A Video-Based Procedure-Specific Competency Assessment Tool for Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

Importance

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is a complex procedure with substantial learning curves. In other complex minimally invasive procedures, suboptimal surgical performance has convincingly been associated with less favorable patient outcomes as assessed by peer review of the surgical procedure.

Objective

To develop and validate a procedure-specific competency assessment tool (CAT) for MIE.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this international quality improvement study, a procedure-specific MIE-CAT was developed and validated. The MIE-CAT contains 8 procedural phases, and 4 quality components per phase are scored with a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 4. For evaluation of the MIE-CAT, intraoperative MIE videos performed by a single surgical team in the Esophageal Center East Netherlands were peer reviewed by 18 independent international MIE experts (with more than 120 MIEs performed). Each video was assessed by 2 or 3 blinded experts to evaluate feasibility, content validity, reliability, and construct validity. MIE-CAT version 2 was composed with refined content aimed at improving interrater reliability. A total of 32 full-length MIE videos from patients who underwent MIE between 2011 and 2020 were analyzed. Data were analyzed from January 2021 to January 2023.

Exposure

Performance assessment of transthoracic MIE with an intrathoracic anastomosis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Feasibility, content validity, interrater and intrarater reliability, and construct validity, including correlations with both experience of the surgical team and clinical parameters, of the developed MIE-CAT.

Results

Experts found the MIE-CAT easy to understand and easy to use to grade surgical performance. The MIE-CAT demonstrated good intrarater reliability (range of intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs], 0.807 [95% CI, 0.656 to 0.892] for quality component score to 0.898 [95% CI, 0.846 to 0.932] for phase score). Interrater reliability was moderate (range of ICCs, 0.536 [95% CI, -0.220 to 0.994] for total MIE-CAT score to 0.705 [95% CI, 0.473 to 0.846] for quality component score), and most discrepancies originated in the lymphadenectomy phases. Hypothesis testing for construct validity showed more than 75% of hypotheses correct: MIE-CAT performance scores correlated with experience of the surgical team (r = 0.288 to 0.622), blood loss (r = -0.034 to -0.545), operative time (r = -0.309 to -0.611), intraoperative complications (r = -0.052 to -0.319), and severe postoperative complications (r = -0.207 to -0.395). MIE-CAT version 2 increased usability. Interrater reliability improved but remained moderate (range of ICCs, 0.666 to 0.743), and most discrepancies between raters remained in the lymphadenectomy phases.

Conclusions and Relevance

The MIE-CAT was developed and its feasibility, content validity, reliability, and construct validity were demonstrated. By providing insight into surgical performance of MIE, the MIE-CAT might be used for clinical, training, and research purposes.

Contributing factors to lymph node recovery with esophagectomy by thoracic surgeons: an analysis of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database

Given the association between lymphadenectomy and survival after esophagectomy, and the ongoing development of effective adjuvant protocols for identified residual disease, we determined factors contributing to lymph node yield and effects on postoperative morbidity following esophagectomy by thoracic surgeons. Using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database, all patients who underwent esophagectomy for primary esophageal cancer with gastric conduit reconstruction from 2012 to 2016 were identified. Patient demographics, technical factors, and tumor characteristics associated with lymph node yield were determined using a multivariable multilevel mixed-effects regression model. Associations between lymph node yield and perioperative morbidity and mortality were similarly assessed. A total of 8480 patients were included. The median number of nodes harvested was 16 [Interquartile Range 11-22]. Factors associated with fewer nodes included female gender (b=-0.53, P=0.032), body mass index <18.5 (b=-1.46, P=0.012), prior cardiothoracic surgery (b=-0.73, P=0.015), intraoperative blood transfusion (b=-1.43, P<0.001), squamous cell histology (b=-0.86, P=0.006), and neoadjuvant treatment (b=-1.41, P<0.001). Operative approach significantly affected lymph node yield, with minimally invasive approaches demonstrating higher lymph node counts, and open transhiatal esophagectomy recovering the fewest nodes. Findings were independent of clinical center. There was no association of higher lymph node yield with 30-day mortality, with only slightly increased risk for chyle leak (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, P=0.012). In conclusion, several patient and tumor factors affect lymph node recovery with esophagectomy, independent of hospital center. Technical aspects, specifically minimally invasive approach, play a significant role in quantified lymph node yield. Higher operative lymph node yield was associated with minimal increased morbidity.

Anterior Column Reconstruction with Vascularized Rib After Thoracic Spondylectomy: A Case Report

CASE

A 35-year-old man with a chondrosarcoma of the thoracic spine was treated with neoadjuvant proton radiotherapy (RT), total en bloc spondylectomy (TES), and adjuvant RT. Multiple vertebrae were removed to ensure negative margins, which created a sizable midthoracic defect. A vascularized rib autograft was harvested and intussuscepted within a femoral allograft for reconstruction of the anterior column and supplemented with posterior and lateral instrumentation.

