Clinical utility of a novel hybrid position combining the left lateral decubitus and prone positions during thoracoscopic esophagectomy

Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in the left lateral decubitus position

BACKGROUND

The use of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) in the prone position for esophageal cancer has been currently increasing worldwide. In future, as surgical-assisted robots become more widespread, it is estimated that only two methods of transthoracic approach will remain: RAMIE and open thoracotomy for thoracic esophageal cancer. RAMIE in the left lateral decubitus position (RAMIE-LLDP) has the same field of view as open thoracotomy, is safe in emergency situations, and provides education on open thoracotomy.

METHODS

Between September 2020 and April 2024, RAMIE-LLDP was performed in 64 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer. RAMIE-LLDP was performed with the operating table rotated and tilted 45° to the ventral side under artificial pneumothorax. The hand-control setting of the surgical-assist robot system was reversed left to right when the Patient Cart was rolled from the same direction as the RAMIE in the prone position.

RESULTS

The mean total surgery and console times during the thoracic procedure were 254-min overall and 225 min in the last 24 cases and 195-min overall and 178- min in the last 24 cases, respectively. The mean amount of blood loss was 203.4 g overall and 28.3 g in the last 24 cases. Postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy with Clavien-Dindo classification (CD) was ≥ 2 in six patients (9.4%). Postoperative pneumonia with CD ≥ 2 was observed in 11 patients (17.2%). Conversion to open thoracotomy was observed in three patients (4.7%). In all three patients, an immediate conversion to thoracotomy without patients' position change was actually possible and no serious complications were noted. No mortality occurred within 30 days postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

RAMIE-LLDP which facilitates emergency thoracotomy has perioperative results comparable to those of conventional thoracoscopic esophagectomy and is educational for open surgery. RAMIE-LLDP is the safest and most optimal surgery for esophageal cancer.

The Usability of Intensive Imaging Surveillance After Esophagectomy in Patients with Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Although imaging surveillance after esophagectomy is required to achieve long-term survival for patients with esophageal cancer, the optimal surveillance timing and interval remain unclear. This study was designed to investigate the differences in oncological outcomes based on the detection method for recurrence and surveillance interval in patients with recurrence detected by routine imaging examination after esophagectomy.

METHODS

A total of 527 patients who underwent thoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer with R0 resection between 2003 and 2021 in our department were enrolled in this study. Postoperative, routine surveillance was conducted at an outpatient clinic every 3 months, thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) every 4-6 months, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy every 6 months. The detection method and optimal interval of imaging surveillance also were investigated.

RESULTS

Of all patients, 161 patients developed recurrence during surveillance; 110 (68.3 %) by routine surveillance and 37 (23.0%) not detected by routine surveillance. Among patients who were diagnosed with recurrence following routine surveillance, patients with pStage IV disease on imaging surveillance by thoracoabdominal CT at an interval of ≤ 5 months had a better survival rate than those with an interval of 6 months (P = 0.004), whereas no significant difference among different intervals was observed in patients with pStage I-III disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence may have been detectable by our routine surveillance in approximately 70% of patients who developed recurrence. These findings demonstrate the necessity of different imaging surveillance intervals for different pStages of esophageal cancer.

Comparison of hand-sewn and circular stapled esophagogastric anastomoses in the neck after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis

Esophagectomy is a highly invasive surgical procedure; however, anastomotic leakage is one of the major surgical complications that should be prevented. Institutions have their own inherited or specialized anastomosis methods. The superior anastomosis procedure remains unknown despite the many studies to determine the optimal method. The present study enrolled 341 patients who underwent esophagectomy at Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, between January 2009 and January 2019. The anastomosis method was changed from circular stapled anastomosis to hand-sewn anastomosis in February 2014 to reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage. We retrospectively compared short-term results (anastomotic leakage and stricture) between hand-sewn and circular stapled anastomoses. Analysis of heterogeneity after propensity score matching between the 107 patients in the hand-sewn anastomosis group and 107 patients in the circular stapled anastomosis group revealed almost equal distributions. The incidence rate of anastomotic leakage was significantly lower in the hand-sewn anastomosis group than in the circular stapled anastomosis group (9 vs. 20%, hazard ratio: 2.521; 95% confidence interval: 1.112-5.716; P = 0.027). No significant difference was found in the incidence of anastomotic stricture (16 vs. 18%, P = 0.844). Furthermore, no significant difference was found in the incidence of anastomotic leakage in any of the tumor locations between the two anastomosis procedures. For esophagogastric anastomosis in the neck after esophagectomy, hand-sewn anastomosis is superior to circular stapled anastomosis with regard to reducing the risk of anastomotic leakage.

Effect of Postoperative Oral Intake Status on Sarcopenia Six Months After Esophageal Cancer Surgery

PURPOSE

In patients with esophageal cancer, skeletal muscle mass has been reported to decrease progressively after surgery and be independently associated with a poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate perioperative changes in dysphagia, oral intake status, and nutritional status and identify factors related to sarcopenia 6 months after esophagectomy.

METHODS

A total of 134 patients who underwent radical resection for thoracic esophageal cancer between March 2016 and July 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was made by CT taken 6 months postoperatively using the cut-off criteria of skeletal muscle index (SMI) < 52.4 cm²/m² for male and SMI < 38.5 cm²/m² for female patients. As factors related to postoperative sarcopenia, dysphagia, oral intake status, nutritional status, and physical function were extracted from the medical records. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify perioperative risk factors related to sarcopenia 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 134 patients, 34.3% were judged to be unable to start oral intake on swallowing assessment. At discharge, 30.6% received tube feeding with or without oral intake. In the non-oral intake group on swallowing assessment, a significantly higher proportion of patients received tube feeding at discharge (p = 0.014). Preoperative BMI, postoperative handgrip strength, and tube feeding at discharge were independent risk factors for sarcopenia 6 months after esophagectomy in male patients.

