Intrathoracic esophagojejunostomy using OrVil? for gastric adenocarcinoma involving the esophagus

AIM: To demonstrate a new surgical technique of lower mediastinal lymphadenectomy and intrathoracic anastomosis of esophagojejunostomy using OrVil™.METHODS: After a total median phrenotomy, the supradiaphragmatic and lower thoracic paraesophageal lymph nodes were transhiatally dissected. The esophagus was cut off using a liner stapler and OrVil™was inserted. Finally, end-to-side esophagojejunostomy was created by using a circular stapler. From July 2009, we adopted this surgical technique for five patients with gastric cancer involving the lower esophagus.RESULTS: The median operation time was 314 min (range; 210-367 min), and median blood loss was 210 mL (range; 100-838 mL). The median numbers of dissected lower mediastinal nodes were 3 (range; 1-10). None of the patients had postoperative complications including anastomotic leakage and stenosis. The median hospital stay was 16 d (range: 15-20 d). The median length of esophageal involvement was 14 mm (range: 6-48 mm) and that of the resected esophagus was 40 mm (range: 35-55 mm); all resected specimens had tumor-free margins.CONCLUSION: This surgical technique is easy and safe intrathoracic anastomosis for the patients with gastric adenocarcinoma involving the lower esophagus.     

Intrathoracic esophagojejunostomy following the resection of the lower esophagus—Tohru Ohsawa,pioneer in surgery of the esophagus

In 1929 Ohsawa of Kyoto performed an intrathoracic esophagojejunostomy on a 52-year-old male through the thoracoabdominal route. This was the first successful case of anastomosis between the intrathoracic esophagus and the intra-abdominal digestive tract, previously attempted so many times the world over. This marked the opening of the era of esophageal surgery. As early as 1938, Ohsawa detected esophageal cancer of 1 × 2 cm size by fluoroscopy. Successful surgery on this tumor highlighted the ultimate approach for the satisfactory treatment of esophageal cancer, i.e., early detection and early treatment.

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Resumen En 1929 Ohsawa de Kioto realizó una gastrectomía total con esofagoyeyunostomía intratorácica por vía toracoabdominal en un hombre de 52 años. Así se logró por primera vez con éxito la anastomosis entre el esófago intratorácico y el tracto digestivo intraabdominal, lo cual había sido intentado en tantas ocasiones previas en todo el mundo. Ello señaló el comienzo de la era de la cirugía esofágica. En 1938 Ohsawa detectó un cáncer de 1 × 2 cm por medio de fluoroscopia con bario mezclado con aceite de oliva; el paciente fué operado exitosamente, demostrando así el enfoque definitivo para el tratamiento adecuado del cáncer esofágico: el diagnóstico y tratamiento precoces.

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Résumé Dès 1929, Ohsawa de Kyoto réalisa une oesophagojejunostomie intrathoracique par voie thoraco-abdominale chez un homme de 52 ans. Cette opération représenta le premier cas réussi d'anastomose entre l'oesophage intrathoracique et un segment intraabdominal, du tube digestif. Il constitua l'étape initiale de la chirurgie oesophagienne. Dès 1938, Ohsawa décelait un cancer oesophagien de petite dimension (1 × 2 cm) grâce à l'exploration radiologique et l'opérait avec succès. Il démontrait ainsi que le succès du traitement du cancer de l'oesophage dépendait essentiellement de la précocité du diagnostic et de l'acte thérapeutique.

     

Total gastrectomy with left oblique abdominothoracic approach for gastric cancer involving the esophagus

From January 1972 to December 1982, we performed 70 total gastrectomies with left oblique abdominothoracic approach for gastric cancer involving the esophagus. We emphasize that the diaphragm should be incised "U-shaped" from its origin to avoid respiratory tract failure due to phrenic nerve damage. Combined resection was performed in all cases either because of direct tumor invasion or because of lymph node dissection. Operative mortality occurred in only three cases (4.3%). There were nine cases (12.8%) of postoperative complications; in these cases, the complications were nonfatal. The five-year survival rates of patients were 60% in stage II, 27% in stage III, and 20% in stage IV, according to the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer-1978 staging classifications.     

