A left thoracic approach in a prone position for thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation in a patient with post-esophagectomy chylothorax: A case report

IntroductionWe debate whether or not to approach from right thorax for the left chylothorax after esophagectomy.Presentation of caseA 50 s-year-old female underwent right-sided thoracoscopic esophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy for esophageal carcinoma (type 0-IIa, 3.4 × 2.2 cm, T1bN0M0, Stage IA), followed by reconstruction with esophagogastric anastomosis through the posterior mediastinum. The thoracic duct was excised and ligated. The left thoracic drainage increased to 2115 mL/day on the fifth postoperative day. Thoracic duct injury was diagnosed, and surgery was performed on sixth postoperative day. With the patient in a prone position, the thoracic duct was ligated successfully under thoracoscopy in the left thorax. The leakage point was found in the crushed duct by 8.8-mm titanium clips. Then, we performed mass ligation of the thoracic duct with 11-mm titanium clips below the leakage point after careful dissection. The surgery took 58 min, with an estimated total blood loss of 0 g.DiscussionAlthough thoracic duct is anatomically located on the right side of the descending aorta, we employed a left-sided thoracoscopic approach due to the chylous leakage in the left thorax. With the patient in the prone position, surgeons can easily convert from a left thoracic approach to a right thoracic approach immediately without postural change if the thoracic duct cannot be found in the left thoracic cavity.ConclusionThis technique is useful and should be considered for patients with left chylothorax.     

Improved survival for patients with upper and/or middle mediastinal lymph node metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lower thoracic esophagus treated with 3-field dissection

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes with 2 and 3 lymph node dissection for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lower thoracic esophagus at a single institution. BACKGROUND: Extensive lymph node dissection, including the upper mediastinum, for carcinoma of the lower thoracic esophagus is advocated as a standard surgical procedure with curative intent in Japan. However, its efficacy remains controversial. METHODS: From January 1988 to December 1997, 532 patients with carcinomas of the thoracic esophagus underwent transthoracic esophagectomy and extensive lymph node dissection with curative intent at the National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo. Of these, 495 (93%) had squamous cell carcinomas. A total of 156 (29%) with tumors of the lower thoracic esophagus were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 156 patients, 55 (35%) underwent 2-field and 101 (65%) underwent 3-field lymph node dissection. The operative morbidity and 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 68.0%, 1.3%, and 2.6%, respectively. The overall 5-year survival rate for the entire series was 49.3%. One hundred and seven (69%) had lymph node metastases. Upper and/or middle mediastinal lymph node metastases occurred in 42% of the series. The 5-year survival rate for patients with lymph node metastases in the upper and/or middle mediastinum was 23.3%. Among them, the values after 2- and 3-field lymph node dissection were 5.6% and 30.0%, respectively (P = 0.005). Thirteen (27%) of 48 patients with upper and/or middle mediastinal lymph node metastases treated with 3-field dissection had simultaneous cervical lymph node metastases and their 5-year survival rate was 23.1%. CONCLUSION: The 3-field approach for extensive lymph node dissection provides better survival benefit for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lower thoracic esophagus compared to 2-field lymph node dissection when lymph node metastases are present in the upper and/or middle mediastinum.     

膈上胸导管结扎术在食管癌切除术中的应用

目的探讨胸导管结扎术对食管癌术后乳糜胸的预防和治疗作用。方法回顾性分析我院2003年1月至2009年6月的两组共836例食管癌切除术后的乳糜胸发生情况和治疗效果。其中结扎组431例,术中常规在膈上水平整块结扎胸导管,非结扎组405例,术中未常规结扎胸导管,术后并发乳糜胸者,再次采用手术治疗。结果结扎组无术后乳糜胸发生。非结扎组术后发生乳糜胸15例（3．7％）,治愈13例（86．7％）,死亡2例（13．3％）,1例死于呼吸功能衰竭,1例死于多器官功能衰竭。结论食管癌切除术中常规结扎胸导管可有效预防术后乳糜胸的发生。膈上胸导管结扎法稳妥有效。食管癌术后并发乳糜胸应积极手术治疗。     

Surgery technique: preventive ligation of the thoracic duct during esophagectomy for cancer

Chylothorax is a rare but life-threatening complication of esophagectomy for cancer. Elective ligation of the thoracic duct above the diaphragm does not suppress completely the risk of chylothorax due to possible trauma of the thoracic duct wall at the level of ligation, or incomplete ligation in case of anatomic variation. This study describes a technique of preventive ligation "en block" with surrounding tissues in order to minimize the risk of chylothorax following oesophagectomy, whatever performed transthoracically or through transhiatal approach.     