CONCLUSION

Tube feeding at discharge is significantly related to postoperative sarcopenia in patients with esophageal cancer. Identifying high-risk groups might allow early detection of malnutrition and provision of appropriate care.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio change predicts histological response to and oncological outcome of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Evaluating tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is important to predict survival and to select the optimal strategy for patients with esophageal cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the relation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) change after NAC and histological response and oncological outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer.

METHODS

This study enrolled 209 patients who underwent NAC and thoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer as the primary treatment between 2000 and 2019 in our department. Several predictors of survival including NLR change, which was calculated as post-NAC NLR/pre-NAC NLR, were investigated. We used classification and regression tree (CART) analysis to determine the optimal cutoff values of NLR change for the prediction of histological response.

RESULTS

The best cutoff value of NLR change was 0.55 using the CART analysis. Then we divided all patients into two groups; the patients with NLR change below the cutoff were allocated to the NLR reduction group (n = 53), whereas the patients with NLR change above the cutoff were allocated to the no-NLR reduction group (n = 156). NLR change was identified as a significant predictor for histological responder (odds ratio 3.80; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69-8.58; p = 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.33-0.89; p = 0.015) in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that NLR change is associated with both histological response to and oncological outcomes of NAC for patients with esophageal cancer. NLR change can help not only to predict survival, but also to facilitate personalized multidisciplinary treatment.

Clinical Features of Recurrence Pattern with Lung Metastasis After Radical Esophagectomy for Thoracic Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

One of the difficulties in the treatment of esophageal cancer surgery is the high rate of postoperative recurrence. After esophagectomy, distant metastatic recurrence frequently occurs in the lung. This study aimed to determine the clinical features of a recurrence pattern with lung metastasis.

METHODS

The current study analyzed data from 138 patients who had postoperative recurrence of esophageal cancer after a radical esophagectomy. According to the recurrence pattern at the time of initial diagnosis, the patients were classified into two groups as follows: those with lung metastasis and those without.

RESULTS

Twenty-three of the 138 investigated patients had a recurrence pattern with lung metastasis. Salvage surgery and postoperative pneumonia (p = 0.041 and 0.030, respectively) were identified as risk factors for recurrence pattern with lung metastasis in multivariate analysis. When we compared the sites of primary esophageal tumors, we found that the frequencies of distant metastases, such as lung and liver metastases, as well as pleural/peritoneal dissemination, were higher in the mid and distal esophageal tumors. Patients with a recurrence pattern showing lung metastasis alone had a better overall and post-recurrence survival than those with other recurrence patterns (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who had postoperative recurrence after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer, salvage surgery, and postoperative pneumonia were significantly related to recurrence pattern with lung metastasis. Postoperative recurrence with lung metastasis alone had a better prognosis than other recurrence patterns; therefore, when pulmonary recurrence is suspected, performing intensive examinations for early diagnosis is critical.

Short-term outcomes of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy with extended lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer compared with video-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy: A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The safety and feasibility of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of RAMIE with extended lymphadenectomy and conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in order to investigate the safety and feasibility of RAMIE.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 87 patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy at our institution between April 2018 and March 2020 was made, assigning 22 in the RAMIE group and 65 in the MIE group. Short-term clinical outcomes and clinical baseline data were compared.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics were comparable. No significant difference in median thoracic phase blood loss and median number of dissected mediastinal lymph nodes were observed. The median operative time of thoracic approach was significantly longer in the RAMIE group than the MIE group (305 minutes [221-397] vs 227 minutes [133-365], P < .0001). With respect to postoperative complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (Clavien-Dindo ≥ grade II) (RAMIE 4.6% vs MIE 17%, P = .11) and postoperative pneumonia (Clavien-Dindo ≥ grade III) (RAMIE 9% vs MIE 23%, P = .13), no significant difference was observed. The patients in the RAMIE group had a better postoperative swallowing function (P = .023) and were able to start oral food intake significantly earlier (P = .007). The median hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RAMIE group than in the MIE (23 days vs 35 days, P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

RAMIE with extended lymphadenectomy was safe and feasible for esophageal cancer and resulted in improved postoperative swallowing function and shorter postoperative hospital stay.

Lymphocyte-to-C-Reactive Protein Ratio as a Novel Marker for Predicting Oncological Outcomes in Patients with Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer has a poor prognosis because of its rapid progression and early and extensive lymph node metastasis. Simple, objective indicators for predicting long-term outcomes are needed to select optimal perioperative treatment and appropriate follow-up for patients with esophageal cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR) and the survival of patients with esophageal cancer, by performing time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The results were compared to those of traditional inflammation-based markers.

METHODS

This study enrolled 495 patients who underwent thoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer as the primary treatment between 2000 and 2019 in our department. We investigated the predictability of the LCR for oncological outcomes compared to that of other traditional inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

The 3-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 72.6% and 57.5%, respectively. Low LCR was significantly associated with higher cancer stage, included depth of invasion (p < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001) and cStage (p < 0.001). The LCR had the highest AUC value (0.675) for predicting OS compared to the other examined inflammatory markers. In multivariate analysis, the LCR (optimal cutoff threshold = 19,000) was identified as a significant predictor of death (hazard ratio, 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-3.12; p < 0.001) and recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.97; 95%CI, 1.48-2.63; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The LCR is novel indicator for oncological outcomes for patients with esophageal cancer and may assist to facilitate personalized multidisciplinary treatments.