A new technique for esophagojejunostomy after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND: The critical part of any operation involving a proximal gastric resection is the esophageal anastomosis. Leakage from this anastomosis is one of the main reasons for postoperative morbidity and death after gastrectomy. Application of the double-stapling technique affords many of the same advantages that it does for low rectal tumors, especially in obese patients with narrow costal margins. METHODS: A new technique for esophagojejunostomy after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer is described. RESULTS: This technique has been used in 3 patients. At a follow-up of 22 months, there have been no anastomotic leaks or evidence of clinical stenoses. CONCLUSIONS: This technique minimizes manipulation and dissection around the distal esophagus. Not only does this make the operation easier, but it also allows for a longer proximal resection margin. Possibly this will result in lower rates of esophageal breakdown.     

Using the StomaphyX(TM) endoplicator to treat a gastric bypass complication

Background and Objectives:

As the number of bariatric operations performed increases, the number of patients requiring reoperation for failed weight loss is expected to proportionately increase. Natural orifice surgery is an alternative approach to revisional gastric bypass surgery when postoperative complications, such as dilatation of the gastrojejunostomy, gastrogastric fistula, and gastric pouch, dilation occur.

Methods:

The present article reports on the safe and successful use of an endoscopic tissue plicating device in a patient found to have a dilated gastric pouch and a gastrogastric fistula 12 years after an open, nondivided RYGB.

Results:

The procedure was performed without complications and resulted in a reduced pouch size to approximately 30cc to 50cc and redirection of the flow of gastric contents through her gastrojejunostomy. The patient''s early satiety returned and, 1 year postoperatively, she had incurred a 45-pound weight loss.

Discussion:

The morbidity and mortality of revision gastric bypass was avoided while the patient''s goal of moderate weight loss was achieved. Tissue plicating devices offer an alternative for repair of some postbariatric complications. With the rapid advances in endoluminal technology and increasing experience with natural orifice surgery, the ability to successfully address surgical problems through less invasive means will continue to improve.     

Intrathoracic revascularization of the stomach in gastroplastic reconstruction of the esophagus

Reconstruction of the thoracic esophagus after esophagectomy is usually achieved using the stomach which, after gastrolysis through an abdominal approach, is pulled into the right thoracic cavity and anastomosed to the esophagus. After gastrolysis by conventional methods, the blood supply of the stomach exclusively depends on the right gastric and epiploic arteries. In some cases, these arteries cannot ensure sufficient blood supply to the fundus of the stomach, which is at higher risks from a vascular point of view, since it depends on the intraparietal capillary anastomoses between the gastric branches on the left inferior gastric artery, the intraparietal rami of the short gastric arteries, which have been cut, and the parietal rami of the anterior cardiotuberous artery. When macroscopic signs of ischemic disorders of this area are observed intraoperatively, resection of the fundus of the stomach would considerably reduce the length of the organ that could be used for gastric esophagoplasty. To avoid this, we have been implementing an intrathoracic revascularization technique consisting in anastomosing the left gastric artery, either directly with the right internal mammary artery, or through a shunt with the saphenous vein between the subclavian artery and the left gastric artery itself. Finally, the intensification of the venous circle is performed by anastomosing the left gastric vein and the azygos vein. Details of the surgical technique, as well as the results obtained, are illustrated.     

Superficial adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

OBJECTIVE: Experience with treatment and outcome of superficial adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical management and identify predictors of survival. METHODS: Between September 1985 and December 1999, 122 patients underwent resection. Eighty-nine percent were men (mean age 63 +/- 10 years; range 35-83 years). Sixty (49%) patients were in endoscopic surveillance programs and 48 (39%) had the preoperative diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second was less than 2 L in 12 (12%). Seventy-five (61%) patients underwent transhiatal esophagectomy. Pathologic stage was N1 in 8 (7%). Pulmonary complications necessitating reintubation (respiratory failure) occurred in 10 (8%) patients. Time-related survival models were developed for decision-making (preoperative), prognosis (operative), and hospital care (postoperative). RESULTS: Operative mortality was 2.5%. Survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 89%, 77%, and 68%. Preoperative decision-making factors associated with ideal outcome were 1-second forced expiratory volume of more than 2 L, surveillance, preoperative diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia, and planned transhiatal esophagectomy. Prognosis was decreased in younger patients and in those with N1 disease. Postoperative respiratory failure increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is the treatment of choice for superficial adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. The ideal patient has a preoperative diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia found at surveillance, good pulmonary function, and undergoes a transhiatal esophagectomy. Discovery of N1 disease or development of postoperative respiratory failure reduces the benefits of surgery.     