食管癌切除术后不同重建途径吻合口瘘的原因及预防

目的了解食管癌切除术后经不同径路重建,发生吻合口瘘的情况;探讨系统性淋巴结清扫后,经胸骨后胃代食管颈部吻合口瘘发生率较高的原因及预防方法。方法1105例行食管癌切除术的患者,229例经左胸行胸内吻合(A组),716例经右胸食管床胃代食管行颈部吻合(B组),160例予以系统性淋巴结清扫术后经胸骨后行颈部吻合(C组)。分析比较不同手术径路的3组患者术后吻合口瘘发生的情况。结果吻合口瘘发生率分别为:A组5/229(2.2%)、B组85/716(11.9%)、C组31/160(19.4%),C组吻合口瘘发生率显著高于A、B组(P<0.01和P<0.05)。比较C组不同重建方式吻合口瘘发生率显示,手工吻合与器械吻合(22.2%与11.6%,P=0.133)、全胃重建与管状胃重建(25%与15.6%,P=0.146)间吻合口瘘发生率无明显差异,而延长胃肠减压管留置时间至术后7d,吻合口瘘发生率由23.3%降至9.1%(P<0.05)。结论胸骨后胃代食管吻合口瘘发生率较高的主要原因,是前纵隔内的胃体受压、冲击吻合口所致;通过延长胃肠减压管留置时间能有效减少瘘的发生。     

Management of postoperative chylothorax

Chylothorax is a rare but severe complication of thoracic and esophageal surgery. The anatomical relations of the thoracic duct and its highly variable anatomy may explain the occurrence of thoracic duct injury during dissection of the posterior mediastinum. At an early stage, chylothorax can lead to severe cardiorespiratory and volemic complications. In case of chronicization, malnutrition and immunologic complications can occur, responsible for a mortality rate of up to 50%. Optimal management of chylothorax can decrease mortality. It is based on three options: conservative treatment, surgery and radiological treatment. Conservative treatment must be initiated at diagnosis and results in resolution of the chylothorax is achieved in 50 to 70% of cases. In case of either high flow rate chylothorax or failure of conservative treatment, reoperation is indicated. Percutaneous embolization is an interesting and minimally invasive alternative to surgery.     

Results of prophylactic thoracic duct ligation in advanced esophageal carcinoma

Objective  Esophageal carcinoma is one of the most common lethal malignancies in northwest Iran. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficiency of prophylactic thoracic duct ligation and compare the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of chylothorax in patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery. Methods and Material  From 1995 through 2005 a total 420 patients undergoing esophageal resection with or without mediastinal lymph node dissection. In first five years (Group I: 210 patients) that after any esophagectomies we have not used prophylactic thoracic duct ligation (1995–2000). In last five years for prevention of chylothorax after any esophagectomies (Group II: 210 patients), thirty patients with advanced stage of esophageal carcinoma underwent to prophylactic thoracic duct ligation (2000–2005). Data analysis included Chi-square or Fisher exact test and Independent Samples t test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. All analyzes were performed using the SPSS.15/_win software. Results  There were 100 men and 110 women with a mean age of 53.18±12.35 years in Group I, 108 men and 102 women with a mean age of 56.1±9.83 years in Group II. The initial procedures were transhiatal esophagectomies and transthoracic esophagectomies. Six patients of group I, developed to chylothorax with average daily postoperative drainage greater than 1000 ml/day for 6 days, and underwent to reoperation at a mean of 7.12±1.85 days after diagnosis (4–8 days). Chest tube drainage was stopped during 48 hours after reoperation. In Group II chylothorax did not occur. Conclusions  Chylothorax increases mortality and duration of hospitalization after esophageal cancer surgery. Most cases of chylothorax after esophageal resection are cured with early surgical intervention. It could be concluded that prophylactic thoracic duct ligation reduce the occurrence of chylothorax in advanced cases of esophageal carcinoma.     