Prognostic impact of thoracic duct lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM

We have previously reported the existence of lymph nodes surrounding the thoracic duct ( TDLN) and transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) with thoracic duct (TD) resection increased the number of lymph nodes (LNs) retrieved. The current study aims to evaluate the prognostic impact of TDLN metastasis in esophageal cancer patients subdivided by its location and comparing the patients' survival with those with extra-regional LN metastasis.

METHODS

Patients who underwent TTE with TD resection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) were reviewed. Patients were classified into those with or without TDLN metastasis, and clinicopathological factors were compared between groups. TDLN was further divided into TDLN-Ut/Mt/Lt based on the location in the mediastinum. The relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Of 232 patients, TDLN metastasis was observed in 17 (7%). RFS and OS were significantly worse in the TDLN metastasis group. TDLN metastasis was shown to be an independent prognostic factor for RFS and OS in the multivariate analysis. The negative prognostic impact of TDLN metastasis was evident in TDLN-Mt/Lt. The RFS and OS of patients with TDLN metastasis were almost identical to those with positive LN metastasis in extra-regional LNs.

CONCLUSION

TDLN metastasis was proven to be a strong prognostic indicator. Although the TDLN has been included in the classification of regional LN in the current staging systems, it could be independently classified from the current regional LNs. Given that neoadjuvant therapy has been a standard, we might need to introduce adjuvant therapy when TDLN metastasis is observed.

Improvement of surgical complications using single-lumen endotracheal tube intubation and artificial carbon dioxide pneumothorax in esophagectomy: a meta-analysis

Background

Esophageal cancer has a poor prognosis. Surgery is the main treatment but involves a high risk of complications. Some surgical strategies have tried to eliminate complications. Our meta-analysis tried to find the benefits of single-lumen endotracheal tube intubation with carbon dioxide (CO₂) inflation.

Methods

A systematic search of studies on esophagectomy and CO₂ inflation was conducted using PubMed, Medline, and Scopus. The odds ratio of post-operative pulmonary complications and anastomosis leakage were the primary outcomes. The standardized mean difference (SMD) in post-operative hospitalization duration was the secondary outcome.

Results

The meta-analysis included four case-control studies with a total of 1503 patients. The analysis showed a lower odds ratio of pulmonary complications in the single-lumen endotracheal tube intubation in the CO₂ inflation group (odds ratio: 0.756 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.518 to 1.103]) compared to that in the double-lumen endotracheal tube intubation group, but anastomosis leakage did not improve (odds ratio: 1.056 [95% CI: 0.769 to 1.45])). The SMD in hospitalization duration did not show significant improvement. (SMD: -0.141[95% CI: − 0.248 to − 0.034]).

Conclusions

Single-lumen endotracheal tube intubation with CO₂ inflation improved pulmonary complications and shortened the hospitalization duration. However, no benefit in anastomosis leakage was observed.

Prognostic Significance of the Number and Extent of Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Patients with Esophageal Cancer: Comparison of the Union for International Cancer Control 8th Edition and Japan Esophageal Society Japanese Classification of Esophageal Cancer 11th Edition Classifications for Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The tumor, node, metastasis staging system of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has been used worldwide for esophageal cancer, and, in Japan, the Japan Esophageal Society Japanese Classification of Esophageal Cancer (JES) has also been used; however, there is a big difference between the two classifications with regard to node staging. We hypothesized that these two node staging systems may lead to different outcome predictions in terms of tumor location.

METHODS

This study enrolled 409 patients who underwent esophagectomy at Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, between January 2005 and December 2017. We included those who underwent R0 or R1 resection or esophagectomy with additional organ excision, and excluded those who underwent salvage surgery. Thereafter, we investigated how the number or spread of metastatic lymph nodes affected the prognosis.

RESULTS

For all 409 patients, the 5-year overall survival rate was 64.1% and the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 58.4%. The concordance indices were 0.756 for UICC 8th edition pathological node staging and 0.732 for JES 11th edition pathological node staging (p = 0.06). Based on tumor location, the difference in the concordance indices between these two classifications was greatest for lower thoracic esophageal tumors (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

For all patients, the UICC 8th edition node staging system tended to reflect survival more precisely than that of the JES 11th edition. For lower thoracic esophageal tumors in particular, the former node staging system could be more useful.

The perioperative presepsin as an accurate diagnostic marker of postoperative infectious complications after esophagectomy: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Presepsin is suggested to be an accurate sepsis diagnostic biomarker, playing an important role in distinguishing infection from no-infection status. However, to date, there is no study determining presepsin's role in diagnosing post-esophagectomy infectious complications.

METHODS

Thirty patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma were included in this prospective observational study. We investigated preoperative presepsin levels' changes and evaluated the relationship between infectious complications and presepsin levels. Moreover, we analyzed the classification and regression tree (CART) to determine presepsin's optimal cutoff values for discriminating infectious complications.

RESULTS

For 10 patients with infectious complications, median presepsin levels were 168, 337, 303, 271, 314, 978, and 752 pg/ml, pre- and immediately post-surgery, and 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 days post-surgery, respectively. Presepsin levels were significantly higher in the infectious complication group exclusively from preoperation to POD 7 (p = 0.048). Furthermore, area under the curve's value of presepsin on POD 5 and 7 was higher than the other three biomarkers included for discriminating infectious complications (i.e., procalcitonin, leukocyte, and C-reacted protein). We set an optimal cutoff value for presepsin calculated by CART. Specifically, on POD 5, the cutoff was 888 pg/ml with a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 90%, and on POD 7, the cutoff was 668 pg/ml with a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 85%.

CONCLUSIONS

Presepsin levels on POD 5 and 7 after esophagectomy are a valuable indicator of infectious complication's detection vs. leukocyte, C-reacted protein, and procalcitonin.