CONCLUSION

This report demonstrates the feasibility of using a rib autograft within a femoral allograft sleeve to achieve immediate robust biomechanical support and eventual osseous union after thoracic TES for malignant tumors.

Management and outcomes of esophageal perforation

BACKGROUND

Esophageal perforation is a morbid condition and remains a therapeutic challenge. We report the outcomes of a large institutional experience with esophageal perforation and identify risk factors for morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 142 patients who presented with a thoracic or gastroesophageal junction esophageal perforation from 1995 to 2020. Baseline characteristics, operative or interventional strategies, and outcomes were analyzed by etiology of the perforation and management approach. Multivariable cox and logistic regression models were constructed to identify predictors of mortality and morbidity.

RESULTS

Overall, 109 (77%) patients underwent operative intervention, including 80 primary reinforced repairs and 21 esophagectomies and 33 (23%) underwent esophageal stenting. Stenting was more common in iatrogenic (27%) and malignant (64%) perforations. Patients who presented with a postemetic or iatrogenic perforation had similar 90-day mortality (16% and 16%) and composite morbidity (51% and 45%), whereas patients who presented with a malignant perforation had a 45% 90-day mortality and 45% composite morbidity. Risk factors for mortality included age >65 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.89 [1.02-3.26], P = 0.044) and a malignant perforation (HR 4.80 [1.31-17.48], P = 0.017). Risk factors for composite morbidity included pleural contamination (odds ratio [OR] 2.06 [1.39-4.43], P = 0.046) and sepsis (OR 3.26 [1.44-7.36], P = 0.005). Of the 33 patients who underwent stent placement, 67% were successfully managed with stenting alone and 30% required stent repositioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for morbidity and mortality after esophageal perforation include advanced age, pleural contamination, septic physiology, and malignant perforation. Primary reinforced repair remains a reasonable strategy for patients with an esophageal perforation from a benign etiology.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Endobronchial Optical Coherence Tomography for the Microscopic Diagnosis of Usual Interstitial Pneumonia

Rationale: Early, accurate diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) informs prognosis and therapy, especially in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Current diagnostic methods are imperfect. High-resolution computed tomography has limited resolution, and surgical lung biopsy (SLB) carries risks of morbidity and mortality. Endobronchial optical coherence tomography (EB-OCT) is a low-risk, bronchoscope-compatible modality that images large lung volumes in vivo with microscopic resolution, including subpleural lung, and has the potential to improve the diagnostic accuracy of bronchoscopy for ILD diagnosis. Objectives: We performed a prospective diagnostic accuracy study of EB-OCT in patients with ILD with a low-confidence diagnosis undergoing SLB. The primary endpoints were EB-OCT sensitivity/specificity for diagnosis of the histopathologic pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and clinical IPF. The secondary endpoint was agreement between EB-OCT and SLB for diagnosis of the ILD fibrosis pattern. Methods: EB-OCT was performed immediately before SLB. The resulting EB-OCT images and histopathology were interpreted by blinded, independent pathologists. Clinical diagnosis was obtained from the treating pulmonologists after SLB, blinded to EB-OCT. Measurements and Main Results: We enrolled 31 patients, and 4 were excluded because of inconclusive histopathology or lack of EB-OCT data. Twenty-seven patients were included in the analysis (16 men, average age: 65.0 yr): 12 were diagnosed with UIP and 15 with non-UIP ILD. Average FVC and DlCO were 75.3% (SD, 18.5) and 53.5% (SD, 16.4), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of EB-OCT was 100% (95% confidence interval, 75.8-100.0%) and 100% (79.6-100%), respectively, for both histopathologic UIP and clinical diagnosis of IPF. There was high agreement between EB-OCT and histopathology for diagnosis of ILD fibrosis pattern (weighted κ: 0.87 [0.72-1.0]). Conclusions: EB-OCT is a safe, accurate method for microscopic ILD diagnosis, as a complement to high-resolution computed tomography and an alternative to SLB.

Risk Prediction Model of 90-Day Mortality After Esophagectomy for Cancer

Importance

Ninety-day mortality rates after esophagectomy are an indicator of the quality of surgical oncologic management. Accurate risk prediction based on large data sets may aid patients and surgeons in making informed decisions.

Objective

To develop and validate a risk prediction model of death within 90 days after esophagectomy for cancer using the International Esodata Study Group (IESG) database, the largest existing prospective, multicenter cohort reporting standardized postoperative outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this diagnostic/prognostic study, we performed a retrospective analysis of patients from 39 institutions in 19 countries between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. Patients with esophageal cancer were randomly assigned to development and validation cohorts. A scoring system that predicted death within 90 days based on logistic regression β coefficients was conducted. A final prognostic score was determined and categorized into homogeneous risk groups that predicted death within 90 days. Calibration and discrimination tests were assessed between cohorts.

