Elevated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and inflammatory cytokines in the alveolar macrophages after esophagectomy

Impact of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and survival outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

The effects of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and survival outcomes of patients undergoing esophageal cancer resection are controversial. From database establishment to 16 May 2021, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database to collect relevant studies investigating the effects of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications, survival outcomes, and the risk of a poor prognosis of patients undergoing esophagectomy. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. A total of 26 studies (3 prospective cohort studies and 23 retrospective cohort studies), involving 4,515 patients, were included. The meta-analysis showed that preoperative sarcopenia significantly increased the risk of overall complications (risk ratio [RR]: 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.22), pulmonary complications (RR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.48-2.14), and anastomotic leakage (RR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.04-1.59) and reduced the overall survival rate (hazard ratio: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04-1.20) following esophageal cancer resection. Preoperative sarcopenia increased the risks of overall postoperative and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing esophageal cancer resection. For patients with esophageal cancer, assessing the preoperative risk of preoperative sarcopenia is necessary.

Active cycle of breathing technique may reduce pulmonary complications after esophagectomy: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to determine whether the active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) has an impact on postoperative pulmonary complication (PPC) after esophagectomy.

METHODS

In this prospective randomized trial, patients who were candidates for esophagectomy were randomized into groups, wherein they received either ACBT (n = 146) or conventional chest physiotherapy (control group, n = 145) on postoperative days (POD) 1-3. The primary outcome was PPC. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL), efficacy of airway clearance, and postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

After esophagectomy, the PPC rate was significantly lower in the ACBT group (15.2%) than in the control group (31.0%) (p = 0.001). The incidences of AL were 5.5% and 12.4% in the ACBT and control groups, respectively (p = 0.042). Mean hospital LOS was 12.3 days for the ACBT group and 16.8 days for the control group (p = 0.008). ACBT significantly increased the mean sputum wet weight (g) on POD 1-3 when compared with conventional therapy (POD 1 9.08 vs. 6.47, POD 2 16.86 vs. 10.92, POD 3 24.65 vs. 13.52, all p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that ACBT decreased the rates of PPC (odds ratio [OR] 0.403, p = 0.003), AL (OR 0.379，p = 0.038)，arrhythmia (OR 0.397, p = 0.028), and bronchoscopy aspiration (OR 0.362, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

ACBT is an effective airway clearance technique that significantly reduces the incidence of PPC after esophagectomy. ACBT could also significantly reduce both AL and LOS.

Impact of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and prognosis of gastric cancer resection: A meta-analysis of cohort studies

Background The effect of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and prognosis in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer has been controversial. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and prognosis of patients with gastric cancer through meta-analysis method, providing new ideas for the prognosis study of patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Methods From databases establishment to April 2021, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, WanFang Data, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) to collect cohort studies on the effect of sarcopenia on postoperative complications or prognosis of gastric cancer. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted the data. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies and Revman 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. Result A total of 20 studies (11 prospective cohort studies and 9 retrospective cohort studies) involving 7615 patients were finally included. Meta-analysis showed that: 1) preoperative sarcopenia significantly increased the risk of overall complications (risk ratio[RR] =2.89, 95% confidence interval[CI]: 1.86, 4.49; P < 0.000 01), serious complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III, RR = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.73, 5.23; P < 0.000 01), pneumonia (RR =2.64, 95% CI: 1.71, 4.09; P < 0.0001), and obstruction (RR = 3.96, 95% CI: 2.27, 6.90; P < 0.000 01), but did not increase the risk of postoperative delayed gastric emptying (RR = 1.44, 95% CI: 0.63, 3.25; P = 0.38), intra-abdominal infection (RR =2.09, 95% CI: 0.88, 5.00; P = 0.10), and anastomotic leakage (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.69, 2.32; P = 0.45); 2) preoperative sarcopenia reduced the overall survival rate (HR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.53, 1.91; P < 0.00001). Conclusion Preoperative sarcopenia increased the risk of postoperative complications and reduced the overall survival rate of patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Therefore, for patients with gastric cancer, preoperative risk assessment and active intervention for sarcopenia are necessary to reduce the risk of postoperative complications and improve poor prognosis. Future studies should focus on the effect of preoperative sarcopenia on the quality of life after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Effects of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications of minimally invasive oesophagectomy for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Sarcopenia is closely associated with surgical complications in patients with certain cancers. In this study we assessed the relationship between sarcopenia and postoperative complications in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed of patients who underwent thoracoscopic combined with laparoscopic radical resection of oesophageal cancer. Preoperative computed tomography to evaluate skeletal muscle mass to diagnose sarcopenia and to evaluate associations with age, body mass index (BMI), lung function and postoperative complications.