Clinical significance of preoperative serum concentrations of interleukin-6 as a prognostic marker in patients with esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Although the clinical outcome of esophageal cancer has recently improved, the relapse rate remains high for all disease stages. At present, there is no diagnostic method to predict the long-term outcome for esophageal cancer. In this study, we evaluated serum preoperative proinflammatory cytokine levels and investigated the correlation between preoperative interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 levels and survival of patients with esophageal cancer.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2015, we evaluated preoperative serum cytokine levels in 122 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We investigated the relationship between serum cytokine levels and the response to chemotherapy and survival.

RESULTS

The preoperative IL-6 levels were significantly associated with shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS, p = 0.001) and overall survival (OS, p = 0.001) after esophagectomy. Higher IL-8 levels were significantly associated with RFS (p = 0.018). In the multivariate analysis, age, preoperative chemotherapy, lymph node metastasis, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and serum IL-6 levels (hazard ratio (HR), 2.888; p = 0.049) were significantly independent prognostic factors of RFS. Additionally, age, pathological stage, and serum IL-6 levels (HR, 3.247; p = 0.027) were shown to be significantly independent prognostic factors of OS. Serum IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the non-responder group (pathological response pGrade0 and pGrade1) after neoadjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

High preoperative serum IL-6 levels are associated with a poor response to chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy and poor prognosis after esophagectomy. Preoperative serum IL-6 levels may be a useful independent prognostic marker for esophageal cancer patients.

Minimally invasive oesophagectomy with extended lymph node dissection and thoracic duct resection for early-stage oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive disease owing to early and widespread lymph node metastases. Multimodal therapy and radical surgery may improve prognosis. Few studies have investigated the efficacy of radical lymph node and thoracic duct resection.

METHODS

Patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent transthoracic minimally invasive oesophagectomy (TMIE) for cancer at Keio University Hospital between January 2004 and December 2016 were selected. Between 2004 and 2008, TMIE was performed in the lateral decubitus position without thoracic duct resection (standard TMIE). From 2009 onwards, TMIE with extended lymph node and thoracic duct resection was introduced (extended TMIE). Demographics, co-morbidity, number of retrieved lymph nodes, pathology, postoperative complications and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients underwent standard TMIE and 191 extended TMIE. There were no significant differences in clinical and pathological tumour stage or postoperative complications. The extended-TMIE group had more lymph nodes removed at nodal stations 106recL and 112. Among patients with cT1 N0 disease, RFS was better in the extended-TMIE group (P < 0·001), whereas there was no difference in RFS between groups in patients with advanced disease.

CONCLUSION

Extended TMIE including thoracic duct resection increased the number of lymph nodes retrieved and was associated with improved survival in patients with cT1 N0 oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Determination of the optimal surgical procedure by identifying risk factors for pneumonia after transthoracic esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy is associated with a high risk of postoperative complications, and the respiratory complications are the most common. Therefore, stratification of patients based on preoperative risk factors is essential. This study aimed to identify the risk of postoperative pneumonia (POP) based on the preoperative factors and determine the optimal perioperative surgical management strategy.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 207 patients who underwent esophagectomy. The patients were divided into two groups, namely, with POP and without POP. To identify the risk factors for POP, the pre- and perioperative characteristics were analyzed. A receiver operating characteristics curve was used to determine a cutoff value of 2.40 L for the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0) and the cohort was divided into a high- and low-FEV1.0 group. A second analysis was then performed to determine the optimal surgical management for patients at a high risk for POP.

RESULTS

POP occurred in 45 (21.7%) patients. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that FEV1.0 was significantly lower in the POP (+) group (P = 0.020); thus, a low FEV1.0 was found to be a risk factor for POP. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that open thoracotomy was a significant risk factor for POP in low FEV1.0 patients (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

A low FEV1.0 and an open thoracotomy are risk factors for POP. Therefore, patients with low FEV1.0 should be managed carefully and video-assisted thoracic surgery should be considered.

A low surgical Apgar score is a predictor of anastomotic leakage after transthoracic esophagectomy, but not a prognostic factor

BACKGROUND

The surgical Apgar score (SAS) has been a useful predictor of postoperative complications in several types of cancer. However, there are few reports about the correlation of SAS and esophageal cancer. This study aimed to examine the utility of SAS as a predictor of major complications, particularly anastomotic leakage, in patients who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy, and investigate the correlation between SAS and patient prognosis.

METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective observational study. A total of 190 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in 2012-2016 were reviewed to find the correlation between SAS and postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification III or higher). SAS was calculated based on intraoperative estimated blood loss, lowest mean arterial pressure, and lowest heart rate. Major complications included anastomotic leakage, respiratory, cardiac, recurrent nerve palsy, chylothorax, and other complications. We also reviewed how SAS was correlated with 3 year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). A high SAS was defined as ≥ 6, and a low SAS as < 6.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, SAS showed a statistical significance in all major complications and anastomotic leakage. On multiple logistic regression analysis, a low SAS was detected as a risk factor of the major complications and anastomotic leakage, with a significant difference. Moreover, we conducted survival analysis with SAS; however, we could not detect that a low SAS had a negative impact on OS and RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

A low SAS can be a predictor of postoperative complications, especially anastomotic leakage. However, SAS was not correlated with OS or RFS.

The Benefits of Docetaxel Plus Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil Induction Therapy in Conversion to Curative Treatment for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT), used for treatment of patients with an initial diagnosis of unresectable locally advanced esophageal cancer, has led to unsatisfactory long-term prognosis. Moreover, CRT can lead to esophageal fistula, perforation, and strictures. Therefore, strong induction chemotherapeutic treatments are necessary to reduce the tumor volume for subsequent radical esophagectomy. This study aimed to determine the oncological utility of docetaxel plus cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) and the technical feasibility of subsequent esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal cancer.