Exposures

Esophageal resection for cancer of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction.

Main Outcomes and Measures

All-cause postoperative 90-day mortality.

Results

A total of 8403 patients (mean [SD] age, 63.6 [9.0] years; 6641 [79.0%] male) were included. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.0% (n = 164), and the 90-day mortality rate was 4.2% (n = 353). Development (n = 4172) and validation (n = 4231) cohorts were randomly assigned. The multiple logistic regression model identified 10 weighted point variables factored into the prognostic score: age, sex, body mass index, performance status, myocardial infarction, connective tissue disease, peripheral vascular disease, liver disease, neoadjuvant treatment, and hospital volume. The prognostic scores were categorized into 5 risk groups: very low risk (score, ≥1; 90-day mortality, 1.8%), low risk (score, 0; 90-day mortality, 3.0%), medium risk (score, -1 to -2; 90-day mortality, 5.8%), high risk (score, -3 to -4: 90-day mortality, 8.9%), and very high risk (score, ≤-5; 90-day mortality, 18.2%). The model was supported by nonsignificance in the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. The discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.64-0.72) in the development cohort and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.60-0.69) in the validation cohort.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, on the basis of preoperative variables, the IESG risk prediction model allowed stratification of an individual patient's risk of death within 90 days after esophagectomy. These data suggest that this model can help in the decision-making process when esophageal cancer surgery is being considered and in informed consent.

Results and molecular correlates from a pilot study of neoadjuvant induction FOLFIRINOX followed by chemoradiation and surgery for gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas

PURPOSE

We performed a NCI-sponsored, prospective study of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX followed by chemoradiation (CRT) with carboplatin/paclitaxel followed by surgery in patients with locally advanced gastric or gastroesophageal (GEA) cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The primary objective was to determine completion rate of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX x 8 followed by CRT. Secondary endpoints were toxicity and pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. Exploratory analysis was performed of ctDNA to treatment response.

RESULTS

From Oct 2017 to June 2018, 25 patients were enrolled. All patients started FOLFIRINOX, 92% completed all 8 planned cycles, and 88% completed CRT. Twenty (80%) patients underwent surgical resection, and 7 had a pCR (35% in resected cohort, 28% ITT ). Tumor-specific mutations were identified in 21 (84%) patients, of whom 4 and 17 patients had undetectable and detectable ctDNA at baseline, respectively. Presence of detectable post-CRT ctDNA (p=0.004) and/or postoperative ctDNA (p=0.045) were associated with disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Here we show neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX followed by CRT for locally advanced GEA is feasible and yields a high rate of pCR. ctDNA appears to be a promising predictor of postoperative recurrence.

Surgical intervention for late gastric conduit obstruction

OBJECTIVES

Gastric emptying delay after oesophagectomy may occur in conduits exposed to pleural forces of respiration or anatomic obstruction. Remedial operations addressing both causes are rarely reported. The study aim was to categorize severe gastric conduit obstruction (GCO) and report the outcome of surgical revision.

METHODS

A single-institution, retrospective study of gastric conduit revision following oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer investigated incidence, risk factors and categories of conduit obstruction. Evaluation consisted of contrast studies, computed tomogram and endoscopy. Interventions were categorized according to obstructive cause and included pyloroplasty, hiatal hernia reduction and thoraco-abdominal conduit repositioning.

RESULTS

Among 1246 oesophagectomies over a 17-year period, 14 patients (1.1%) required post-oesophagectomy relief of GCO. Two additional patients presented after oesophagectomy elsewhere. Before oesophagectomy, 18.8% (3/16) and 62.5% (10/16) of patients were on chronic opioid and psychotropic medications, respectively. Distinct anatomic features separated obstruction into 3 categories: pyloric in 31% (5/16), extrinsic in 12.5% (2/16) and combined in 56.3% (9/16). Operative revision led to complete symptom resolution in 50% (8/16) of patients and symptom improvement in 43.8% (7/16) of patients. One patient (1/16, 6.25%) in the combined obstruction group did not improve with surgical revision.

CONCLUSIONS

GCO after oesophagectomy rarely requires surgical revision. Potential association with medications affecting oesophageal and gastric motility requires further investigation. Classification of obstruction identifies a patient subset with lower success after surgical revision.

