Efficacy of gastric blood supply redistribution by transarterial embolization: preoperative procedure to prevent postoperative anastomotic leaks following esophagoplasty for esophageal carcinoma

A pilot randomized controlled trial on the utility of gastric conditioning in the prevention of esophagogastric anastomotic leak after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. The APIL_2013 Trial

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage (AL) after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Preoperative gastric conditioning (GC) improves blood perfusion of the gastroplasty, one of the most important factors for anastomotic viability. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility of GC before oesophageal surgery in patients with oesophageal cancer or Siewert I-II esophagogastric junction cancer, who required an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a randomized (1:1), open-label, single-centre, controlled, parallel-group, pilot clinical trial. Two study groups: 1) GC-group: patients who underwent an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy and GC before surgery; 2) Surgery alone (SA)-group: patients who underwent only Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Feasibility was assessed by means of the number of patients in whom a GC was performed, and the cumulative incidence of postoperative AL. Secondary endpoints were conduit necrosis (CN), hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and anastomotic stricture.

RESULTS

Between 2015 and 2018, 38 patients were randomized and analysed: 20 to GC-group and 18 to SA-group. 17 GCs (85%) were successfully performed, right gastric artery occlusion failed in three patients. Morbidity after GC occurred in 5/22 patients (all Clavien-Dindo ≤ IIIa). The cumulative incidence of AL was 15.0% (3/20, 95%CI: 5.2-36.0%) in GC-group and 33.3% (6/18, 95%CI: 16.3-56.3%) in SA-group, p-value: 0.184. CN: 0/20 vs. 1/18 (p-value: 0.474); surgical morbidity (Clavien-Dindo III-V): 7/20 vs. 12/18 (p-value: 0.070); hospital stay (median [range] days): 12 [9-45] vs. 27.5 [10-166] (p-value: 0.067). When only successful GCs (three arteries) were included for analysis, ischemia-related gastric conduit failure (AL and CN) was lower in the GC group (p-value: 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative arteriographic GC before Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is a feasible and safe procedure and seems it may reduce AL in patients with oesophageal cancer or Siewert I-II esophagogastric junction cancer.

Gastric ischemic conditioning prior to esophagectomy reduces anastomotic leaks and strictures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Gastric ischemic conditioning (GIC) is a strategy to promote neovascularization of the gastric conduit to reduce the risk of anastomotic complications following esophagectomy. Despite a number of studies and reviews published on the concept of ischemic conditioning, there remains no clear consensus regarding its utility. We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of GIC, particularly on anastomotic leaks, conduit ischemia, and strictures.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was performed on February 5th, 2020 by a university librarian after selection of key search terms with the research team. Inclusion criteria included human participants undergoing esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction, age ≥ 18, N ≥ 5, and GIC performed prior to esophagectomy. Our primary outcome of interest was anastomotic leaks. Our secondary outcome was gastric conduit ischemia, anastomotic strictures, and overall survival. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.4.1 using a Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 1712 preliminary studies were identified and 23 studies included for final review. GIC was performed in 1178 (53.5%) patients. Meta-analysis revealed reduced odds of anastomotic leaks (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.46-0.97; I² = 5%; p = 0.03) and anastomotic strictures (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.29-0.80; I² = 65%; p = 0.005). Meta-analysis revealed no difference in odds of conduit ischemia (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.13-1.23; I² = 0%; p = 0.11) and no difference in odds of overall survival (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.29-1.02; I² = 22%; p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

GIC is associated with reduced odds of anastomotic leaks and anastomotic strictures and may decrease morbidity in patients undergoing esophagectomy. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to better identify the optimal patient population, timing, and techniques used to best achieve GIC.

Staged esophagectomy: surgical legacy or a bailout option?