Results

Among 141 patients, 73 presented with sarcopenia (sarcopenia group) and 68 did not (non-sarcopenia group). The mean skeletal muscle index in all patients was 49.5±9.0 cm²/m²; median, 49.3 cm²/m². The sarcopenia group included a higher proportion of men (P=0.039) and had a lower BMI than the non-sarcopenia group (P=0.001). There were no significant differences in any other clinical and pathological features. The incidences of postoperative complications in the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups were 63.0% and 36.8%, respectively (P=0.002). The incidences of pulmonary infections and postoperative pleural effusions were 28.8% vs. 11.8% (P=0.011) and 38.4% vs. 20.6% (P=0.020) in the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups, respectively. The incidences of other complications were not significantly different between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses of pulmonary infection-related clinical factors revealed that sarcopenia and forced expiratory volume in the first second as a percent of forced vital capacity (FEV1.0%) were independent risk factors for pulmonary infection after minimally invasive surgery.

Conclusions

Preoperative sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for pulmonary infection after minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIE). Evaluation of preoperative sarcopenia will thus help to prevent postoperative complications.

Perioperative enteral supplementation with glutamine, fiber, and oligosaccharide reduces early postoperative surgical stress following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

We clarified the effects of perioperative enteral supplementation with glutamine, fiber, and oligosaccharide (GFO) after an esophagectomy on preventing surgical stress.

METHODS

Of 326 patients with esophageal cancer, 189 received GFO administration (GFO group) and 137 did not (control group). The propensity score matching method was used to identify 89 well-balanced pairs of patients to compare postoperative laboratory parameters and clinical and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

The duration of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was significantly shorter in the GFO group compared to the control group (p = 0.002). Moreover, the lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio (L/N ratio) had significantly recovered in the GFO group on postoperative day-3, and the CRP value was significantly lower in the GFO group than that in the control group on postoperative day-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative use of enteral supplementation with glutamine, fiber, and oligosaccharide likely contributes to a reduction in early surgical stress after an esophagectomy. These beneficial effects can bring about early recovery from postoperative immunosuppressive conditions after radical esophagectomy.

Perioperative changes in exhaled nitric oxide during oesophagectomy

INTRODUCTION

Oesophagectomy is a major surgical procedure, associated with high rates of postoperative cardiopulmonary morbidity, that is in part due to the frequent requirement for periods of intraoperative one-lung ventilation (OLV). The current pilot study aims to investigate variation in exhaled NO levels during oesophagectomy with emphasis on the response to OLV and correlation to physiological variables and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Breath-to-breath concentrations of NO were analysed in patients undergoing oesophagectomy at various stages of two-lung ventilation. Furthermore, we also analysed the effects of OLV both in the selectively ventilated and collapsed lungs.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were recruited to the study (17 male, 60.2 ± 12.8 years). Regarding two-lung ventilation, the baseline levels of NO (2.9 ppb), tended to increase after re-inflation of the collapsed lung (3.5 ppb, P = 0. 888) and decreased at 2 h (2.1 ppb, P = 0.022) and 12 h (2.2 ppb, P = 0.733) postoperatively. Compared to baseline, selective measurements of NO at the end of OLV demonstrated a significant reduction of NO levels in the ventilated lung (1.6 versus 3.1 ppb, P = 0.028), whereas re-inflation of the collapsed lung revealed higher levels of NO (3.4 versus 2.7 ppb, P = 0.657). Exhaled NO correlated significantly with systolic blood pressure and lactate (P < 0.007). Exhaled NO levels tended to be higher at all perioperative time points in patients who developed postoperative respiratory complications (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights effects of oesophagectomy and OLV on exhaled concentrations of NO. The observed variations may be related to differential ventilation during OLV altering the complex balance between synthesis and consumption of NO as well as local and generalised tissue injury associated with this surgery. Findings should prompt further larger studies to establish the relationship between exhaled NO and lung injury both during and after oesophagectomy and one-lung ventilation.