Fit-for-Discharge Criteria after Esophagectomy: An International Expert Delphi Consensus

There are no internationally recognized criteria available to determine preparedness for hospital discharge after esophagectomy. This study aims to achieve international consensus using Delphi methodology. The expert panel consisted of 40 esophageal surgeons spanning 16 countries and 4 continents. During a 3-round, web-based Delphi process, experts voted for discharge criteria using 5-point Likert scales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Consensus was reached if agreement was ≥75% in round 3. Consensus was achieved for the following basic criteria: nutritional requirements are met by oral intake of at least liquids with optional supplementary nutrition via jejunal feeding tube. The patient should have passed flatus and does not require oxygen during mobilization or at rest. Central venous catheters should be removed. Adequate analgesia at rest and during mobilization is achieved using both oral opioid and non-opioid analgesics. All vital signs should be normal unless abnormal preoperatively. Inflammatory parameters should be trending down and close to normal (leucocyte count ≤12G/l and C-reactive protein ≤80 mg/dl). This multinational Delphi survey represents the first expert-led process for consensus criteria to determine 'fit-for-discharge' status after esophagectomy. Results of this Delphi survey may be applied to clinical outcomes research as an objective measure of short-term recovery. Furthermore, standardized endpoints identified through this process may be used in clinical practice to guide decisions regarding patient discharge and may help to reduce the risk of premature discharge or prolonged admission.

Impact of Obesity on Treatment Approach for Resectable Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

With the prevalence of obesity and its known association with esophageal cancer, there is increasing need to understand how obesity affects treatment.

METHODS

Using The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database, we retrospectively evaluated all patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction between 2012 and 2016. Patients were categorized into five body mass index groups. Associations between body mass index and surgical technique, resection, lymphadenectomy, staging, and neoadjuvant treatment were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

In all, 8547 patients were included in the analysis. Obese and morbidly obese patients were more likely to undergo open procedures compared with normal-weight patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, P = .016; and OR 1.45, P = .007), with longer operative times. Morbidly obese patients had a higher rate of intraoperative conversion from minimally invasive to open approaches (OR 3.75, P = .001). There were no differences in R0 resection or lymphadenectomy, and staging workup was similar. Obese patients were less likely to receive neoadjuvant therapy (OR 0.75, P = .048), and overweight and obese patients were less likely to receive preoperative radiation (OR 0.75, P = .017; and OR 0.71, P = .010). Analyzing by stage, overweight and obese patients with cT2N0 disease were less likely to receive neoadjuvant treatment (OR 0.54, P = .016; and OR 0.37, P < .001). There were no differences in neoadjuvant therapy for cT3 or node-positive disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher body mass index is associated with increased use of open versus minimally invasive esophagectomy and intraoperative conversion. Whereas staging workup and oncologic outcomes of surgery are similar, overweight and obese patients with cT2N0 disease are less likely to undergo neoadjuvant treatments.

Routine intraoperative jejunostomy placement and minimally invasive oesophagectomy: an unnecessary step?†

OBJECTIVES

Adequate nutrition is challenging after oesophagectomy. A jejunostomy is commonly placed during oesophagectomy for nutritional support. However, some patients develop jejunostomy-related complications and the benefit over oral nutrition alone is unclear. This study aims to assess jejunostomy-related complications and the impact of intraoperative jejunostomy placement on weight loss and perioperative outcomes in patients with oesophageal cancer treated with minimally invasive Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy (MIE).

METHODS

From a prospectively maintained database, patients were identified who underwent MIE with gastric reconstruction. Between 2007 and 2016, a jejunostomy was routinely placed during MIE. After 2016, a jejunostomy was not utilized. Postoperative feeding was performed according to a standardized protocol and similar for both groups. The primary outcomes were jejunostomy-related complications, relative weight loss at 3 and 6 months postoperative and perioperative outcomes, including anastomotic leak, pneumonia and length of stay, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 188 patients were included, of whom 135 patients (72%) received a jejunostomy. Ten patients (7.4%) developed jejunostomy-related complications, of whom 30% developed more than 1 complication. There was no significant difference in weight loss between groups at 3 months (P = 0.73) and 6 months postoperatively (P = 0.68) and in perioperative outcomes (P-value >0.999, P = 0.591 and P = 0.513, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a routine intraoperative jejunostomy appears to be an unnecessary step in patients undergoing MIE. Intraoperative jejunostomy placement is associated with complications without improving weight loss or perioperative outcomes. Its use should be tailored to individual patient characteristics. Early oral nutrition allows patients to maintain an adequate nutritional status.

Free Vascularized Fibula Graft with Femoral Allograft Sleeve for Lumbar Spine Defects After Spondylectomy of Malignant Tumors: A Case Report

CASE

We present a 65-year-old man with an L4 conventional chordoma. Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) of the involved vertebral bodies and surrounding soft tissues with reconstruction of the spine using a free vascularized fibula autograft (FVFG) is a proven technique, limiting complications and recurrence. However, graft fracture has occurred only in the lumbar spine in our institutional cases. We used a technique in our patient to ensure extra stability and support, with the addition of a femoral allograft sleeve encasing the FVFG.