METHODS

Eighty-seven patients with clinical borderline unresectable T3 and T4 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma without distant metastases were included in this study. There were 44 patients in primary DCF group and 43 patients in definitive CRT group, and perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (50%) achieved R0 resection in the DCF group. Albeit not significant, the rate of curative treatment was higher in the DCF group than the definitive CRT group (p = 0.099). The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were better with DCF than with definitive CRT (median OS, 29 vs. 17 months, p = 0.206; median PFS, 10 vs. 6 months, p = 0.020). Specifically, the OS of patients with a Charlson score of less than 3 among the DCF-treated patients tended to be better than those among the definitive CRT-treated patients.

CONCLUSION

DCF and subsequent esophagectomy achieved R0 resection in 50% of the patients and was associated with better long-term oncological outcomes in patients with initially unresectable esophageal cancer if their systemic status is acceptable.

Influence of Neoadjuvant Therapy on Poor Long-Term Outcomes of Postoperative Complications in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative complications have a negative impact on overall survival after esophagectomy because systemic inflammation may induce residual cancer cell growth. A solution that could suppress micrometastasis is neoadjuvant therapy; however, to date, no study has shown that neoadjuvant therapy suppresses proliferation of cancer cells due to postoperative complications after esophagectomy. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of neoadjuvant therapy on poor long-term outcomes of postoperative complications in patients with esophageal carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 431 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were included in this study. We investigated the relationship between complications, such as pneumonia, and long-term oncologic outcomes with and without neoadjuvant therapy.

RESULTS

Among the patients, the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 69.5% and the disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 59.0%. The patients were categorized into two groups: the neoadjuvant therapy (+) group (n = 217) and neoadjuvant therapy (-) group (n = 214). Among patients not undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, patients with pneumonia or pyothorax had significantly poorer OS and DFS than patients without these complications. However, among patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, there were no significant differences in long-term outcomes, regardless of presence of complications. On multivariate analysis, pneumonia (p = 0.003), pyothorax (p < 0.001), and chylothorax (p = 0.002) were identified as predictors of death in the neoadjuvant therapy (-) group.

CONCLUSION

The negative impact of postoperative complications on long-term prognoses can be reduced by performing neoadjuvant therapy in patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Review of different approaches of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve area for lymphadenectomy during minimally invasive esophagectomy

In order to perform the total mediastinal lymphadenectomy during minimally invasive esophageal resection, doing the lymphadenectomy along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (LRLN) may be a difficult part of this intervention. One reason is the need for the correct visualization of the area; another is not wanting to compromise the integrity of the nerve. In this review article the different modalities for approaching this upper mediastinal area by thoracoscopy are described.

[Minimally invasive esophagectomy]

Certain advantages of minimally invasive esophagectomy compared with conventional approaches were observed. Optimal surgical access, technique and features of anastomoses formation are still unclear despite common tendency to minimally invasive esophageal surgery. Further researches are necessary to resolve these problems and improve the outcomes.

Analysis of the Effect of Early Versus Conventional Nasogastric Tube Removal on Postoperative Complications After Transthoracic Esophagectomy: A Single-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Although esophagectomy is the only curative option for esophageal cancer, the associated invasiveness is high. Nasogastric (NG) tube use may prevent complications; however, its utility remains unclear, and the decompression period depends on the doctor. This study aimed to reveal the effect of conventional versus early NG tube removal on postoperative complications after esophagectomy.

METHODS

This single-center prospective randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled patients aged 20-80 years with histologically proven primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Eighty patients admitted for transthoracic first-stage esophagectomy reconstructed with gastric conduit were randomly assigned (1:1) to the conventional and early NG tube removal groups. In the conventional NG tube removal group, the tube was removed on postoperative day (POD) 7; in the other, it was removed on POD 1. The occurrence rate of major complications, length of postoperative hospital stay, and NG tube reinsertion rate were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The incidence of postoperative major complications such as pneumonia, anastomotic leakage, recurrent nerve palsy and gastrointestinal bleeding, and the NG tube reinsertion rate was not different between the groups. However, recurrent nerve palsy was more commonly observed in the conventional removal group; this difference was not significant. In terms of postoperative pneumonia, tumor location and field of lymph node dissection were significant risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Although early NG tube removal did not reduce the rate of postoperative pneumonia, it could be performed safely. Hence, the NG tube can be removed earlier than conventional methods.

Postoperative Pneumonia is Associated with Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes of Definitive Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Salvage Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND OR PURPOSE

As we previously indicated, postoperative pneumonia has a negative impact on the overall survival after planned esophagectomy. However, the impact of postoperative pneumonia after salvage esophagectomy on long-term oncologic outcomes still remains unclear. This study aimed to indicate the association between postoperative pneumonia and long-term outcomes of definitive chemoradiotherapy followed by salvage esophagectomy. Furthermore, we determined a prediction model for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) using a survival classification and regression tree (CART).

METHODS

Ninety-three patients who underwent CRT followed by esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer were identified for this study. Forty-nine patients and 44 patients were included in the salvage and neoadjuvant groups, respectively. We investigated the association between postoperative pneumonia and long-term oncologic outcomes following salvage esophagectomy.

RESULTS

Patients from the salvage group tended to have a lower OS compared to neoadjuvant group (median survival: salvage, 24 months vs neoadjuvant, 43 months, p = 0.117). Multivariate analyses revealed that postoperative pneumonia adversely affected both OS (p < 0.001) and DFS (p = 0.044) after salvage esophagectomy. We generated the prediction model for OS and DFS in the salvage group using survival CART. Postoperative pneumonia was the most important parameter for predicting the OS.