食管空肠重叠法三角吻合用于胃癌腹腔镜下全胃和近端胃切除的临床疗效

目的: 探讨食管空肠重叠法三角吻合在胃癌腹腔镜全胃和近端胃切除术中临床应用的可行性和安全性。方法: 回顾性分析2017年10月至2018年3月间9例胃癌病人腹腔镜胃切除的临床资料。4例近端胃癌病人行腹腔镜近端胃切除和双通道重建。1例近端胃癌和4例胃体癌病人行腹腔镜全胃切除和Roux-en-Y吻合。9例均采用食管空肠重叠法三角吻合（改良重叠法）。结果: 本研究病人食管空肠重叠法三角吻合均成功完成。总手术时间为（273.9±48.2） min。食管空肠重叠法三角吻合时间为（40.9±13.3） min。术中出血量为（58.9±43.4） mL,淋巴结清扫数为（27.1±11.8）枚。上、下切缘病理检查结果均未见癌残留。术后首次肛门排气时间为（2.5±0.9） d,进流质时间为（4.8±1.3） d,术后住院时间为（7.9±1.8） d。病人均无术后并发症发生。结论: 食管空肠重叠法三角吻合在胃癌腹腔镜全胃和近端胃切除术中的临床应用,可行且安全。     

Endobrachyesophagus and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus

The columnar epithelium lined esophagus is usually the result of a chronic reflux disease. In the literature one can find more and more references to a malignant transformation of this columnar epithelium. Our own observations of 14 patients with an adenocarcinoma in a columnar-lined esophagus support this suspicion. Because the adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has therapeutic consequences other than a squamous carcinoma of the esophagus, the surgery has to give attention to this malignant transformation of the columnar-lined esophagus.     

Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction

Since 1985, 57 patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal (GE) junction have undergone surgical resection. In this group, 16 of the tumors arose in a Barrett's esophagus. There was a significant predilection toward white men above the age of 55 (15/16; 94%) in this subgroup. The mean proximal extent of abnormal columnar involvement was 5.4 cm above the gastroesophageal junction (range 2.5 to 11 cm). The mean location of the neoplasm centered in the distal esophagus 1.8 +/- 0.5 cm above the gastroesophageal junction. During the same time period, 30 patients with Barrett's esophagus were seen without associated adenocarcinoma. There were no statistical differences in the proximal extent of columnar involvement or the presence of reflux symptoms between the two groups. There were no significant differences in age, smoking history, and alcohol consumption between patients with benign or malignant Barrett's esophagus as compared to those with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction not associated with Barrett's mucosa. The marked male predominance seen in the group with malignant Barrett's esophagus was in contrast to the benign cases (16/30; 53%) but was similar to the adenocarcinoma group, without recognized Barrett's esophagus (38/41; 93%). The mean location of the tumor in the latter was 0.9 +/- 1.2 cm above the gastroesophageal junction and was comparable to the location in the group with Barrett's adenocarcinoma. The 4-year survival rate of patients in the non-Barrett's adenocarcinoma group is approximately 30%. Of those with Barrett's adenocarcinoma, the present 4-year survival rate is 60%. The demographic and morphometric similarities between the Barrett's and non-Barrett's adenocarcinoma groups may be of primary importance in determining the true clinical prevalence of Barrett's adenocarcinoma. Our findings suggest that the sensitivity of endoscopic surveillance may be improved if biopsy specimens are concentrated within the distal 3 cm of the esophagus and the esophagogastric junction. Finally, the reason for the current difference in survival between the Barrett's and non-Barrett's adenocarcinoma groups is uncertain but may be related to endoscopic surveillance permitting earlier diagnosis and treatment.     