CONCLUSIONS

Our technique for the reconstruction of the lumbar spine after TES of primary malignant spinal disease using a femoral allograft sleeve encasing the FVFG is viable to consider.

Diagnostic criteria and symptom grading for delayed gastric conduit emptying after esophagectomy for cancer: international expert consensus based on a modified Delphi process

Delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE) after esophagectomy for cancer is associated with adverse outcomes and troubling symptoms. Widely accepted diagnostic criteria and a symptom grading tool for DGCE are missing. This hampers the interpretation and comparison of studies. A modified Delphi process, using repeated web-based questionnaires, combined with live interim group discussions was conducted by 33 experts within the field, from Europe, North America, and Asia. DGCE was divided into early DGCE if present within 14 days of surgery and late if present later than 14 days after surgery. The final criteria for early DGCE, accepted by 25 of 27 (93%) experts, were as follows: >500 mL diurnal nasogastric tube output measured on the morning of postoperative day 5 or later or >100% increased gastric tube width on frontal chest x-ray projection together with the presence of an air-fluid level. The final criteria for late DGCE accepted by 89% of the experts were as follows: the patient should have 'quite a bit' or 'very much' of at least two of the following symptoms; early satiety/fullness, vomiting, nausea, regurgitation or inability to meet caloric need by oral intake and delayed contrast passage on upper gastrointestinal water-soluble contrast radiogram or on timed barium swallow. A symptom grading tool for late DGCE was constructed grading each symptom as: 'not at all', 'a little', 'quite a bit', or 'very much', generating 0, 1, 2, or 3 points, respectively. For the five symptoms retained in the diagnostic criteria for late DGCE, the minimum score would be 0, and the maximum score would be 15. The final symptom grading tool for late DGCE was accepted by 27 of 31 (87%) experts. For the first time, diagnostic criteria for early and late DGCE and a symptom grading tool for late DGCE are available, based on an international expert consensus process.

Third-time ("redo-redo") anti-reflux surgery: patient-reported outcomes after a thoracoabdominal approach

BACKGROUND

Approximately 3-6% of patients undergoing anti-reflux surgery require "redo" surgery for persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Further surgery for patients with two failed prior anti-reflux operations is controversial due to the morbidity of reoperation and poor outcomes. We examined our experience with surgical revision of patients with at least two failed anti-reflux operations.

METHODS

Adults undergoing at least a second-time revision anti-reflux surgery between 1999 and 2017 were eligible. The primary outcomes were general and disease-specific quality-of-life (QoL) scores determined by Short-Form-36 (SF36) and GERD-Health-Related QoL (GERD-HRQL) instruments, respectively. Secondary outcomes included perioperative morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients undergoing redo-redo surgery (13 with 2 prior operations, 5 with 3 prior operations) were followed for a median of 6 years [IQR 3, 12]. Sixteen patients (89%) underwent open revisions (14 thoracoabdominal, 2 laparotomy) and two patients had laparoscopic revisions. Indications for surgery included reflux (10 patients), regurgitation (5 patients), and dysphagia (3 patients). Intraoperative findings were mediastinal wrap herniation (9 patients), misplaced wrap (2 patients), mesh erosion (1 patient), or scarring/stricture (6 patients). Procedures performed included Collis gastroplasty + fundoplication (6 patients), redo fundoplication (5 patients), esophagogastrectomy (4 patients), and primary hiatal closure (3 patients). There were no deaths and 13/18 patients (72%) had no postoperative complications. Ten patients completed QoL surveys; 8 reported resolution of reflux, 6 reported resolution of regurgitation, while 4 remained on proton-pump inhibitors (PPI). Mean SF36 scores (± standard deviation) in the study cohort in the eight QoL domains were as follows: physical functioning (79.5 [± 19.9]), physical role limitations (52.5 [± 46.3]), emotional role limitations (83.3 [± 36.1]), vitality (60.0 [± 22.7]), emotional well-being (88.4 [± 8.7]), social functioning (75.2 [± 31.0]), pain (66.2 [± 30.9]), and general health (55.0 [± 39.0]).

CONCLUSION

An open thoracoabdominal approach in appropriately selected patients needing third-time anti-reflux surgery carries low morbidity and provides excellent results as reflected in QoL scores.

Management of laryngotracheal trauma

Laryngotracheal trauma is a rare but potentially life-threatening injury. It is usually seen in multiple-trauma patients and can go unrecognized and undertreated due to its scarcity. The presenting symptoms often do not correlate with the severity of the injury and injuries may range from an endolaryngeal hematoma to a complete tracheal transection. Accurate diagnosis of the extent of the injury can be achieved with a combination of high resolution computed tomography, flexible fiber optic laryngoscopy and flexible bronchoscopy. Treatment may include observation with symptomatic management, reduction and repair of laryngeal skeletal fractures, or complete tracheal or laryngeal reconstruction. Endolaryngeal stents are reserved for use in cases of significant mucosal trauma or injuries that disrupt the anterior commissure of the larynx. The most important goal in management is to first secure and reconstruct the airway. Once this has been achieved, the long-term goal of treatment is to restore the voice and swallowing mechanism.