DISCUSSION

The present study demonstrates the long-term outcomes and risk factors for mortality of salvage esophagectomy. To improve OS after salvage surgery, the development of a means of decreasing pulmonary complications is needed.

Size of recurrent laryngeal nerve as a new risk factor for postoperative vocal cord paralysis

Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP) is a frequent and serious complication following esophageal cancer surgery. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the correlation between recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) size and RLNP. This was a retrospective study of esophageal cancer patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy from January 2012 to December 2014. Eighty-four patients were included in the primary analysis. Diameter of the RLN was measured using the digital video recording of surgical procedures by the ratio between scissor and RLN. For evaluation of vocal cord paralysis or paresis, indirect laryngoscopy was performed. Because RLNP more frequently occurs on the left side than the right, we evaluated the correlation between size of the left RLN and left RLNP. The median size of the left RLN was 1.51 mm. We found that the incidence of postoperative left RLNP (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥1) was significantly higher (71% vs. 24%; P < 0.001) in thin RLNs (≤1.5 mm) than in thick RLNs (>1.5 mm). Thin RLN (P < 0.001), female sex (P = 0.025), and being overweight (P = 0.034) were identified as significant independent risk factors for postoperative RLNP. RLNP more easily occurred when the RLN was thin. It is difficult to confirm occurrence of postoperative RLNP before and at extubation. Therefore, it is helpful to know its risk factors including size of RLN.

Comparison of perioperative and oncological outcome of thoracoscopic esophagectomy in left decubitus position and in prone position for esophageal cancer

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to clarify the differences between thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the left decubitus position (LP) and in the prone position (PP) in terms of short-term perioperative outcomes and long-term oncological outcomes after more than 5 years of follow-up.

METHODS

Patients with esophageal cancer who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy and were followed up for more than 5 years were analyzed retrospectively. Of 142 patients, 72 underwent LP esophagectomy and 70 underwent PP esophagectomy. Operation time, blood loss, operative morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, and the number of dissected lymph nodes were compared to evaluate short-term outcomes. Cancer recurrence and overall survival were compared to examine long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Patient and tumor characteristics were not different between the LP and PP groups except for the rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Blood loss was significantly lower in the PP group than in the LP group. Incidence of Clavien-Dindo (C.D.) grade ≥ III complications was significantly lower in the PP group than in the LP group. Pulmonary complications were also significantly lower in the PP group than in the LP group. Operation type (LP versus PP) was identified as an independent risk factor for pulmonary complications (odds ratio 0.27, p = 0.03) by multivariate analysis. Cancer recurrence rate, initial recurrence site, and overall survival rate were not different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

PP is regarded as a less invasive procedure than LP with the same oncological effect.

Perioperative Risk Calculator Predicts Long-Term Oncologic Outcome for Patients with Esophageal Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Few risk models have been provided to predict long-term prognosis after esophagectomy. This study investigated the reliability of a risk calculator as well as classification and regression trees analysis for predicting long-term prognosis after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

METHODS

The study enrolled 438 patients who underwent esophagectomy at Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, between July 2000 and June 2016. Patients who underwent R0 or R1 resection or esophagectomy with combined resection of other organs were included. The authors investigated the usefulness of a risk model for 30-day mortality and operative mortality described in their previous report for predicting long-term prognosis after esophagectomy.

RESULTS

The 438 patients (377 men and 61 women) in this study had a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of 62.8% and a disease-free survival rate of 54.3%. The OS was higher for the patients with 30-day mortality risk model values lower than 0.675% than for those with values higher than 0.675% (p < 0.001). The cutoff values for prediction were shown to be significant risk factors in the multivariate analysis. The risk calculator was validated by comparing the cutoff values with Harrell's C-index values of clinical stage. For overall risk, the C-index of operative mortality was 0.697, and the C-index of cStage was 0.671.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk calculator was useful for predicting recurrence and death after esophagectomy. Furthermore, because the C-index of the risk model for operative mortality was higher than for clinical tumor-node-metastasis stage, this risk-scoring system may be more useful clinically.

Air Bubble Sign: A New Screening Method for Anastomotic Leakage After Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Contrast esophagography often is performed to screen for anastomotic leakage (AL) after esophagectomy. However, its sensitivity remains low. Adverse events also have been reported. This report describes a new screening method to detect AL on computed tomography (CT) after esophagectomy.

METHODS

From January 2012 to December 2015, 185 patients with esophageal cancer underwent surgical resection at the authors' institution. The study comparatively reviewed patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, and findings from postoperative CT images and contrast esophagrams of 142 patients who underwent esophagectomy followed by primary gastric conduit reconstruction through a posterior mediastinum route.

RESULTS

In this study, 24 patients (15.5%) had AL (leakage-positive group), and 120 patients (84.5%) did not (leakage-negative group). Both groups had comparable backgrounds. The number of air bubbles around the anastomotic site and the mediastinal space on postoperative CT images were significantly greater in the leakage-positive group than in the leakage-negative group. The cutoff value for the number of air bubbles required for a positive diagnosis of AL ("air bubble sign") was calculated to be 3 by receiver operating characteristic curve. Compared with contrast esophagography, the air bubble sign on CT demonstrated a significantly higher sensitivity (86.4 vs. 50.0%) and an equivalent specificity (95.8 vs. 100.0%). Contrast esophagography altered the postoperative management of only five patients (3.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

A positive air bubble sign on CT is an objective and noninvasive screening method for AL after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and may replace contrast esophagography as a screening test for AL.