Staged esophagectomy was developed in the mid-twentieth century in an attempt to reduce high rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Nowadays, the operation has almost been abandoned due to its significant disadvantages, especially the need for multiple surgeries, inability of patients to feed between operations, and morbidity of esophageal stoma. However, staged esophagectomy is still occasionally useful for very high-risk patients and in particular cases, for example multiple cancers of the aerodigestive tract and emergent esophagectomy. Staged esophagectomy is based on the division of surgical stress into two operations, which gives the patient time to recover before final restoration. Gastric tube ischemic preparation may be a more important mechanism in staged esophagectomy. This approach may survive and expand with the application of ischemic gastric pre-conditioning through embolization or laparoscopic ligation of the gastric arteries, which is a less explored and promising technique.

Gastric ischemic preconditioning may reduce the incidence and severity of anastomotic leakage after οesophagectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy is a severe and life-threatening complication. Gastric ischemic preconditioning is a strategy for the improvement of anastomotic healing. Aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the impact of gastric ischemic preconditioning on postoperative morbidity. A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies comparing patients undergoing gastric ischemic preconditioning before esophagectomy with nonpreconditioned patients. Meta-analysis was conducted for the overall incidence of anastomotic leakage, severe anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, postoperative morbidity, and mortality. Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed concerning preconditioning technique, the interval between preconditioning and surgery and the extent of preconditioning. Fifteen cohort studies were identified. Gastric preconditioning was associated with reduced overall incidence of anastomotic leakage (OR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53-1.0; P = 0.050) and severe anastomotic leakage (OR 0.27; 95% CI, 0.14-0.50; P < 0.010), but not with anastomotic stricture (OR 1.18; 95% CI 0.38 to 3.66; P = 0.780), major postoperative morbidity (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.45 to 2.36; P = 0.940) or mortality (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.39 to 1,23; P = 0.210). Subgroup analyses did not identify any differences between embolization and ligation while increasing the interval between preconditioning and esophagectomy as well as the extent of preconditioning might be beneficial. Gastric ischemic preconditioning may be associated with a reduced incidence of overall and severe anastomotic leakage. Randomized studies are necessary to further evaluate its impact on leakage, refine the technique and define patient populations that will benefit the most.

Critical appraisal of gastric conduit ischaemic conditioning (GIC) prior to oesophagectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Anastomotic leaks remain a major complication following oesophagectomy, accounting for high morbidity and mortality. Recently, gastric ischaemic conditioning (GIC) has been proposed to improve anastomotic integrity through neovascularisation of the gastric conduit. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to determine the impact of GIC on postoperative outcomes following oesophagectomy.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies reporting GIC for any indication of oesophageal resection up to April 25, 2019. The primary outcome was anastomotic leak. Secondary outcomes were conduit necrosis, anastomotic strictures, overall and major complications or in-hospital mortality. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects modelling.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies reported on GIC, of which 13 were comparative studies. GIC was performed through ligation in 13 studies and embolisation in six studies. GIC did not appear to reduce anastomotic leakages (OR 0.80, CI_95: 0.51-1.24, p = 0.3), anastomotic strictures (OR 0.75, CI_95: 0.35-1.60, p = 0.5), overall complications (OR 1.02, CI_95: 0.48-2.16, p = 0.9), major complications (OR 1.06, CI_95: 0.53-2.11, p = 0.9), or in-hospital mortality (OR 0.70, CI_95: 0.32-1.53, p = 0.4). However, GIC was associated with reduced rates of conduit necrosis (OR 0.30, CI_95: 0.11-0.77, p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

GIC does not appear to reduce overall rates of anastomotic leakage after oesophagectomy but seems to reduce severity of leakages. More in depth studies are recommended.

Ischaemic conditioning of the stomach previous to esophageal surgery

A gastric conduit is most frequently used for reconstruction in oesophageal surgery, and ischemia of the conduit is the most fragile aspect of the esophagogastric anastomosis with as consequence the anastomotic leakage. In order to avoid it, the concept of ischaemic conditioning of the stomach previous to surgery has been designed. The basis of ischemic conditioning is that interrupting vascularization of the stomach before making the anastomosis eases the gastric fundus adaptation to ischemic conditions. It consists of the interruption of the principal feeding arteries of the stomach (except the right gastroepiploic artery) weeks before esophagectomy. Previously published literature contemplates two different techniques: angiographic embolization or laparoscopic ligation or division of vessels. In this study, the anatomic and physio-pathologic background of ischemic preconditioning is described and the published current evidence is reviewed.