Intrathoracic fundoplication for shortened esophagus: Treacherous solution to a challenging problem

Intrathoracic fundoplication was used in 12 patients with acquired shortening of the esophagus secondary to gastroesophageal reflux. While several patients had excellent results using this approach, five major complications occurred. One patient developed a paraesophageal hernia, while four had ulceration within the wrap itself. One had serious hemorrhage, while another required reoperation to dismantle the intrathoracic wrap. One patient developed a gastrobronchial fistula and eventually died from pulmonary sepsis. The cause of these problems is unknown, but delayed gastric emptying was implicated in two patients. Even though leaving a Nissen fundoplication in the chest seems to be an attractive alternative when the surgeon cannot reduce the wrap below the diaphragm, this alternative is fraught with treacherous complications in a large percentage of patients.     

Superextended lymphadenectomy (D4) in the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: The incidence of paraaortic lymph node metastasis (N4) in relation with the site of the tumour, and survival in patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastric resection and superextended lymphadenectomy (D4), have been analyzed. METHODS: The frequency of paraaortic lymph node metastasis was studied in 132 patients who underwent gastrectomy with D4 lymphadenectomy during the period June 1988 - December 2000. Six patients with plastic linitis and 3 with carcinoma of the gastric stump were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: In personal experience the most frequent postoperative morbidity were respiratory complication (7.6%) and pancreatic fistula (6.8%). Among the 132 patients the total number of dissected nodes was 6362 and the mean number of dissected nodes per case was 48.2. The total number of retrieved lymph nodes from the paraaortic station was 755 with a mean number 5.7 per patients. N4 nodal involvement was found in 25 (19%) of 132 patients: 14 (36%) patients with carcinoma located in the proximal third, 5 (13%) with tumour located in the middle third and 6 (11%) with carcinoma of the distal third of the stomach. The median survival time and the overall cumulative 5-year survival rate for curatively (R0) resected patients were 74 months and 52% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of metastasis in paraaortic lymph nodes in 19% of our patients, the low morbidity and mortality, the good survival after superextended lymphadenectomy, suggest that this lymphadenectomy should be considered in the curative surgical treatment of advanced gastric cancer, especially if located in the proximal third of the stomach (N4 in 36% of cases).     

Limited resection for early adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus

OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of disease in patients with pT1 esophageal adenocarcinoma and to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a limited surgical approach. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Radical esophagectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy is widely advocated as the treatment of choice in patients with early adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus. This approach, however, is associated with substantial complications and long-term side effects. The extent of resection necessary to achieve cure in such patients is not clear. METHODS: Seventy-one patients with pT1 adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus underwent transmediastinal or transthoracic esophagectomy with two-field lymphadenectomy. Twenty-four patients with uT1N0 tumors underwent a limited resection of the distal esophagus and esophagogastric junction, regional lymphadenectomy, and reconstruction by interposition of an isoperistaltic pedicled jejunal segment. The two groups were compared for extent and multicentricity of the primary tumor and associated high-grade dysplasia, pattern of lymph node metastases, complications, deaths, and outcome of surgical treatment. RESULTS: Multicentric tumor growth or associated high-grade dysplasia was observed in 60.6% of the resection specimens. Complete resection of the tumor and the entire segment with intestinal metaplasia was achieved in all patients, irrespective of the surgical approach. Patients undergoing limited resection had fewer complications. Lymph node metastases or micrometastases were present in none of the 38 patients with tumors limited to the mucosa (pT1a) versus 10 of the 56 (17.9%) patients with tumors invading the submucosa (pT1b). Distant lymph node metastases occurred only in patients with more than three positive regional lymph nodes. Lymph node metastases were prognostic, but the pT1a/pT1b category and the surgical approach were not. The mean Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index after limited resection did not differ from that of healthy controls: 20 of the 24 patients were completely asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with early adenocarcinoma in the distal esophagus, resection of the distal esophagus and esophagogastric junction, with regional lymphadenectomy and jejunal interposition, is an attractive limited surgical alternative to radical esophagectomy.