Outcomes of thoracoscopic esophagectomy in prone position with laparoscopic gastric mobilization for esophageal cancer

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of thoracoscopic esophagectomy performed in the prone position (TSE-PP) followed by laparoscopic gastric mobilization (LGM) compared with open thoracotomy and LGM, for esophageal cancers.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 105 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy with LGM for esophageal cancer at Kochi Medical School. Among the study patients, 60 patients underwent TSE-PP, while 45 underwent open thoracotomy (OPEN group). The perioperative outcomes of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Compared to the OPEN group, the TSE-PP group had lower blood loss (TSE-PP, 150 mL; OPEN, 430 mL; P < 0.001), longer operative time (TSE-PP, 609 min; OPEN, 570 min; P = 0.012), more lymph nodes dissected around the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (TSE-PP, 6; OPEN, 2; P < 0.001), and a shorter length of hospital stay (TSE-PP, 16.5 days; OPEN, 35 days; P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications was similar in the two groups. Though the recurrence rate and overall survival were not significantly different in the two groups, the TSE-PP group had better overall survival rates than the OPEN group (P = 0.122).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent TSE-PP with LGM for esophageal cancers recovered earlier after surgery compared to those who underwent open thoracotomy with LGM.

Clinical outcome of transthoracic esophagectomy with thoracic duct resection: Number of dissected lymph node and distribution of lymph node metastasis around the thoracic duct

The number of dissected lymph nodes (LNs), surgical outcomes, and postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between thoracic duct (TD)-preserved and TD-resected groups. The distribution of metastasis in LNs around TD (TDLN) was reviewed. Transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) with TD resection for esophageal cancer patients has been one of the standard procedures. Because the adipose tissue surrounding the TD contains LNs, TD resection might be necessary for radical LN dissection. However, few studies have investigated the oncological outcome of TTE with TD resection. Two hundred fifty-six consecutive patients who underwent TTE between 2004 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed and classified into TD-preserved or TD-resected groups. The number of dissected LNs for each LN station and surgical outcomes were compared. RFS was analyzed in 155 patients who underwent TTE before December 2012. Since 2013, the TDLN number was prospectively examined, independent of the regional LNs (n = 72). Of these, the TDLN number for each location (TDLN-Ut/Mt/Lt) was investigated and the correlation between TDLN metastasis and clinicopathological factors was analyzed. The TD was preserved in 89 patients and resected in 167 patients. Patients with TD resection showed significant advanced stage. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications, including pneumonia, anastomotic leakage, and chylothorax. The number of dissected mediastinal LNs was significantly increased in the TD-resected group. The 5-year RFS rate of cStage I patients was 67.3% in the TD-preserved group against 90.3% in the TD-resected group, showing a tendency towards RFS extension that did not quite reach statistical significance (P = 0.055). The mean TDLN-Ut/Mt/Lt numbers were 0.89/0.56/0.44, respectively. Eight of 72 (11%) patients displayed TDLN metastasis. Metastatic TDLNs were observed on the same or cranial level of the primary lesion in 7 of 8 patients. Transthoracic esophagectomy with TD resection could increase the number of dissected mediastinal LNs without increase of postoperative complication. TDLN metastasis was observed in patients with advanced disease. A prospective trial, investigating the survival between TD-preserved and TD-resected groups, should be conducted to clarify if TD should be resected in TTE.

Incidence of and risk factors for venous thromboembolism during surgical treatment for esophageal cancer: a single-institution study

PURPOSE

During the treatment of esophageal cancer with curative intent, patients sometimes experience deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or a central venous catheter-associated thrombus. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed our new-onset esophageal cancer patients and determined the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), the location of the thrombus and the risk factors for VTE.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-three patients undergoing treatment with curative intent were reviewed as candidates. The existence of VTE was assessed from the neck to the pelvis with computed tomography at the initial visit, after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Twenty-one VTE events (13.7%) were observed, 16 of which (76.2%) were suggested to be associated with central venous catheterization. When both the pre-therapeutic plasma fibrinogen and C-reactive protein levels were high (≥350 mg/dL and ≥0.2 µg/mL, respectively), the risk of preoperative VTE and overall VTE were significantly higher than normal (p = 0.040, and p = 0.030, respectively). Adenocarcinoma histology and neck lymph node dissection were the independent risk factors that significantly increased the overall risk of VTE (p = 0.015, and p = 0.017, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that the pre-therapeutic plasma fibrinogen level, C-reactive protein level, adenocarcinoma histology and neck lymph node dissection are the risk factors for venous thromboembolism in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing treatment with curative intent.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy performed with the patient in a prone position: a systematic review

PURPOSE

We reviewed the surgical results of minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, performed with the patient in a prone position (MIE-PP), to assess its benefits.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed, and articles that fully described the surgical results of MIE-PP were selected. Parameters such as operative time, blood loss, and postoperative outcomes were compared with those obtained for open transthoracic esophagectomy (OE) and minimally invasive esophagectomy in a lateral decubitus position (MIE-LP).

RESULTS

The conversion rate from MIE-PP to open surgery was very low. MIE-PP was associated with longer operative time and lower blood loss than OE. Although studies from a single institution did not show an apparent difference in morbidity or mortality among the three operative groups, results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial showed a reduction in pulmonary infection and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in MIE-PP, compared with OE. The benefits of MIE-PP vs. those of MIE-LP remain controversial.

