Risk model for mortality associated with esophagectomy via a thoracic approach based on data from the Japanese National Clinical Database on malignant esophageal tumors

Essential updates 2022/2023: Recent advances in perioperative management of esophagectomy to improve operative outcomes

In the era of minimally invasive surgery, esophagectomy remains a highly invasive procedure with a high rate of postoperative complications. Preoperative risk assessment is essential for planning esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer, and it is crucial to implement evidence-based perioperative management to mitigate these risks. Perioperative support from multidisciplinary teams has recently been reported to improve the perioperative nutritional status and long-term survival of patients undergoing esophagectomy. Intraoperative management of anesthesia and fluid therapy also significantly affects short-term outcomes after esophagectomy. In this narrative review, we outline the recent updates in the perioperative management of esophagectomy, focusing on preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative management, and perioperative support by multidisciplinary teams to improve operative outcomes.

Outcome research on esophagectomy analyzed using nationwide databases in Japan: evidences generated from real-world data

Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is a highly invasive gastrointestinal surgical procedure. The National Clinical Database (NCD) of Japan, initiated in 2011, has compiled real-world data on esophagectomy, one of nine major gastroenterological surgeries. This review examines outcomes after esophagectomy analyzed using the Japanese big databases. Certification systems by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery (JSGS) and the Japan Esophageal Society (JES) have shown that institutional certification has a greater impact on short-term surgical outcomes than surgeon certification. Minimally invasive esophagectomy has emerged as a viable alternative to open esophagectomy, although careful patient selection is crucial, especially for elderly patients with advanced tumors. The NCD has significantly contributed to the assessment and enhancement of surgical quality and short-term outcomes, while studies based on Comprehensive Registry of Esophageal Cancer in Japan (CRECJ) have provided data on patient characteristics, treatments, and long-term outcomes. The JES has conducted various questionnaire-based retrospective clinical reviews in collaboration with authorized institutions certified by JES. The Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database provides administrative claims data including itemized prices for surgical, pharmaceutical, laboratory, and other inpatient services. Analyzing these nationwide databases can offer precise insights into surgical quality for esophageal cancer, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.

Risk model for morbidity and mortality following liver surgery based on a national Japanese database

Aim

We evaluated the morbidity and mortality associated with liver surgery in Japan and developed a risk model for liver resection using information from a national database.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 73 861 Japanese patients who underwent hepatectomy between 2014 and 2019, using information from the National Clinical Database (NCD) registrations. The primary endpoints were 30 days and in-hospital mortality, and the secondary endpoints were postoperative complications. Logistic regression risk models for postoperative morbidity and mortality after hepatectomy were constructed based on preoperative clinical parameters and types of liver resection, and validated using a bootstrapping method.

Results

The 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 0.9% and 1.7%, respectively. Trisectionectomy, hepatectomy for gallbladder cancer, hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, and poor activities of daily living were statistically significant risk factors with high odds ratios for both postoperative morbidity and mortality. Internal validations indicated that the c-indices for 30-day and in-hospital mortality were 0.824 and 0.839, respectively.

Conclusions

We developed a risk model for liver resection by using a national surgical database that can predict morbidity and mortality based on preoperative factors.

Prediction of Morbidity and Mortality After Esophagectomy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer has a complication rate of up to 60%. Prediction models could be helpful to preoperatively estimate which patients are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the best prediction models for morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy and to identify commonalities among the models.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic review was performed in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ , study ID CRD42022350846). Pubmed, Embase, and Clarivate Analytics/Web of Science Core Collection were searched for studies published between 2010 and August 2022. The Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Extracted data were tabulated and a narrative synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

Of the 15,011 articles identified, 22 studies were included using data from tens of thousands of patients. This systematic review included 33 different models, of which 18 models were newly developed. Many studies showed a high risk of bias. The prognostic accuracy of models differed between 0.51 and 0.85. For most models, variables are readily available. Two models for mortality and one model for pulmonary complications have the potential to be developed further.

CONCLUSIONS

The availability of rigorous prediction models is limited. Several models are promising but need to be further developed. Some models provide information about risk factors for the development of complications. Performance status is a potential modifiable risk factor. None are ready for clinical implementation.

Left recurrent nerve lymph node dissection in robotic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer without esophageal traction

BACKGROUND

Because the robotic arm is located on the dorsal side of the patient, when the esophagus is pulled dorsally for the left recurrent nerve lymph node (LRLN) dissection, the robotic arm interferes with the surgical field. This made it difficult to prepare for the left recurrent lymph node dissection. We developed LRLN dissection in robotic surgery with natural space creation by physiological organ movement and evaluated the short-term results.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we analyzed 102 cases of robot-assisted thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy (RATE) among radical subtotal esophagectomies performed between December 2018 and December 2022 using medical records. LRLN dissection is preceded by a dissection of the esophagus from the trachea. Leaving the esophagus on the vertebral side and away from the trachea resulted in a physiological elevation of the esophagus, providing space between the trachea and esophagus.

RESULTS

The thoracic surgery time in RATE was 181 (115-394) min. The number of LRLNs dissected was 4 (1-14). Six patients (6%) had a postoperative recurrence in the mediastinal lymph nodes. Seven patients (7%) had grade ≥ 1 left recurrent nerve palsy.

CONCLUSIONS

LRLN dissection with RATE using natural space creation was performed safely with a sufficient number of dissected lymph nodes and little left recurrent nerve palsy.