Conduit necrosis following esophagectomy: An up-to-date literature review

Esophageal conduit ischaemia and necrosis is an uncommon but devastating complication of esophagectomy and remains one of the most challenging issues in surgical practice. The incidence, time interval to develop symptoms, and clinical presentation are highly variable with no predictable pattern. Evidence comes from case reports and case series rather than randomized controlled trials. We describe the issues surrounding conduit necrosis affecting the stomach, jejunum and colon as an esophageal replacement and the advantages, disadvantages and challenges of each type of reconstruction. Diagnosis is challenging for the most experienced surgeon. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and computed tomography thorax with both oral and intravenous contrast is the gold standard. Management, either conservative or interventional is also a difficult decision. Management options include conservative treatment and more aggressive treatments such as stent insertion, surgical debridement and repair of the esophagus using jejunum, colon or a musculocutaneous flap. In spite of recent advances in surgical techniques, there is no reliable strategy to manage esophageal conduit necrosis. Our review covers the pathophysiology and clinical significance of esophageal necrosis while highlighting current techniques of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening condition.

Does gastric conditioning decrease the incidence of cervical oesophagogastric anastomotic leakage?

INTRODUCTION

Oesophageal reconstruction by gastroplasty with cervical anastomosis has a higher incidence of dehiscence. The aim of the study is to analyse the incidence of anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing gastroplasty with cervical anastomosis following angiographic ischaemic conditioning of the gastric conduit.

METHODS

Prospective analysis of patients who underwent gastric conditioning two weeks prior to oesophageal reconstruction, from January 2001 to January 2014. The conditioning was performed by angiographic embolization of the left and right gastric artery, and splenic artery. The main variable analysed was the incidence of anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing gastroplasty with cervical anastomosis. Secondary variables analysed were the result of the conditioning, complications arising from that procedure and in the postoperative period, and mean length of postconditioning and postoperative hospital stay.

RESULTS

Gastric conditioning was indicated in 97 patients, with neoplasia being the most frequent aetiology motivating the oesophageal reconstruction (76%). 96 procedures were successfully carried out, arterial embolization was complete in 80 (83%). The morbidity rate was 13%, with no mortality. Postoperative morbidity was 45%; the most frequent complications associated with the surgery were respiratory problems. Six (7%) patients experienced cervical fistula, and all received conservative treatment. The rate of postoperative mortality was 7%.

CONCLUSIONS

In our serie the incidence of anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing gastroplasty with cervical anastomosis following angiographic ischaemic conditioning is 7%. Angiographic ischaemic conditioning is a procedure with acceptable morbidity.

Gastric Preconditioning in Advance of Esophageal Resection-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage is one of the most severe complications following esophageal resection. Among other strategies, gastric ischemic preconditioning has been proposed to improve anastomotic integrity. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate whether gastric preconditioning has influence on peri- or postoperative outcomes after esophageal resection.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies comparing gastric preconditioning with non-preconditioned patients for any indication of esophageal resection. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for main outcomes.

RESULTS

Gastric preconditioning did not reduce anastomotic leakages (OR 0.76; 95%-CI 0.51 to 1.13; p = 0.18), anastomotic strictures (OR 1.10; 95%-CI 0.58 to 2.10; p = 0.76;), major complications (OR 1.14; 95%-CI 0.60 to 2.14; p = 0.69), or in-hospital mortality (OR 0.62; 95%-CI 0.28 to 1.40; p = 0.25). However, preconditioning reduced the rate of severe leaks requiring reoperation (OR 0.20; 95%-CI 0.08 to 0.53; p = 0.001). Increasing the period between preconditioning and esophageal resection over 2 weeks did not reduce anastomotic leakage compared to shorter waiting times (OR 0.65; 95%-CI 0.38 to 1.13; p = 0.13).