不同术式治疗食管中下段癌的临床研究

目的 比较不同术式治疗食管中下段在手术创伤、恢复和淋巴结清扫方面的差异.方法 59例食管中下段癌病人接受食管癌切除手术.根据手术入路的不同,被分为3组:右胸、腹两切口手术组(两切组),右胸、腹、左颈三切口手术组(三切组)及左胸入路手术组(左胸组).收集临床数据并进行统计学分析.结果 手术切除率100%,无围手术期死亡.两切组、三切组和左胸组在术后住院时间、术后全身炎症反应综合征时间、体液丢失总量方面差异无统计学意义(P=0.287、0.641和0.355).3组的淋巴结清扫中位总数分别为22.5(11-39)枚、26(14-56)枚和17(7-44)枚(P=0.005);腹腔淋巴结清扫总数分别为10(5-26)枚、12(4-31)枚和8(3-19)枚(P=0.021).胸腔淋巴结清扫数目3组之间差异无统计学意义(P=0.177).食管中、下段癌淋巴结最常转移部位依次为贲门周、中段食管旁、胃左动脉旁等.经右胸食管癌手术的淋巴结清扫范围更广.结论 在创伤和整体恢复方面,左胸手术和右胸手术之间没有显著差异,而右胸手术组淋巴结清扫总数更多.由于食管中下段癌的淋巴结转移范围广泛,应该进行更认真、彻底的淋巴结清扫工作,以期降低局部复发率并改善生活质量.     

The significance of the extensive systematic lymphadenectomy for thoracic esophageal carcinoma

1. Materials: One hundred and seventy nine patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma who underwent an intrathoracic esophagectomy combined with systematic lymphadenectomy were investigated. They were roughly classified into two groups, i.e., those who received extensive lymphadenectomy in bilateral cervical and upper mediastinal regions (A group: 78 subjects), and those who underwent ordinary limited dissection of the lymph nodes in the left cervical and upper mediastinum (B group: 101 subjects). 2. Results: Cumulative 5-year survival rate of advanced cancer patients was 31.3% in A and 22.5% in B, the difference being of significance (p less than 0.05). The rate of postoperative mortality showed no difference between both groups, i.e., 3.8% in A and 4.9% in B groups. However, the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complication was 17.9% in A and 13.9% in B. Recurrent nerve palsy developed in frequencies of 39.7% and 17.8% in A and B groups respectively. 3. Conclusion: The degree of extended lymph node metastasis in carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus was closely correlated with its prognosis, and hence it is extremely important to perform intrathoracic esophagectomy with extensive systematic lymphadenectomy aiming at the favorable result in surgical treatment. It is also required to take preventive measures against postoperative complications.     

胸腹腔镜联合手术治疗食管癌81例

目的 评估应用胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗食管癌的可行性和疗效.方法 回顾分析2007年7月至2009年12月,81例在电视胸腔镜、腹腔镜联合辅助下经右胸、腹、左颈,行食管次全切除术及纵隔区、腹区两野淋巴结清扫术病人的临床资料.结果 所有病例均在胸、腹腔镜联合下完成食管癌根治术.全组总手术196～315 min,平均每例270.5 min,腹腔镜下胃游离及腹区淋巴结清扫40～90 min,平均约64.5 min;胸腔镜食管游离及纵隔淋巴结清扫60～125 min,平均81.2 min.全组共清扫淋巴结1652枚,平均每例20.4枚(5～41枚),转移率30.9%(25/81例);纵隔区淋巴结1012枚,平均每例12.5枚;清扫腹区淋巴结591枚、平均每例7.3枚.术中无大出血,腹腔出血30～100 ml,平均42.4 ml;胸腔出血60～300 ml,平均121.5 ml.术后住院8～45天,平均9.2天.术后早期并发症发生率为27.2%,呼吸衰竭1例死亡.肺部感染10例、喉返神经损伤5例、颈部吻合口瘘3例、乳糜胸2例、管状胃瘘1例和胸胃扩张各1例.术后79例随访2～31个月,平均14.2个月;死亡7例,总体生存率为91.1%.近中期并发症发生率为27.8%,其中反流性食管炎12例、复发或转移6例、吻合口狭窄5例.结论 胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗食管癌创伤小,并发症低,生活质量改善.该术式技术上可行,其达到肿瘤根治目的 及临床疗效方面是有效的.

