后出血，经再次手术止血；其余未发生严重的术后并发症。结论 超声内镜是诊断食管平滑肌瘤的有效手段，对于适合的病例要积极考虑胸腔镜手术及内镜摘除以减轻创伤。     

Cervical esophago-visceral anastomosis with an endoscopic linear stapler. Note on a surgical technique

The incidence of anastomotic fistula in the neck after esophagectomy and esophagogastroplasty may be as high as 30%; the incidence of anastomotic stenosis may be as high as 10%. To avoid these potential and sometimes serious complications, the authors describe a partially mechanical esophago-visceral anastomosis. The esophageal stump is brought near the anterior wall of the transposed stomach. A small gastrotomy is performed. An endoscopic linear stapler is then inserted in the esophageal and gastric lumen, and fired. The anterior wall of the anastomosis is fashioned with a running suture.     

三切口食管癌切除术与胸腔镜辅助手术的疗效比较

目的:对比分析三切口食管癌切除术与胸腔镜辅助食管癌切除术的临床疗效。方法:将食管癌患者分为两组,胸腔镜辅助组11例,行胸腔镜游离食管+开腹游离胃+颈部吻合术;常规组23例,行常规三切口食管癌切除术。对比分析两组住院时间、住院费用、手术时间、出血量、淋巴结清扫数量、患者疼痛情况、胸管引流量、术后并发症。结果:两组均无围手术期死亡。住院时间、出血量、淋巴结清扫数量两组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),胸腔镜辅助组住院花费高,手术时间长,并发症发生率高,但胸管引流量低,与常规组相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),且常规组疼痛评分较高。结论:食管癌的腔镜手术需一定的学习曲线,开展初期微创优势可能不明显,应严格把握手术适应证,尽量选择体形较瘦、手术难度相对较小的患者。     

Giant asymptomatic primary esophageal schwannoma

Primary esophageal schwannomas are uncommon. We describe a case of a large asymptomatic primary esophageal schwannoma in a 65-year-old patient. Computed tomography and positron emission tomography revealed an (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose-avid 11-cm mass arising from the esophagus. A preoperative diagnosis was made via endoscopic ultrasound. The patient underwent a three-field esophagogastrectomy with cervical esophagogastric anastomosis. He remains well and free of recurrence 10 months after treatment.     

改良反穿刺吻合技术在全腔镜Ivor Lewis食管癌根治术中消化道重建的应用体会

目的探讨反穿刺吻合技术行全腔镜Ivor Lewis食管癌根治术的可行性及近期疗效。 方法收集南京医科大学附属逸夫医院2014年2月至2018年6月期间应用改良反穿刺吻合技术行全腔镜Ivor Lewis食管癌根治术的48例中下段食管癌患者资料。手术分为三大步骤：首先用腹腔镜游离胃和腹段的食管并清扫腹腔淋巴结;其次取侧卧位,游离胸段食管,切除病变食管并清扫胸腔淋巴结;最后应用反穿刺吻合技术行胸内胃食管吻合术。 结果48例均在腔镜下完成吻合,手术过程顺利,未行胸腹部辅助切口,无中转开胸手术。手术时间(253.4±57.2)min,其中胸腔镜操作时间(175.6±64.5)min;术中出血量(107.3±87.4)ml,清扫淋巴结数目(15.2±2.5)枚。术后1例重度肥胖、糖尿病、高血压患者出现重症肺部感染及吻合口瘘,经保守治疗后治愈,吻合口瘘发生率2.1%(1/48);术后3例出现吻合口狭窄,其中1例严重,行吻合口机械扩张缓解,吻合口狭窄率6.3%(3/48)。48例中47例的术后进流食时间(7.2±1.3)d,术后住院时间10～16 d、平均11 d。 结论利用改良反穿刺吻合技术行全腔镜Ivor Lewis食管癌根治术治疗中下段食管癌是安全、可行的,是经济、有效的。     

Surgical treatment analysis of idiopathic esophageal achalasia

Background

Idiopathic esophageal achalasia is an inflammatory disease of unknown origin, characterized by aperistalsis of the esophageal body and failure of the lower esophageal sphincter in response to swallowing, with consequent dysphagia.

Aim

To demonstrate the results of surgical therapy in these patients, evaluating the occurred local and systemic complications.

Methods

Were studied retrospectively 32 patients, 22 of whom presented non-advanced stage of the disease (Stage I/II) and 10 with advanced disease (Stage III/IV). All of them had the clinical conditions to be submitted to surgery. The diagnoses were done by clinical, endoscopic, cardiological, radiological and esophageal manometry analysis. Pre-surgical evaluation was done with a questionnaire based on the most predisposing factors in the development of the disease and the surgical indication was based on the stage of the disease.

Results

The patients with non-advanced stages were submitted to cardiomyotomy with fundoplication, wherein in the post-surgical early assessment, only one (4,4%) presented pulmonary infection, but had a good outcome. In patients with advanced disease, seven were submitted to esophageal mucosectomy preserving the muscular layer, wherein one patient (14,2%) presented dehiscence of gastric cervical esophagus anastomosis as well as pulmonary infection; all of these complications were resolved with proper specific treatment; the other three patients with advanced stage were submitted to transmediastinal esophagectomy; two of them presented hydropneumothorax with good evolution, and one of them also presented fistula of the cervical esophagogastric anastomosis, but with spontaneous healing after conservative treatment and nutritional support. The two patients with fistula of the cervical anastomosis progressed to stenosis, with good results after endoscopic dilations. In the medium and long term assessment done in 23 patients, all of them reported improvement in life quality, with return to swallowing.

Conclusion

The strategy proposed for the surgical treatment of idiopathic esophageal achalasia according to the stages of the disease was of great value, due to post-surgical low morbidity complications and proper recovery of swallowing.