CONCLUSION

With current evidence, gastric preconditioning does not seem to reduce overall rates of anastomotic leakage after esophageal resection but seems to reduce severity of leakages.

Ischemic Gastric Conditioning by Preoperative Arterial Embolization Before Oncologic Esophagectomy: A Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE

Surgical esophagectomy is the gold standard treatment of early-stage esophageal cancer. The procedure is complicated with significant morbidity; the most severe complication being the anastomotic leakage. Anastomotic fistulas are reported in 5-25% of cases and are mainly due to gastric transplant ischemia. Here, we report our experience of ischemic pre-conditioning using preoperative arterial embolization (PreopAE) before esophagectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of all patients who underwent oncologic esophagectomy from 2008 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: patients who received PreopAE, and a control group of patients who did not benefit from ischemic pre-conditioning. The target arteries selected for PreopAE were the splenic artery, left gastric artery, and right gastric artery. Evaluation of the results was based on anastomotic leakage, postoperative mortality, technical success of PreopAE, and complications related to the embolization procedure.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients underwent oncologic esophagectomy with PreopAE and 13 patients did not receive ischemic conditioning before surgery. Thirty-eight PreopAE were successfully performed (83%), but right gastric artery embolization failed for 8 patients. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 6 PreopAE patients (13%) and in 6 patients (46%) in the control group (p = 0.02). The mortality rate was 2% in the PreopAE group and 23% in the control group (p = 0.03). Eighteen patients suffered from partial splenic infarction after PreopAE, all treated conservatively.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative ischemic conditioning by arterial embolization before oncologic esophagectomy seems to be effective in preventing anastomotic leakage.

Ischemic Conditioning of the Stomach in the Prevention of Esophagogastric Anastomotic Leakage After Esophagectomy

Esophagectomy with esophagogastric anastomosis is a major procedure, and its most feared complication is anastomotic leakage. Ischemic conditioning of the stomach is a method used with the aim of reducing the risk of leakage. It consists of partial gastric devascularization through embolization or laparoscopy followed by esophagectomy and anastomosis at a second stage, thus providing the time for the gastric conduit to adapt to the acute ischemia at the time of its formation. This review analyzes the information from all currently available experimental and clinical studies with the purpose of assessing the current role of the technique and to provide future recommendations.

Technical factors that affect anastomotic integrity following esophagectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Due to the significant contribution of anastomotic leak, with its disastrous consequences to patient morbidity and mortality, multiple parameters have been proposed and individually meta-analyzed for the formation of the ideal esophagogastric anastomosis following cancer resection. The purpose of this pooled analysis was to examine the main technical parameters that impact on anastomotic integrity.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, trial registries, and conference proceedings were searched. Technical factors evaluated included hand-sewn versus stapled esophagogastric anastomosis (EGA), cervical versus thoracic EGA, minimally invasive versus open esophagectomy, anterior versus posterior route of reconstruction and ischemic conditioning of the gastric conduit. The outcome of interest was the incidence of anastomotic leak, for which pooled odds ratios were calculated for each technical factor.

RESULTS

No significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic leak was demonstrated for the following technical factors: hand-sewn versus stapled EGA, minimally invasive versus open esophagectomy, anterior versus posterior route of reconstruction and ischemic conditioning of the gastric conduit. Four randomized, controlled trials comprising 298 patients were included that compared cervical and thoracic EGA. Anastomotic leak was seen more commonly in the cervical group (13.64 %) than in the thoracic group (2.96 %). Pooled analysis demonstrated a significantly increased incidence of anastomotic leak in the cervical group (pooled odds ratio = 4.73; 95 % CI 1.61-13.9; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

A tailored surgical approach to the patient's physiology and esophageal cancer stage is the most important factor that influences anastomotic integrity after esophagectomy.

Randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic gastric ischemic conditioning prior to minimally invasive esophagectomy, the LOGIC trial

INTRODUCTION

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is a viable alternative to open resection for the management of esophagogastric cancer. However, the technique may relate to a higher incidence of ischemia-related gastric conduit complications. Laparoscopic ischemic conditioning (LIC) by ligating the left gastric vessels 2 weeks before MIE may have a protective role, possibly through an improvement of conduit perfusion. This project was designed to evaluate whether LIC influenced ultimate conduit perfusion.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was designed to compare MIE with LIC (L) against MIE without (N). The project began in May 2009 and was offered to consecutive patients with the objective of recruiting 22 in each arm. Sample size calculations were based on data from previous clinical series. The main outcome measure was perfusion recorded by validated laser Doppler fluximetry, at the fundus (F) and greater curve (G); performed at routine staging laparoscopy and every stage of an MIE. A perfusion coefficient measured as ratio at stage of MIE over baseline was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were recruited before an interim analysis of the trial data. At staging laparoscopy perfusion at F was higher than at G (p = 0.016). In the L cohort, an apparent rise in perfusion at G is observed post intervention (p = 0.176). At MIE, baseline perfusion is comparable for both arms; however, a significant drop is observed at both locations once the stomach is mobilized and exteriorized (p = 0.001). Once delivered at the neck, perfusion coefficient is approximately 38% of baseline levels. However, there was no discernible difference between the L (38.3 ± 12) and N (37.7 ± 16.8) cohorts (p = 0.798).

CONCLUSIONS

LIC does not translate into an improved perfusion of the gastric conduit tip. The benefits reported from published clinical series suggest that the resistance of the conduit to ischemia occurs through alternative possibly microcellular mechanisms.

Vascular conditioning of the stomach before esophageal reconstruction by gastric interposition

Gastric interposition with intrathoracic or cervical esophagogastrostomy is currently the preferred operation for reconstruction after esophagectomy. Anastomotic leaks however result from poor vascular supply to the proximal stomach. They are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. 'Ischemic conditioning' of the interposed stomach has been proposed as a technique where the 'delay phenomenon' aims at improving the microcirculation of the gastric conduit and preventing anastomotic leakage. Experimental observations and clinical studies have been conducted to document the immediate effects and results of this approach. The aim of this work is to review the principles, pathophysiology, experimental, and clinical evidence related to vascular conditioning of the stomach prior to esophagectomy with gastric interposition and esophagogastric anastomosis. MEDLINE and PubMed were searched to identify articles related to vascular conditioning of the stomach. Cross references were added and reviewed to complete the reference list. The anatomic basis of ischemic conditioning, the prevalence of ischemic events on the gastric conduit, the methodology to assess the microcirculation before and after gastric devascularization, animal experiments, and clinical studies reported on this approach were reviewed. Ten experimental works, eleven clinical observations, four reviews, and two editorial commentaries addressing ischemic conditioning of the stomach were identified and reviewed. Experimental observations document improved microcirculation to the proximal stomach following partial gastric devascularization. Clinical reports show the feasibility and relative safety of gastric ischemic conditioning. Preliminary observations suggest potential improvements to the gastric microcirculation resulting from gastric ischemic conditioning. This approach may help prevent complications at the esophagogastric anastomosis. The actual level of evidence however cannot promote its use outside of clinical research protocols.

Video. Surgical optimisation of the gastric conduit for minimally invasive oesophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Total minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO) is a valid alternative to open surgery for the management of oesophagogastric cancer and may lead to a more rapid restoration of health-related quality of life post surgery. However, a high incidence of gastric conduit failure (GCF) has also been observed which could be detrimental to any potential benefits of this approach. Technical modifications have been introduced in an attempt to reduce conduit morbidity, and the aim of this study was to evaluate their efficacy.