Abstract：

Objective To assess the feasibility and clinical efficacy of minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.Methods From July 2007 to December 2009,eighty-one patients with esophageal cancer received combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy with anastomosis in the neck.All clinical data were retrospectively reviewed.Results The median operative time was 270.5 min (range 196-315 min).The median time of gastric mobilization and abdominal lymph node dissection was 64.5 min,and the median time of esophageal dissection and mediastinall lymph node dissection was 81.2 min.The median blood loss was 121.5 ml for the thoracic phase and 42.4 ml for abdomen phase.The mean number of disected lymph nodes was 20.4 (range 5-41) with metastastic rate of 30.9% (25/81).The mean harvest lymph node was 12.5 in chest and 7.3 in abdomen.Perioperative complications rate was 27.2%,including respiratory failure in 1 case,pulmonary infection in 10,anastomotic leak in 3,chylothorax in 2,gastric tube dilatation in 1,gastric tube leak in 1.And recurrent laryneal nerve injury in 5 .Seventy-nine patients were followed up withmMean follow up time of 14.2 months( range 2-31 months).The overall one-year survival rate was 91.1%.Postoperative complications included anastomotic stenosis in 5 cases (6.3%),reflux esophagitis in 12 (15.2%) and recurrence or metastasis in 6 (7.6%).Conclusion Minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer can mimimus trauma,reduce post-operative complications,improve the quality of life,which is feasible and effective from the point of the clinical efficacy and the purpose of tumor therapy.     

胸腹腔镜联合手术治疗食管癌81例

目的 评估应用胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗食管癌的可行性和疗效.方法 回顾分析2007年7月至2009年12月,81例在电视胸腔镜、腹腔镜联合辅助下经右胸、腹、左颈,行食管次全切除术及纵隔区、腹区两野淋巴结清扫术病人的临床资料.结果 所有病例均在胸、腹腔镜联合下完成食管癌根治术.全组总手术196～315 min,平均每例270.5 min,腹腔镜下胃游离及腹区淋巴结清扫40～90 min,平均约64.5 min;胸腔镜食管游离及纵隔淋巴结清扫60～125 min,平均81.2 min.全组共清扫淋巴结1652枚,平均每例20.4枚(5～41枚),转移率30.9%(25/81例);纵隔区淋巴结1012枚,平均每例12.5枚;清扫腹区淋巴结591枚、平均每例7.3枚.术中无大出血,腹腔出血30～100 ml,平均42.4 ml;胸腔出血60～300 ml,平均121.5 ml.术后住院8～45天,平均9.2天.术后早期并发症发生率为27.2%,呼吸衰竭1例死亡.肺部感染10例、喉返神经损伤5例、颈部吻合口瘘3例、乳糜胸2例、管状胃瘘1例和胸胃扩张各1例.术后79例随访2～31个月,平均14.2个月;死亡7例,总体生存率为91.1%.近中期并发症发生率为27.8%,其中反流性食管炎12例、复发或转移6例、吻合口狭窄5例.结论 胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗食管癌创伤小,并发症低,生活质量改善.该术式技术上可行,其达到肿瘤根治目的 及临床疗效方面是有效的.     