Sarcopenia as a predictor of pulmonary complications after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Sarcopenia or loss of skeletal muscle mass has been identified as a poor prognostic factor for a wide variety of diseases and conditions. We investigated whether preoperative sarcopenia is associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy between September 2005 and July 2014 at Kyoto University Hospital. Skeletal muscle mass was assessed using preoperative computed tomographic scans by measuring the cross-sectional muscle area at the third lumbar vertebral level.

RESULTS

Among the 199 eligible patients, 149 (75%) were classified as having sarcopenia. There was no difference in the incidence of overall complications between the groups (risk ratio [RR]: 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80-1.53, P = 0.54). However, pulmonary complications were significantly more frequent in the sarcopenia group than in the nonsarcopenia group (RR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.20-5.77, P = 0.007). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that sarcopenia was associated with a high adjusted risk of one or more pulmonary complications (odds ratio: 2.96, 95% CI: 1.14-7.69, P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia independently predicts pulmonary complications after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:678-684. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The detection of intraoperative bacterial translocation in the mesenteric lymph nodes is useful in predicting patients at high risk for postoperative infectious complications after esophagectomy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of BT in the mesenteric lymph node and bacteremia after an esophagectomy using a bacterium-specific ribosomal RNA-targeted reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

BACKGROUND

There is little evidence regarding the occurrence of bacterial translocation (BT) and its correlation to postoperative infectious complications after an esophagectomy.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with esophageal cancer were studied. Mesenteric lymph nodes were harvested from the jejunal mesentery before surgical mobilization (MLN-1) and after the restoration of bowel continuity (MLN-2). Blood and sputum were also sampled before surgery (Blood-1 and Sputum-1) and on postoperative day 1 (Blood-2 and Sputum-2).

RESULTS

The detection rates of bacteria in the MLN-2 (56%) and Blood-2 (56%) were significantly higher than those in the MLN-1 (17%) and Blood-1 (22%), indicating that surgical stress induces BT. The detection rate was not different between Sputum-1 (80%) and Sputum-2 (78%). There was an 80% sequence homology between the RT-qPCR products in the MLN-2 and Blood-2, whereas the homology was only 20% between Blood-2 and Sputum-2. In the patients with positive bacteria in the MLN-2 sample, there was a greater incidence of postoperative infectious complications than in patients without bacteria in the MLN-2 sample (P = 0.04). The postoperative hospital stay was also longer (P = 0.037) for patients with positive bacteria in the MLN-2 sample.

CONCLUSIONS

BT frequently occurs during esophagectomies, and postoperative bacteremia is likely to be gut-derived. Patients with positive bacteria in the MLN-2 sample should be carefully managed because these patients are more susceptible to postoperative infectious complications.

Anesthetic management for esophageal resection

Surgical resection remains a standard treatment option for localized esophageal cancer. Surgical approaches to esophagectomy include transhiatal and transthoracic techniques as well as minimally invasive techniques that have been developed to reduce the morbidities associated with laparotomy and thoracotomy incisions. The perioperative mortality for esophagectomy remains high with cardiopulmonary and anastomotic complications as the most frequent and serious morbidities. This article reviews the management of patients presenting for esophagectomy, with a focus on evidence-based anesthetic and perioperative approaches for improving outcomes.