Repair of large airway defects with bioprosthetic materials

OBJECTIVE

Patients with complicated airway defects that exceed the limits of primary repair represent a challenging clinical problem and require alternative techniques for repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate bioprosthetic reconstruction of large tracheal and bronchial defects.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients treated at a single tertiary center from 2008 to 2015 who underwent repair of tracheal or bronchial defects with a bioprosthetic device, namely aortic homograft or acellular dermal matrix.

RESULTS

Eight patients, 3 men and 5 women with a mean age of 54 ± 13 years, underwent closure of complex central airway defects with bioprosthetic material. All but 1 patient underwent prior operative or stenting procedures. Three patients had isolated airway defects, whereas 5 had fistulas between the airway and enteric tract. Defects involved the membranous wall of the trachea (n = 5), the anterior wall of the trachea (n = 1), or the main stem bronchus (n = 2). Five reconstructions were with aortic homograft and 3 with acellular dermal matrix. Bioprosthetic material was buttressed with muscle flap (n = 4), omentum (n = 2), or left unbuttressed (n = 2). The airway defect was successfully closed in all patients. There was no postoperative mortality or recurrence of the airway defect in short-term follow-up. Two patients required debridement of granulation tissue and 1 additional patient required airway balloon dilation. Progression of underlying metastatic disease explained the majority of long-term mortality (75%).

CONCLUSIONS

Bioprosthetic materials represent a viable option for management of large airway defects, including airway-enteric fistulae, that exceed the limits of primary repair.

Outcomes With Open and Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy After Neoadjuvant Therapy

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant therapy is integral in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer. Despite increasing acceptance of minimally invasive approaches to esophagectomy, there remain concerns about the safety and oncologic soundness after neoadjuvant therapy. We examined outcomes in patients undergoing open and minimally invasive (MIE) Ivor Lewis esophagectomy after neoadjuvant therapy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective series of 130 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer undergoing Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with curative intention after neoadjuvant therapy at a tertiary academic center (2008 to 2012).

RESULTS

An open procedure was performed in 74 patients (56.9%), and 56 (43.1%) underwent MIE after neoadjuvant therapy. MIE patients had shorter median intensive care unit (p = 0.002) and hospital lengths of stay (p < 0.0001). The incidence of postoperative complications was similar (open: 54.8% vs MIE: 41.1%, p = 0.155). However, observed respiratory complications were significantly reduced after MIE (8.9%) compared with open (29.7%; p = 0.004). Anastomotic leak rates were similar (open: 1.4% vs. MIE: 0%, p = 1.00). Mortality at 30 and 90 days was comparable (open: 2.7% and 4.1% vs MIE: 0% and 1.8%, p = 0.506 and p = 0.634, respectively). Complete resection rates and the number of collected lymph nodes was similar. Overall survival rates at 5 years were similar (open: 61% vs MIE: 50%, p = 0.933). MIE was not a significant predictor of overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.61 to 1.87; p = 0.810).

CONCLUSIONS

MIE proves its safety after neoadjuvant therapy because it leads to faster progression during the early postoperative period while reducing pulmonary complications. Open and MIE approaches appear equivalent with regards to perioperative oncologic outcomes after neoadjuvant therapy. Long-term outcomes need further validation.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy and its current role in esophageal cancer

The incidence of esophageal cancer has increased over the previous 4 decades. In 2014 alone, it is estimated that there will be 18,000 patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and 15,000 deaths from the disease.Esophagectomy, most commonly with adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation to treat locoregional spread, is the primary vehicle to offer patients cure. Open approaches (transthoracic Ivor Lewis, transhiatal, left thoracoabdominal, and 'three phase' McKeown esophagectomy) have been the most common, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.With this morbidity in mind, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has gained enthusiasm from the surgical community as an approach to minimize post-operative morbidity without sacrificing long-term outcomes. In this article, we review the basic steps of the three major approaches to MIE. We also review the recent data which supports the surgical field's growing enthusiasm for this approach to esophageal cancer. Based on our review of current data, we conclude that patients undergoing MIE have improved short-term outcomes with regard to morbidity and quality of life, with no adverse effects of the quality of oncologic resection.

Short and long-term outcomes after esophagectomy for cancer in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

As worldwide life expectancy rises, the number of candidates for surgical treatment of esophageal cancer over 70 years will increase. This study aims to examine outcomes after esophagectomy in elderly patients.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of 474 patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer during 2002 to 2011. A total of 334 (70.5%) patients were less than 70 years old (group A), 124 (26.2%) 70 to 79 years (group B), and 16 (3.4%) 80 years or greater (group C). We analyzed the effect of age on outcome variables including overall and disease specific survival.