胸腹腔镜联合手术治疗食管癌81例

目的 评估应用胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗食管癌的可行性和疗效.方法 回顾分析2007年7月至2009年12月,81例在电视胸腔镜、腹腔镜联合辅助下经右胸、腹、左颈,行食管次全切除术及纵隔区、腹区两野淋巴结清扫术病人的临床资料.结果 所有病例均在胸、腹腔镜联合下完成食管癌根治术.全组总手术196～315 min,平均每例270.5 min,腹腔镜下胃游离及腹区淋巴结清扫40～90 min,平均约64.5 min;胸腔镜食管游离及纵隔淋巴结清扫60～125 min,平均81.2 min.全组共清扫淋巴结1652枚,平均每例20.4枚(5～41枚),转移率30.9%(25/81例);纵隔区淋巴结1012枚,平均每例12.5枚;清扫腹区淋巴结591枚、平均每例7.3枚.术中无大出血,腹腔出血30～100 ml,平均42.4 ml;胸腔出血60～300 ml,平均121.5 ml.术后住院8～45天,平均9.2天.术后早期并发症发生率为27.2%,呼吸衰竭1例死亡.肺部感染10例、喉返神经损伤5例、颈部吻合口瘘3例、乳糜胸2例、管状胃瘘1例和胸胃扩张各1例.术后79例随访2～31个月,平均14.2个月;死亡7例,总体生存率为91.1%.近中期并发症发生率为27.8%,其中反流性食管炎12例、复发或转移6例、吻合口狭窄5例.结论 胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗食管癌创伤小,并发症低,生活质量改善.该术式技术上可行,其达到肿瘤根治目的 及临床疗效方面是有效的.     

Chyluria after ligation of the thoracic duct: a rare complication after thoracoscopic-assisted esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

Chyluria is leakage of lymphatic fluid into the urine, following trauma to or obstruction of the lymphatic system. We herein report a rare case of chyluria after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. A 69-year-old male complaining of epigastric pain and reflux symptoms was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer and regional lymph node metastases. After receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy to control the regional lymph node metastases, the patient underwent transthoracic excision of the esophagus assisted by thoracoscopy, with excision of the azygos vein and thoracic duct, esophagostomy and tube gastrostomy. On postoperative day 22, the urine appeared ivory white in color, and urine tests showed a high triglyceride level, thus confirming the diagnosis of chyluria. The chyluria decreased temporarily after switching the patient from enteral nutrition (EN) to parental nutrition, but it emerged again after the resumption of EN. Lymphangiography at that stage showed the flow of lipiodol into the pelvis of the left kidney. Resolution of the chyluria was noted after lymphangiography. He underwent esophageal reconstruction with a gastric tube through an anterior mediastinal route, and was discharged 36 days after the second operation. He was thereafter followed up at the outpatient clinic with radiotherapy.     

Evaluation of neck lymph node dissection for thoracic esophageal carcinoma

We studied a series of 150 patients treated for thoracic esophageal carcinoma at our institution. The patients were divided into two matched groups. Group B underwent transthoracic esophagectomy with mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenectomy only; group A also underwent bilateral neck lymph node dissection. The rates of operative mortality and operative complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. The 5-year survival rate was 38.7% overall (48.7% in group A and 33.7% in group B). Group A had a significantly better survival curve than group B. Twenty patients (26.0%) in group A had metastasis in the dissected neck lymph nodes. The 4-year survival rate of these patients was 47.9%. The significantly better survival of group A and the satisfactory prognosis in the patients with positive cervical lymph nodes demonstrates the effectiveness of neck lymph node dissection in radical operation for thoracic esophageal carcinoma.     

Recent surgical treatment of thoracic esophageal carcinoma]

Nowadays, surgery for a thoracic esophageal carcinoma is accomplished safely, however, there still remain many problems concerning curative resection. Cancerous recurrences of the lymph node is still high against to lymph node dissection around thoracoabdominal region. Therefore, surgery should endeavour to prevent such lymphatic recurrences. In the patients with a carcinoma in the upper or middle third of the esophagus, who underwent extended radical esophagectomy, a significantly high incidence of metastasis in the recurrent nerve lymphatic chain was noted in comparison with that in patients with that in those who underwent standard radical resection. Complete resection of the recurrent nerve lymphatic chain is generally difficult through the thoracic approach alone, and such approach might be the factor causing the poor prognosis after standard radical surgery for an upper or middle thoracic esophageal carcinoma. Accordingly, extended radical surgery by the cervicothoracoabdominal approach can produced improved surgical curability for an upper or middle thoracic esophageal carcinoma. On the other hand, pulmonary complications are still a major postoperative complication following radical esophagectomy due to extended radical lymphadenectomy around the paratracheobronchial region. So, it is now clear that we should preserve the right bronchial artery and pulmonary nerves branched from the vagus nerve during the thoracic procedure, if these unaffected by cancerous invasion. Adopting this procedure resulted in a marked decrease in the incidence rate of postoperative severe pulmonary complications. Finally, in the near future we expect to develop criteria to select the best treatment for each specific individual based on preoperative studies of the biological characteristics of the carcinoma.     