The Effects of Prostaglandin E1 on Interleukin-6, Pulmonary Function and Postoperative Recovery in Oesophageetomised Patients

The inflammatory reactions and tissue response after oesophagectomy are leading causes of postoperative morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the effects of intraoperative infusion of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, (A-a) DO2, pulmonary function and complications. This randomised double-blind clinical trial study was performed on patients undergoing transthoracic oesophagectomy due to cancer. Thirty patients were randomly allocated to two groups: the PGE1 group (infusion of PGE1, 20 ng.kg−1.min−1) and a placebo group (infusion of normal saline 0.9%). The infusion was started before induction of anaesthesia and continued until the end of the operation. The groups were comparable in basic characteristics and preoperative pulmonary function. Patients in the PGE1 group were discharged significantly earlier from the intensive care unit (72±9 vs 83±17 hours) and hospital (13±4 vs 18±8 days) (P=0.04 and 0.03, respectively). The (A-a) DO2 was significantly less in the PGE1 group at 12 and 24 hours after the operation (P=0.001, P=0.003, respectively). Postoperatively, IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the placebo group than in the PGE1 group. There were no differences in the forced expiratory volume in the first second or forced vital capacity. The findings indicate that infusion of PGE1 attenuates the increase in serum levels of IL-6 in patients undergoing esophagectomy and improves the (A-a) DO2. Stays in the intensive care unit and hospital were shorter in the PGE1 group. However, there were no differences in pulmonary complications.

Perioperative anesthetic management for esophagectomy

Esophageal resection is a formidable operation associated with high morbidity and mortality. Anesthetic management may contribute to the containment of respiratory failure and anastomotic leakage by the use of thoracic epidural analgesia, protective ventilation strategies, prevention of tracheal aspiration, and judicious fluid management.

Appropriate Ventilatory Settings for Thoracic Surgery: Intraoperative and Postoperative

Mechanical ventilation of patients undergoing thoracic surgery is often challenging. These patients frequently have significant underlying comorbidities, including cardiopulmonary disease, and often must undergo 1-lung ventilation. Perioperative respiratory complications are common and are multifactorial in etiology. Increasing evidence suggests that mechanical ventilation is associated with, and may even cause, lung damage in both sick and healthy patients. Gas exchange to provide acceptable end-organ oxygenation remains a primary goal but so too is minimization of risks for acute lung injury. Every ventilator strategy is associated with potential beneficial and adverse side effects. Understanding the impact of various ventilation strategies allows clinicians to provide optimal care for patients.

One-lung ventilation during thoracoabdominal esophagectomy elicits complement activation

BACKGROUND

One-lung ventilation (OLV) during thoracoabdominal esophagectomy may induce an inflammatory response that can contribute to the induction and propagation of frequently occurring postoperative respiratory distress. Markers of such a response might be detected in the pulmonary as well as in the systemic circulation. Inflammation and tissue damage may be key pathogenetic pathways and we hypothesized that 1-lung ventilation may induce an inflammatory cascade reflected by markers for such a response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty patients with esophageal cancer were randomized to OLV (n = 16) or 2-lung ventilation (TLV; n = 14) during the thoracic part of the operation. Compounds involved in inflammation and coagulation were measured perioperatively and during the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 10th postoperative d.

RESULTS

During the perioperative phase, the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 and thrombin, measured as thrombin-antithrombin complexes, started to increase. Thrombin, which can induce complement activation, peaked at the end of surgery and interleukin-6 at the 1st to 2nd postoperative d, but there were no differences between the OLV and TLV groups. C3a and terminal complement complex (TCC) started to increase on the 2nd postoperative d and continued to do so for the rest of the study period. The increase of TCC was significantly higher in the OLV group compared to the TLV group, whereas C3a attained similar levels in the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

OLV is associated with an augmented inflammatory response as reflected by the activation of the TCC. This may induce pulmonary tissue damage and recruitment of inflammatory cells.