RESULTS

Major morbidity was observed to occur in 115 (35.6%) patients of group A, 58 (47.9%) of group B, and 10 (62.5%) of group C (p = 0.010). Mortality, both 30-day and 90-day was observed in 2 (0.6%) and 7 (2.2%) of group A, 4 (3.2%) and 7 (6.1%) of group B, and 1 (6.3%) and 2 (14.3%) of group C, respectively (p = 0.032 and p = 0.013). Anastomotic leak was observed in 16 (4.8%) patients of group A, 6 (4.8%) of group B, and 0 (0%) of group C (p = 0.685). Anastomotic stricture (defined by the need for ≥ 2 dilations) was observed in 76 (22.8%) of group A, 13 (10.5%) of group B, and 1 (6.3%) of group C (p = 0.005). Five-year overall and disease specific survival was 64.8% and 72.4% for group A, 41.7% and 53.4% for group B, 49.2% and 49.2% for group C patients (p = 0.0006), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Esophagectomy should be carefully considered in patients 70 to 79 years old and can be justified with low mortality. Outcomes in octogenarians are worse suggesting esophagectomy be considered on a case by case basis. Stricture rate is inversely associated to age.

A preliminary experience with minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy

With several small series examining minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomies, we look to contribute to a growing experience. In reporting our initial results, safety, initial oncologic completeness, and preliminary outcomes with a minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy were demonstrated. From 2007 to 2010, 40 minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomies were carried out. The approach was a laparoscopic mobilization of the stomach and a thoracoscopic esophageal mobilization and creation of a high intrathoracic anastomosis. Indications included esophageal cancer in 39 patients and esophageal gastrointestinal stromal tumor in one patient. Median age was 62 (range 39-77) with 31 (78%) male patients. Non-emergent conversion was required in two (5%) patients. Twenty-five (63%) patients underwent neoadjuvant therapy. Mean operative time was 364 minutes (range 285-455), and mean blood loss was 205 cc (range 100-400). All patients underwent an R0 resection including the removal of all Barrett's esophagus, and mean number of nodes harvested was 21 (range 11-41). Median intensive care unit stay was 1 day (range 1-3), and hospital stay was 7 days (range 6-19). There were no anastomotic leaks and no 30-day mortality. Postoperative complications included eight (21%) patients with atrial fibrillation and two (5%) chylothorax, one requiring ligation. At a mean follow-up of 16.5 months (range 1-39 months), five (13%) patients have had a distant recurrence; there have been no local recurrences. Minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, although technically challenging, can be carried out with reasonable operative times, a short length of stay, and minimal complication. Final oncologic validity is pending longer follow-up and a larger series.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes following open versus minimally invasive Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy at a single, high-volume centre

OBJECTIVES

With the increasing popularity of minimally invasive oesophageal resections, equivalence, if not superiority, to open techniques must be demonstrated. Here we compare our open and minimally invasive Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy (MIE) experience.

METHODS

A prospective database of all oesophagectomies performed at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA between November 2007 and January 2011 was analysed. A total of 38 MIE and 76 open Ivor Lewis (OIE) oesophagectomies were performed for oesophageal carcinoma. Sixty-day surgical, oncological and postoperative outcomes were examined between the two groups.

RESULTS

Groups had similar demographics in terms of age, gender, tumour histology, clinical stage, preoperative comorbidities and neoadjuvant therapy. No difference was found with respect to adequacy of oncological resections. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved (OIE: 21, inter-quartile range (IQR): (16, 27) versus MIE: 19, IQR: (15, 28)), resection margins (OIE: 6.6% positive versus MIE: no positive margins) and 60-day mortality (OIE: 2.6% versus MIE: no deaths) were comparable. However, rates of pulmonary complications were significantly lower in the MIE group (OIE: 43.4 versus MIE: 2.6%, P < 0.001). Additionally, the median length of ICU and hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss and amount of intravenous fluids infused intraoperatively were also significantly decreased with MIE, while median operative times and the requirement for intraoperative blood transfusion were not significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified MIE as the only variable associated with a significant reduction in the rate of pulmonary complications in our study, while pre-existing pulmonary comborbidity was associated with an increased risk of pulmonary complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Open and MIE appear equivalent with regard to early oncological outcomes. A minimally invasive approach, however, appears to lead to a significant reduction in the rate of postoperative pulmonary complications. Length of ICU and hospital stay, as well as intraoperative blood loss and intravenous fluid requirements are also reduced in the setting of MIE. Long-term survival data will need to be followed closely. A large, multi-centred, randomized, controlled trial is warranted to confirm these results.