Mesojejunal lymph node metastasis in esophageal cancer following total gastrectomy

We report on a case of thoracic esophageal cancer following total gastrectomy (ρ-Roux-en-Y reconstruction) with metastasis to the mesojejunal lymph nodes. Subtotal esophagectomy with reconstruction using pedicled colon and dissection of two lymph node fields was performed. During the operation, we found three lymph nodes showing metastasis at the ρ-Roux loop of the mesentery, and resected the ρ-Roux loop. The route of the lymphatic drainage to the abdomen from the thoracic tumor seemed to have been changed by the prior gastrectomy. Based on the pathological findings, the case was diagnosed with T2N4M0, Stage IVa. We did not confirm that the distant metastases skipped the mesojejunal lymph nodes preoperatively; the distant metastases were detected accidentally by lymphoscintigraphy using technetium-99m tin colloid. We believe this case highlights the need for detailed examinations in esophageal cancer patients who have had prior gastrectomy.     

腔镜辅助下McKeown术式切除食管癌18年经验总结

目的总结腔镜辅助下McKeown术式切除食管癌的单中心18年经验体会。 方法回顾性分析1997年8月至2015年6月在温州医科大学附属台州医院胸外科行食管癌切除的639例患者的临床资料,其中在腔镜辅助下完成McKeown食管癌切除手术622例(97.34%)。食管肿瘤位于上、中、下段分别占7.98%、63.54%和28.48%,其中8.92%的患者术前接受放化疗。TNM分期中,0、Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ期分别占10.33%、29.26%、42.10%、15.02%和3.29%;病理检查为鳞癌占92.02%,腺癌及其他类型占7.98%。手术采用腔镜辅助下经右胸、上腹、左颈入路,其中胸腔镜＋开腹占44.60%,胸腔镜＋腹腔镜占47.26%,开胸＋腹腔镜占5.48%,非计划中转开胸或开腹占2.66%。 结果胸腔镜下食管游离及胸腔淋巴结清扫时间为(78.6±36.9)min,腹腔镜下胃游离及腹区淋巴结清扫时间为(55.4±19.5)min;胸腔镜手术出血量为(99.5±79.2)ml,腹腔镜手术出血量为(40.5±23.4)ml。每例患者平均清扫淋巴结总数为(24.1±12.4)枚,其中胸腔淋巴结清扫(14.9±8.1)枚,腹腔淋巴结清扫(9.1±5.5)枚,颈区淋巴结清扫(1.5±1.3)枚。全组术中无死亡病例,术中因奇静脉或脾脏损伤出血4例,电凝钩或超声刀误伤气管4例,非病灶原因胸导管损伤13例,心房纤颤11例,食管切缘阳性R₁切除者4例。术后早期并发症超过10例次的包括肺部感染(11.42%)、颈部吻合瘘(7.04%)、心律失常(4.85%)、胸腔积液需要置管(3.29%)、喉返神经损伤(3.13%),术后乳糜胸(2.03%)。术后早期死亡6例(0.94%),分别为术后呼吸衰竭3例、气管管胃瘘后肺部严重感染1例、难控性高血糖并颈部吻合口瘘迁延不愈及多器官衰竭1例、胸胃瘘或坏死致主动脉腐蚀破裂出血1例。术后接受放化疗307例(48.04%);术后随访率为90.8%,平均随访时间(44.5±33.1)个月;术后1、2、3、5年的生存率分别为83.9%、69.7%、57.1%和45.5%。 结论腔镜辅助下McKeown术式食管癌切除在肿瘤R₀切除,以及术后近远期疗效上是可行且有效的。     

Bilateral approach for thoracoscopic esophagectomy with lymph node dissection in the dorsal area of the thoracic aorta in patients with esophageal cancer: A report of two cases