Acute lung injury following an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, with special reference to the clinical factors and cytokine levels of peripheral blood and pleural drainage fluid

Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of most serious complications to occur after an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. However, the pathogenesis of ALI is still unclear. The cytokine levels of pleural drainage fluid as well as peripheral blood were measured in 27 patients who had undergone an extended radical esophagectomy. Both the clinical factors and cytokine levels were compared between 11 patients with (group I) and 16 without ALI (group II). ALI occurred more frequently in patients who underwent colon interposition than in those who received a gastric tube reconstruction (86%vs 25%, P = 0.009). The operation time of group I was significantly longer than that of group II. A logistic regression analysis revealed colon interposition to be an independent factor associated with the ALI (P < 0.05). Postoperative anastomotic leakage and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) occurred more frequently in group I than in group II (P < 0.01). Both the serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 levels of group I were significantly higher than those of group II. IL-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were undetectable in the peripheral blood, whereas they were detectable in the pleural effusion. The IL-1beta of pleural effusion was higher in group I than group II. In conclusion, greater surgical stress, such as a longer operative time, is thus considered to be associated with the first attack of ALI. The adverse events developing in the extra-thoracic site, such as necrosis and local infection around anastomosis may therefore be the second attack. Furthermore, ALI may cause not only SIRS but also other complications such as anastomotic leakage.

High dose N-acetylcysteine to prevent pulmonary complications in partial or total transthoracic esophagectomy: results of a prospective observational study

Cancer of the esophagus has a poor long-term prognosis and a high peri-operative morbidity in which pulmonary complications play a major role. The combination of the surgical approach, pre-existing pulmonary disorders, poor nutritional status and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines may be contributing factors. N-acetylcysteine ((NAC) has been shown to have oxygen scavenging abilities. In severe sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, positive effects of NAC on morbidity and mortality were discovered. In this observational study peri-operative high dose NAC was administered in 22 patients. The effects of this treatment on respiratory function, morbidity and survival were studied. These prospectively collected data were compared with data of a matched, retrospective group without NAC treatment. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of socio-demographic data, preoperative pulmonary function, intra-operative course and oncologic characteristics. The oxygenation indices at the postoperative hours 2 (P = 0.019), 4 (P < 0.001), 8 (P = 0.035), 12 (P = 0.035) and 24 (P = 0.046) were significantly higher in the NAC group. After 36 h, the difference between groups was no longer significant (P = 0.064). NAC-treated patients showed significant lower overall pulmonary morbidity, 45.5% versus 81.8% (P = 0.027). Surgical morbidity, intensive care unit and hospital stay were not significantly different between groups, mortality was zero. Kaplan-Meier curves showed no significant difference in survival 12 months postoperatively. These data indicate that postoperative oxygenation can be improved and rate of overall pulmonary complications is reduced using peri-operative high dose NAC in transthoracic esophagectomy.

Prise en charge anesthésique de l'œsophagectomie: avancées et perspectives

Oesophagectomy is still characterized by a high postoperative mortality and respiratory morbidity. Nevertheless, epidemiological, medical and surgical advances have improved the management of this surgical procedure. The anaesthesiologist influence is present at each level, from the preoperative evaluation to the management of postoperative complications. The preoperative period is improved by the use of assessment scores, the better knowing of respiratory risk factors and of the neoadjuvant therapy adverse effects. The main objective of the operative period is to ensure a rapid weaning procedure and stability of the respiratory and haemodynamic functions, warranting the anastomotic healing. The interest of the association between respiratory rehabilitation and thoracic epidural analgesia is highlighted in the postoperative period. The management of postoperative complications, mainly represented by respiratory failure and anastomotic leakages, requires a multidisciplinary analysis. The potential interest of non-invasive ventilation and of the modulation of postoperative inflammatory response needs further investigation.