METHODS

Minimally invasive oesophagectomy has been the procedure of choice in our unit since April 2004. Data on patient and surgical variables are entered onto a prospective database. Laparoscopic ischaemic conditioning (LIC) by ligation of the left gastric vessels 2 weeks prior to MIO was introduced in April 2006. Extracorporeal formation of the gastric conduit through a minilaparotomy was offered to patients since January 2008. Where present, GCF was characterised as one of three types: I, simple anastomotic leak; II, conduit tip necrosis; and III, whole conduit necrosis.

RESULTS

As of January 2010, 131 patients had undergone an MIO and GCF was observed in 21 patients (16.0%). Sixty-seven patients had LIC and 9 of them (13.4%) developed GCF (I, 10.4%; II, 0%; III, 3.0%) compared to 12 (18.8%) of 64 patients who did not have LIC (I, 6.3%; II, 7.8%; III, 4.7%). A total of 43 patients had an extracorporeally fashioned conduit and 6 (14.0%) developed GCF (I, 11.6%; II, 0%; III, 2.3%), whilst 88 had an intracorporeal conduit with 15 (17.0%) developing GCF (I, 6.8%; II, 5.7%; III, 4.5%). GCF can be reduced with the incorporation of LIC and an extracorporeally fashioned conduit, with possible elimination of type II conduit tip necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical modification of a three-stage minimally invasive oesophagectomy technique, with the further incorporation of laparoscopic ischaemic conditioning and extracorporeal conduit formation, reduces gastric conduit morbidity, allowing the potential benefits of this approach to be realised.

Preoperative gastric conditioning in cervical gastroplasty

To determine if ischemic conditioning of the stomach improves the morbidity, mortality, and the anastomotic failure in gastroplasties with cervical anastomosis. Analysis of all patients with indication for cervical gastroplasty during the period of study. In all cases, ischemic conditioning was performed by selective embolization. Anastomotic failure, morbidity, and mortality rates were studied. Thirty-nine consecutive patients were included. Angiography and selective embolization of the left gastric, right gastric, and splenic arteries were performed. Surgery was performed 2 weeks later. Four patients did not have a complete embolization; median hospital stay after conditioning was 1.24 ± 0.6 days. In two patients, surgery could not be completed. Of the 33 remaining, 29 had a posterior mediastinic gastroplasty and four through the anterior mediastinum. The most common morbidity was respiratory. Five patients had a reoperation and the mortality was 6%. One case of anastomotic leak was found (3%). The mean hospital stay was 17.5 days. Preoperative embolization is a technique with acceptable morbidity and a short hospital stay. In our experience it can reduce the incidence of the morbidity, mortality, and anastomotic leak in gastroplasties with cervical anastomosis. Prospective studies will be necessary to demonstrate the validity of this approach.

Functional capillary density in ischemic conditioning: implications for esophageal resection with the gastric conduit

BACKGROUND

Ischemia may lead to leakage at the esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate time dependent changes of gastric microcirculation after ischemic conditioning.

METHODS

Twenty male Lewis rats were used and analyzed in 3 study groups and 1 control group. Group 1 (n = 5) underwent ligation of the left gastric artery and intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVM) on day 0; group 2 (n = 5) underwent IVM at 28 days after ligation of the LGA; and group 3 (n = 5) underwent IVM at 56 days after ligation of the LGA. The controls (n = 5) underwent sham surgery and IVM at 28 days thereafter. IVM was used to analyze gastric microcirculation by means of functional capillary density.

RESULTS

Ligation of the LGA immediately led to significant reduction of perfusion at the lesser (100.5 +/- 3.1 microm/mm(2) vs 220.4 +/- 7.4 microm/mm(2); P <.001) and greater curvatures (195.1 +/- 7.9 microm/mm(2) vs 234.1 +/- 9.4 microm/mm(2); P = .013). During 28 days, microcirculation at the lesser curve ameliorated (164.9 +/- 12.8 microm/mm(2)) and reached normal values after 56 days (215.8 +/- 7.4 microm/mm(2)). At the greater curve, microcirculation was improved during 4 (261.3 +/- 8 microm/mm(2)P = .039) and 8 weeks (317.9 +/- 10.3 microm/mm(2); P <.001 vs control).