IntroductionThe incidence of lymph node metastasis in the dorsal area of the thoracic aorta (DTA) is relatively low in patients with esophageal cancer. It is difficult to approach the DTA using surgical procedures, such as an open thoracotomy and thoracoscopy in the left decubitus position.Case presentationCase 1: A 70-year-old man with esophageal cancer underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection via a right thoracoscopic approach, followed by lymphadenectomy in the DTA via left thoracoscopy in the prone position. Microscopic findings revealed two metastatic lymph nodes in the DTA. The definitive diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, and the pathological stage was T2N3M0 (Union for International Cancer Control [UICC], 7th edition). The patient showed lung metastasis 8 months after the surgery. Case 2: A 72-year-old man with esophageal cancer underwent esophagectomy via a bilateral approach in the prone position, using a similar procedure as in case 1. The definitive diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, and the pathological stage was T3N2M0. The patient showed a metastatic mediastinal lymph node 4 months after the surgery.ConclusionBilateral thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position can be safely performed, and it might be an alternative curative surgery for esophageal cancer. However, both our cases showed metastasis in the early postoperative period. The long-term outcome and significance of dissection of lymph nodes in the DTA in patients with esophageal cancer remains controversial. Further studies are required to establish the indications and efficacy of this therapeutic approach.     

Improved treatment of thoracic esophageal cancer based on a retrospective study of recurrence following resection

Recurrence after resection of thoracic esophageal cancer was classified according to site of recurrence into 5 categories; 1) local recurrence, 2) recurrence at the anastomotic site, 3) recurrence in cervical or mediastinal lymph nodes, 4) recurrence in abdominal lymph nodes and 5) distant organ metastasis. Although the combined resection of the trachea or aorta was performed in several cases with local extension, its clinical results were not superior to those from palliative resection. To prevent recurrence at the anastomotic site, we performed either pharyngeal anastomosis with laryngectomy or esophageal anastomosis just below the larynx. However, such anastomosis just below the larynx was liable to cause aspiration pneumonia. To prevent lymph node recurrence in the neck or mediastinum, we performed cervical and mediastinal lymph node dissection. However, lymph node recurrence in the upper mediastinum of the left side was occasionally observed in case receiving this operation, with lymph node recurrence being decreased by postoperative irradiation, though prognosis was not always improved. Anti-cancer agents CDDP and VDS or 5Fu were effective. To prevent abdominal lymph node recurrence, we recommend that abdominal lymph node dissection is necessarily performed as for cardiac cancer. To prevent distant organ metastasis, we recommend anti-cancer therapy following radical lymph node dissection.     

经典Ivor—Lewis手术与改良Ivor—Lewis手术治疗中下段食管癌的比较分析

目的通过对中下段食管癌经典Ivor-Lewis术式与改良Ivor．Lewis术式的治疗效果进行比较,重新评价经典Ivor—Lewis术式的临床应用价值。方法收集在南京医科大学第一附属医院胸心外科2009年3月至2010年3月间接受改良Ivor-Lewis手术的140例（改良组）和2010年4月至2011年4月期间接受经典Ivor-Lewis手术的112例（经典组）食管中下段癌患者的临床资料。比较两组手术时间、术后并发症、淋巴结清扫数量、转移淋巴结数量及术后病理分期。结果经典组平均手术时间为（212．0±39．5）mini含（22．0±3．4）min的重新消毒时间],稍长于改良组的（195．0±51．6）min,但差异并无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。两组患者术中清扫淋巴结总数的差异无统计学意义[（21．2±3．2）枚／例比（18．6±5．5）枚／例,P〉0．05],但对于上纵隔淋巴结,经典组清扫数量明显多于改良组[（8．0±2．1）枚／例比（3．1±0．6）枚／例,P〈0．05]。经典组术后检出有淋巴结转移者的比例明显高于改良组[41．1％（46／112）比27．9％（39／140）。P〈0．05]。结论对于中下段食管癌,经典lvor—Lewis术式在上纵隔淋巴结清扫效果及术后病理N分期的准确性方面较改良Ivor。Lewis术式更具优势,因而更符合肿瘤治疗原则。