The biology of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) in ischemia–reperfusion-induced lung injury: A tale of dynamism of NO production and consumption

The main objective of this paper is to review the potential diagnostic roles of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) in evaluating ischemia-reperfusion-induced lung injury associated with cardiac surgery. We shall start by elaborating on current clinical practice of cardiac surgery and to arrive at the conclusion that clinically important ischemia-reperfusion injury is a common scenario of many forms of these surgical procedures. We shall conclude this part by establishing the clinical need for biomarkers of inflammation in cardiothoracic surgery and by proposing that exhaled NO could be an important new addition to our anaesthetic monitoring repertoire based on our expertise with exhaled breath monitoring. We shall then take a closer look at mechanisms of ischemia-reperfusion injury and will propose the role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as mediators and biomarkers of acute lung injury. This analysis will provide a good opportunity to highlight major potential mechanisms of altered NO production and bioactivity of NO. We shall conclude that multiple relevant mechanisms may either lead to increased production of NO or enhance consumption of NO, leaving us with the paradigm that NO maybe used either as a positive or negative biomarker of inflammation. In order to explore this dilemma further, we will investigate the predominant effect of oxidative stress on NO bioactivity in cell culture models of ischemia-reperfusion injury. We will then turn to animal models of ischemia-reperfusion injury to elucidate the ultimate effects of this condition on lung NO production and concentrations of NO in the lung. Finally, we shall complete this journey by highlighting the human relevance of these observations by reviewing our own experience at Harefield Hospital, UK, and that of others, regarding exhaled NO in ischemia-reperfusion injury associated with cardiac surgery and lung transplantation.

Perioperative Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leakage After Esophagectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy is associated with high postoperative morbidity and mortality. The most important predisposing factors for anastomotic leaks are ischemia of the gastric conduit and low blood oxygen content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) on the incidence of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

A thoracic surgery and anesthesia department in a teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Two hundred seven patients who underwent one-stage esophagectomy between 1998 and 2003.

INTERVENTIONS

The effects of perioperative factors and postoperative complications on the incidence of anastomotic leakage were analyzed. Leakage was defined as an anastomotic disruption detected by an ionic x-ray contrast study and confirmed by upper endoscopy in the postoperative period. Analyzed factors included effective TEA placed before the surgical procedure.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Anastomotic leakage occurred in 23 patients (11%). This complication was associated with a significant increase in length of stay in the ICU and in the hospital (mean, 19 +/- 16 days vs 9 +/- 7 days [+/- SD], p = 0.008; and 43 +/- 27 days vs 23 +/- 11 days, respectively; p < 0.001). Mortality in patients presenting anastomotic leakage was 26%, compared with 5.4% in the remainder (p = 0.002). Factors independently associated with the incidence of leakage included estimated blood loss per milliliter during the surgical procedure (odds ratio [OR], 1.004; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001 to 1.007), the cervical location for anastomosis (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 22.9), and the development of an ARDS in the postoperative period (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2.6 to 176.5). Ninety-three patients benefited from an effective TEA for 4.4 +/- 0.8 days. The use of TEA was independently associated with a decrease in the incidence of anastomotic leakage (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.71).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this retrospective study suggest that TEA is associated with a decrease in occurrence of anastomotic leakage.

The effects of nitric oxide in acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common clinical problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Ongoing clinical and basic research and a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of ALI have not been translated into new anti-inflammatory therapeutic options for patients with ALI, or into a significant improvement in the outcome of ALI. In both animal models and humans with ALI, there is increased endogenous production of nitric oxide (NO) due to enhanced expression and activity of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). This increased presence of iNOS and NO in ALI contributes importantly to the pathophysiology of ALI. However, inhibition of total NO production or selective inhibition of iNOS has not been effective in the treatment of ALI. We have recently suggested that there may be differential effects of NO derived from different cell populations in ALI. This concept of cell-source-specific effects of NO in ALI has potential therapeutic relevance, as targeted iNOS inhibition specifically to key individual cells may be an effective therapeutic approach in patients with ALI. In this paper, we will explore the potential role for endogenous iNOS-derived NO in ALI. We will review the evidence for increased iNOS expression and NO production, the effects of non-selective NOS inhibition, the effects of selective inhibition or deficiency of iNOS, and this concept of cell-source-specific effects of iNOS in both animal models and human ALI.