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric microperfusion continuously improves after partial devascularization. The results support further clinical studies to optimize gastric ischemic conditioning in patients undergoing esophagectomy.

Laparoscopic partial gastric transection and devascularization in order to enhance its flow

Background

Esophagogastric fistula following an esophagectomy for cancer is very common. One of the most important factors that leads to its development is gastric isquemia. We hypothesize that laparoscopic gastric devascularization and partial transection is a safe operation that will enhance the vascular flow of the fundus of the stomach.

Method

Our study included eight pigs. Each animal had two operations. In the first one, a laparoscopic gastric devascularization and mobilization took place. Vascular flow was measured previous to the procedure and immediately after it with a laser doppler (endoscopic probe). After three weeks, a second operation took place. We re-measured the vascular flow and sent a sample of gastric fundus for histopathologic evaluation.

Results

The gastric fundus showed signs of neovascularization after both macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. These findings correlated with laser doppler measurements.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic gastric devascularization and partial transection is a safe procedure that increases the vascular flow of the stomach in a three week period. This finding can have a positive impact in terms of decreasing fistula formation.

Time course of necrosis/apoptosis and neovascularization during experimental gastric conditioning

Apoptosis, necrosis and neovascularization are three processes that occur during ischemic preconditioning in a range of organs. In the stomach, the effect of this preconditioning (the delay phenomenon) has helped to improve gastric vascularization prior to esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy. Here we present a sequential study of the histological recovery of the gastric fundus and the phenomena of apoptosis, necrosis and neovascularization in an experimental model of partial gastric ischemia. Partial gastric devascularization was performed by ligature of the left gastric vessels in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were assigned to groups in accordance with their evaluation period: control, 1, 3, 6, 10, 15 and 21 days. Histological analysis, caspase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation and vascular endothelial cell proliferation (Ki-67) were measured in tissue samples after sacrifice. After 24 h of partial gastric ischemia, rates of apoptosis and necrosis were higher in the experimental groups than in controls. Tissue injury was higher 3 and 6 days post-ischemia. From day 10 after partial gastric ischemia, apoptosis and necrosis started to decrease, and on days 15 and 21 showed no differences in relation to controls. Neovascularization began between days 1 and 3, reaching its peak at 15 days after ischemia and coinciding with complete histological recovery. Both necrosis and apoptosis play a role in tissue injury during the first days after partial gastric ischemia. After 15 days, the evolution of both the histology and the neovascularization suggested that this is the optimal time for performing gastric transposition.

Laparoscopic ischemic conditioning of the stomach for esophageal replacement

OBJECTIVES

A considerable percentage of morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up is due to leakage of the esophagogastrostomy, which is mainly caused by ischemia of the gastric fundus. Previous clinical studies demonstrated that impaired microcirculation of the gastric conduit almost recovers within the first 5 postoperative days. Therefore, this study was designed to improve gastric perfusion by laparoscopic ischemic conditioning of the stomach.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 83 patients with 44 esophageal adenocarcinomas and 39 squamous cell carcinomas. A total of 51% received neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. First, all patients underwent laparoscopic mobilization of the stomach including the cardia and preparation of the gastric conduit. After a mean delay of 4.3 days (range, 3-7 days), a conventional right-sided transthoracic en bloc esophagectomy was performed. Reconstruction was done by gastric pull-up and high intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy.