CONCLUSION

Theoretically, the operative results of MIE-PP might be better than those of MIE-LP for patients with esophageal cancer; however, studies have not yet verified this. Further clinical studies are required to establish whether the advantages of MIE-PP can be translated into clinical outcome.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy: Lateral decubitus vs. prone positioning; systematic review and pooled analysis

The uptake of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has increased vastly over the last decade, with proven short-term benefits over an open approach. The aim of this pooled analysis was to compare clinical outcomes of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (MIE) performed in the prone and lateral decubitus positions. A systematic literature search (2000-2015) was undertaken for publications that compared patients who underwent MIE in the lateral decubitus (LD) or prone (PR) positions. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated for the effect size of LD positioning on continuous variables and Pooled odds ratios (POR) for discrete variables. Ten relevant publications comprising 723 patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy were included; 387 in the LD group and 336 in the PR group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of in-hospital mortality, total morbidity, anastomotic leak, chylothorax, laryngeal nerve palsy, average operative time, and length hospital stay. LD MIE was associated with a non-significant increase in pulmonary complications (POR = 1.65; 95% C.I. 0.93 to 2.92; P = 0.09), and significant increases in estimated blood loss (WMD = 36.03; 95% 14.37 to 57.69; P = 0.001) and a reduced average mediastinal lymph node harvest (WMD = -2.17; 95% C.I. -3.82 to -0.52; P = 0.01) when compared to prone MIE. Pooled analysis suggests that prone MIE is superior to lateral decubitus MIE with reduced pulmonary complications, estimated blood loss and increased mediastinal lymph node harvest. Further studies are needed to explain performance-shaping factors and their influence on oncological clearance and short-term outcomes.

CXCR2 expression and postoperative complications affect long-term survival in patients with esophageal cancer

Background

Esophagectomy is one of the most invasive surgical treatments for digestive tract cancer, and the blood levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 are increased for several hours after surgery or in patients experiencing postoperative complications. CXCR2, an interleukin-8 receptor, is reportedly expressed in several carcinomas, and interleukin-8 signaling promotes cancer cell proliferation. The impact of postoperative complications following esophagectomy on long-term survival is controversial. In this study, we demonstrate the significance of CXCR2 expression and validate the effects of CXCR2 expression and postoperative complications on long-term prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using resected specimens.

Methods

Eighty-two specimens were sectioned from archived, paraffin-embedded tumor tissues obtained from patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent esophagectomy and extended lymphadenectomy for complete resection of cancer in our institute between 1997 and 2002. Immunohistochemistry was performed using a polyclonal antibody to CXCR2, and the correlation of stainability with clinicopathological factors and long-term survival was examined.

Results

CXCR2 was expressed in 33 of 82 (40.2 %) specimens. In the CXCR2-positive group, the recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates of patients who developed postoperative complications were both significantly lower than those for patients who did not develop any complications. In contrast, in the CXCR2-negative group, there was no significant difference in long-term prognosis between patients with and without complications. CXCR2 positivity combined with postoperative complications was an independent risk factor for subsequent tumor recurrence, showing the highest hazard ratio.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the patients with CXCR2-positive esophageal cancer who develop postoperative complications have a poor prognosis and should be carefully followed.

Trial registration

This study was approved by Keio University School of Medicine Ethics Committee with a trial registration number of 2011-241.

The Impact of Postoperative Complications on Survivals After Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of postoperative complications after esophagectomy on long-term outcome.The treatment of esophageal cancer has recently been improved; however, esophagectomy with thoracotomy and laparotomy carries considerable postoperative morbidity and mortality. The real impact of postoperative complications on overall survival is still under evaluation.A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy with thoracotomy and laparotomy, with R0 or R1 resection between January 1997 and December 2012. Of 402 patients, we analyzed the following parameters 284 patients who could be followed up for over 5 years: stage of disease, neoadjuvant therapies, surgical approaches, surgical complications, postoperative medical complications, and overall and relapse-free survivals using medical records.Of the 284 patients, 64 (22.5%) had pneumonia, 55 (19.4%) had anastomotic leakage, and 45 (15.8%) had recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP). Pneumonia had a significant negative impact on overall survival (P = 0.035); however, anastomotic leakage and RLNP did not affect overall survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of pneumonia was predictive of poorer overall survival; the multivariate hazard ratio was 1.456 (95% confidence interval 1.020-2.079, P = 0.039).Pneumonia has a negative impact on overall survival after esophagectomy. Strategies to prevent pneumonia after esophagectomy should improve outcomes in this operation.

A Prospective Randomized Trial of Enteral Nutrition After Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported that postoperative enteral nutrition (EN) reduced complications and decreased weight loss and hospital stay periods; however, the majority of patients analyzed in these studies underwent open thoracic surgery. No studies have been conducted regarding EN in patients after thoracoscopic esophagectomy as a less invasive surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of EN after thoracoscopic esophagectomy.

METHODS

Fifty patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were divided into two groups: parenteral nutrition (PN; n = 25) and EN (n = 25). The rate of weight loss at postoperative day (POD) 14, levels of prealbumin at POD 10, postoperative complications until POD 14, and other perioperative data were collected for each group.

RESULTS

This study analyzed data for 47 patients. The rate of weight loss at POD 14 was significantly lower in the EN group (3.0 ± 3.2 %) than in the PN group (5.1 ± 3.7 %; p = 0.020). Prealbumin levels were 21.0 ± 7.5 mg/dL in the PN group and 18.4 ± 5.8 mg/dL in the EN group at POD 10, with no significant differences between the groups. However, the incidence of postoperative pneumonia was higher in the PN group (30.4 %) than in the EN group (12.5 %).

CONCLUSIONS

EN could suppress weight loss and reduce the incidence of pneumonia after thoracoscopic esophagectomy.

Combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy: experience, technique and cautions

We described a 59-year-old female, who came to our institute with the diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The preoperative clinical diagnosis was stage II esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The three-stage minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE), combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis, was performed in this case. The lateral-prone decubitus position and Harmonic scalpel facilitate the operation.