Remnant liver injury after hepatectomy with the pringle maneuver and its inhibition by an iNOS inhibitor (ONO-1714) in a pig model

BACKGROUND

Although hepatectomy is often performed with the Pringle maneuver, the problem of remnant liver injury is not fully solved. We examined the remnant liver injury of hepatectomy under the Pringle maneuver and its relation to inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in a pig hepatectomy model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pigs were subjected to a total of eight Pringle maneuvers followed by re-perfusion. The pigs were divided into the following three groups: Control group; only Pringle maneuver, liver resection (LR) group; hepatectomy under the Pringle maneuver, and ONO group; and hepatectomy under the Pringle maneuver with an iNOS inhibitor (ONO-1714). We investigated the changes in serum aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), NO(2)(-)+NO(3)(-) (NOx), the hepatic tissue blood flow (HTBF), the cellular distribution of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine, infiltration of neutrophils, and thrombocyte-thrombi by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The serum AST, LDH, NOx levels in the LR group were significantly higher than those in the Control group. The formation of iNOS, nitrotyrosine, thrombocyte-thrombi, and infiltration of neutrophils were recognized in the LR group. These findings were inhibited in the ONO group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that remnant liver injury appeared after hepatectomy with the Pringle maneuver. iNOS was involved in these injuries and the iNOS inhibitor attenuated the injury.

Alveolar and plasma concentrations of interleukin-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor following oesophagectomy

The acute respiratory distress syndrome occurs in approximately 10% of all patients undergoing elective oesophagectomy. Local increases in lung pro-inflammatory cytokines have been previously detected in high-risk patients before the development of the acute respiratory distress syndrome. We hypothesised that similar changes would occur following oesophagectomy. Two groups of patients were studied. In the collapsed lung group (n = 11), interelukin-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage samples obtained from the intra-operative collapsed lung after operation. In the ventilated lung group (n = 10), bronchoalveolar lavage was performed after operation from the ventilated lung and cytokines measured. Cytokines were also measured in peripheral blood samples before and after operation. Bronchoalveolar lavage cytokine levels in both lungs were of an order of magnitude greater than in peripheral blood. Pulmonary pro-inflammatory cytokine release occurs following oesophageal surgery and may indicate subclinical lung injury.

Chronic gastritis with expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase is associated with high expression of interleukin-6 and hypergastrinaemia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

High levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitrotyrosine in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric mucosa may contribute to development of gastric cancer. We investigated the relation between expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and proinflammatory cytokines in gastric mucosa and serum markers of gastritis.

METHODS

The study included 103 patients with H. pylori infection. We examined levels of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and evaluated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitrotyrosine by immunohistochemical staining. Furthermore, we assessed serum levels of pepsinogens, gastrin, anti-parietal cell antibody, nitrite and nitrate, as markers of gastritis.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven of 103 (35.6%) gastric mucosa specimens showed simultaneous expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitrotyrosine. In these patients (inducible nitric oxide synthase-positive group), the serum level of gastrin was significantly higher than that of the inducible nitric oxide synthase-negative group (509.5 +/- 141.5 pg/mL vs. 210.0 +/- 227.2 pg/mL; P < 0.01), whereas there were no significant differences in serum levels of pepsinogen, anti-parietal cell antibody, and nitrate and nitrite or in scores of histological gastritis. Interleukin-6 levels were significantly higher in the inducible nitric oxide synthase-positive group than in the inducible nitric oxide synthase-negative group (25.9 +/- 7.0 pg/mg protein vs. 10.6 +/- 4.9 pg/mg protein; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Inducible nitric oxide synthase-producing gastritis was correlated with high levels of interleukin-6. Patients with hypergastrinaemia should be carefully followed on a long-term basis to ensure that the development of any malignancy is detected early.