RESULTS

Three conversions (3.6%) to open surgery were necessary during laparoscopic mobilization of the stomach. The reoperation rate was 2.4% (one relaparoscopy for control of a bleeding of the stapler line, one rethoracotomy for chylothorax). Two patients showed circumscribed necroses of the upper part of the fundus after gastric pull-up into the chest. These necroses were resected for reconstruction by esophagogastrostomy. Five patients (6.0%) developed small anastomotic leakages with minor clinical symptoms; however, the gastric conduits were well vascularized. All leakages healed after endoscopic stenting. Major postoperative complications were observed in 13.3% of the patients and the 90-day mortality was 0%.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic ischemic conditioning of the gastric conduit is feasible and safe and may contribute to the reduction of postoperative morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up.

The prevention and management of perioperative complications

The most important issues in perioperative complications of oesophagectomy are prevention, early detection and appropriate management. Anastomotic leakage is the most frequent technical surgical complication. Prevention comprises avoidance of tension or impaired vascularization of the conduit and meticulous suture technique. Management includes early diagnosis, conservative treatment or endoscopic stenting of contained leakage, and re-operation of non-contained insufficiency. All other surgical complications - such as bleeding, tracheobronchial lesions or chylothorax - are rare and warrant special therapeutic modalities. The main general non-surgical complication is postoperative pneumonia, which should be prevented by effective pain control (especially peridural catheter) and appropriate techniques of artificial respiration. Special attention should be offered to postoperative tachyarrhythmias and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Prevention of complications also includes exclusion of patients with high operative risk based on scores and specific preoperative treatment of risk factors.

Leaks, strictures, and necrosis: a review of anastomotic complications following esophagectomy

Since the first reports of esophageal resection for the treatment of various esophageal diseases and disorders, morbidity related to the anastomosis and the chosen replacement conduit have remained a frequent nemesis, a constant concern, and an ongoing area of research and experimentation. In this review of this key component of esophageal resection, an analysis is presented of the most frequent complications related to the anastomosis and conduit: anastomotic leak, conduit necrosis, and conduit stricture. In each case, a review of the current pertinent literature and experience is reported with a view to providing management recommendations to minimize or prevent occurrences, to improve timely diagnosis and to best treat these complications when they arise.

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Does celiac trunk stenosis correlate with anastomotic leakage of esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy?

The formation of a gastric tube for esophageal replacement requires partial devascularization of the stomach and induces microcirculatory changes in the anastomotic region of the gastric fundus. The additional influence of celiac trunk stenosis on anastomotic healing has not been investigated. In total, 23 patients with an esophageal carcinoma underwent transthoracic esophagectomy. Reconstruction was performed by a gastric tube (x22) with cervical or thoracic esophagogastrostomy or colon interposition (x1). All patients had a selective mesenterico-celiacography preoperatively via puncture of the right femoral artery. Preoperative cardiovascular and pulmonary risk factors were assessed. Angiographic findings were correlated to postoperative anastomotic leakage of esophagogastrostomy (x22). In seven out of 23 patients (30.4%), a stenosis of the celiac trunk could be demonstrated (x3 stenosis of 50%, x4 stenosis > 80%). Except for one patient with an additional stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery of > 80%, none of the patients with celiac trunk stenosis developed a postoperative anastomotic leakage of the esophagogastrostomy. Coronary artery disease was the only preoperative risk factor to predict a stenosis of the celiac trunk. Isolated stenosis of the celiac trunk does not seem to impair circulation of the gastric tube.

Supercharged gastric tube pull-up procedure for total esophageal reconstruction

Total esophageal reconstruction using a gastric tube is complicated because it sometimes causes postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage, stenosis, or fistula formation resulting from insufficient blood flow at the distal end. To overcome this problem, during the past 5 years the authors performed seven additional microvascular anastomoses using the short gastric vessels of the gastric tube. No postoperative complications occurred except partial tracheal necrosis in 1 patient. Postoperative radiographic examination showed no reflux or stasis in all patients, and no evidence of necrosis at the anastomotic site of the pulled-up gastric tube was observed by postoperative endoscopy. This technique reduces risk and may contribute to the successful reconstruction of the digestive tract after total esophagectomy.