Effect of prostaglandin E1 on inflammatory responses and gas exchange in patients undergoing surgery for oesophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Oesophageal surgery causes morbidity and mortality from respiratory complications. We tested the possibility that prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) could reduce inflammatory cytokine responses and improve gas exchange after oesophagectomy.

METHODS

We randomized 14 patients into two groups. One group received PGE1 20 ng kg(-1) min(-1) i.v. during anaesthesia (PGE1 group) and the other group did not (control group). Anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and epidural anaesthesia. During oesophagectomy, ventilation of one lung was carried out with a double-lumen bronchial tube. The patients were extubated on or after the first postoperative day. Blood samples were taken at induction of anaesthesia, at the end of thoracotomy, at the end of the operation, 2 h after surgery and on the first day after surgery.

RESULTS

The groups were similar for ASA physical status, age, FEV1%, operation time, duration of thoracotomy, intraoperative fluid volume and blood loss. The arterial blood gas and arterial pressure during surgery were also similar in the PGE1 and control groups. However, the PaO2/FiO2 ratio on the first day after surgery was significantly greater in the PGE1 group compared with the control group. Serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 increased after surgery in both groups. IL-6 was significantly less in the PGE1 group at the end of the operation and 2 h after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative PGE1 reduced IL-6 production in patients undergoing oesophagectomy and oxygenation was better in the postoperative period.

NO pathway in CF and non-CF children

Controversy exists concerning abnormalities of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Although some studies suggested that NO activity is impaired in CF, changes in NO production in young children have not been studied. We hypothesized that nitric oxide synthase (NOS II) expression is decreased in young children with CF, leading to decreased production of lower airway NO, and that decreased NOS II expression is related to airway inflammation. Accordingly, we measured lower airway exhaled NO, nitrate, and NOS II expression in airway epithelium and macrophages by bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and bronchial brushing in 13 children with CF, 4 adolescent patients with CF, and 14 disease control children. Lower airway NO and nitrate were not different between CF and disease controls. Immunostaining studies of NOS II expression in airway epithelial cells and macrophages were similar in CF and control patients. Within the CF group, however, expression of NOS II was inversely related to BAL neutrophil counts and IL-8, two markers of airway inflammation. We conclude that lower airway NO, nitrate levels, and NOS II expression are not different in young children with CF and disease control patients, but that NOS II expression decreases in CF as airway inflammation increases.

The Effects of Different Ventilatory Settings on Pulmonary and Systemic Inflammatory Responses During Major Surgery

Mechanical ventilation with high tidal volumes (V(T)) and zero or low positive end-expiratory pressure increased mediator release to inflammatory stimuli or acute lung injury. We studied whether mechanical ventilation modifies the inflammatory responses during major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Sixty-four patients undergoing elective thoracotomy (n = 34) or laparotomy (n = 30) were randomized to receive either mechanical ventilation with V(T) = 12 or 15 mL/kg ideal body weight, respectively, and zero end-expiratory pressure, or V(T) = 6 mL/kg ideal body weight with positive end-expiratory pressure of 10 cm H(2)O. In 62 patients who completed the study, arterial oxygenation was not different between groups. Tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12 were determined by cytometric bead array in plasma after 0, 1, 2, and 3 h and in tracheal aspirates after 3 h of mechanical ventilation. Data were log-transformed and analyzed using parametric or nonparametric tests, as indicated. All plasma mediators increased more during abdominal than during thoracic surgery, although the differences were small. However, neither time course nor concentrations of pulmonary or systemic mediators differed between the two ventilatory settings. Our data suggest that the ventilatory settings we studied do not affect inflammatory reactions during major surgery within 3 h.

IMPLICATIONS

In 62 patients undergoing elective major thoracic or abdominal surgery, mechanical ventilation with low tidal volumes and positive end-expiratory pressure or high tidal volumes and zero end-expiratory pressure did not result in different pulmonary or systemic levels of measured inflammatory markers.