Quantification of diaphragm function using ultrasound: evaluation of a novel technique

A novel method of image analysis for quantifying diaphragmatic motion is described using ultrasound. Nineteen patients scheduled for thoracic surgery were evaluated with ultrasound preoperatively and through their postoperative hospital stay. Diaphragmatic motion was measured using a horizontal on-screen ruler, allowing for quantification and tracking of dynamic diaphragm function. A percentage (73.5%) of all attempted measurements was quantifiable. Preoperative measurements of left and right diaphragm movement were correlated and there was no significant difference between the two. Postoperative diaphragm movement ipsilateral to the incision was statistically significantly less when compared to the contralateral side (p = 0.02 vs. p = 0.19). While not universally feasible in all patients, this method for quantifying diaphragmatic function is the only known imaging technique that can be performed at the bedside. Further evaluation of the impact of diaphragmatic dysfunction on patients undergoing thoracic surgery and its correlation with dyspnea is planned.

Surgical management of mediastinal liposarcoma extending from hypopharynx to carina: case report

We describe the complete resection of a giant, well-differentiated mediastinal liposarcoma extending retropharynx to envelop the aortic arch, trachea and esophagus following preoperative radiotherapy.

Long-term results of sleeve lobectomy in the management of non-small cell lung carcinoma and low-grade neoplasms

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the operative mortality, morbidity, and long-term survival of sleeve lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer and low-grade neoplasms. We evaluated the effects of neoadjuvant therapy on the bronchial anastomotic complication rate and determined whether sleeve lobectomy performed in patients with N1 disease resulted in decreased overall survival.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of 196 patients who underwent sleeve lobectomy. One hundred twenty-five patients had non-small cell lung cancer. There were 117 men (59.7%) and 79 women (40.3%) with a mean age of 54 years. Sixteen patients (13%) received neoadjuvant therapy. Fifty-six patients with N1 disease underwent sleeve lobectomy.

RESULTS

There were 4 (2.0%) postoperative deaths. The postoperative morbidity rate was 36.7%. Four patients (2.0%) experienced bronchopleural fistulas. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age older than 70 years (p = 0.02) and the diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (p = 0.0002) were risk factors for postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis also demonstrated that neoadjuvant therapy predicted anastomotic complications (p = 0.01). For non-small cell lung cancer patients, the 5-year survival rate was 44%. The 5-year survival rates for patients with pathologic N0 disease and N1 disease were 52.6% versus 39.3%, respectively (p = 0.205).

CONCLUSIONS

Sleeve lobectomy can be performed with minimal bronchial anastomotic complications and low postoperative mortality. In our study, neoadjuvant therapy for non-small cell lung cancer adversely influenced the rate of anastomotic complications. Performing sleeve lobectomy for patients with N1 disease was not associated with decreased overall survival rates.

Surgical management of failed colon interposition

BACKGROUND

Complications following colon interposition may be acute or chronic and often devastating. Creative strategies are needed to preserve the conduit or develop alternatives when the conduit cannot be salvaged.

METHODS

The records of patients undergoing revision surgery of colon interposition between 1965 and 2005 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients underwent 48 operative revisions. Nineteen patients underwent one operation, nine required multiple operations to manage one problem and seven developed more than one distinct problem requiring several operative interventions. The most common indications for revision surgery were redundancy (n=13), stricture (n=11), and loss of intestinal continuity (n=8). The most common revisional operations were anastomotic revision (n=13), segmental colonic resection (n=6), and stricturoplasty (n=4). Swallowing function was restored in 32 of 35 patients. Loss of intestinal continuity was successfully reversed in six of seven patients. There were no intraoperative deaths. Four patients required re-operation after a failed revision at our institution. Swallowing was restored in three of four patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications that develop after colon bypass present major challenges for surgeons to maintain swallowing and quality of life. We present successful strategies to manage these devastating complications. It is the largest report dealing with a wide variety of complications of colon bypass.

Preliminary experience by a thoracic service with endoscopic transoral stapling of cervical (Zenker's) diverticulum

Recently endoscopic transoral stapling (ES) of cervical (Zenker's) diverticulum (ZD) has been reported. In a 10-year retrospective review, we identified 47 patients undergoing ES or open surgery (OS) for ZD. ES was attempted in 28 patients and OS in 19. Using an intention to treat analysis, outcomes examined included operative time, length of stay, and dysphagia severity using a scale from 1 (no dysphagia) to 5 (severe dysphagia). ES was completed in 24/28 patients with four conversions to OS. The mean age was 75 years for the ES group and 70 years for the OS group (p = 0.079). Mean operative time (1.57 versus 2.35 h.) was less (p < 0.03) in the ES group. Length of stay (2.12 versus 2.44 days) was shorter for ES but not significant (P = 0.49). Mean follow up was 17 (1-103) months for both groups. Dysphagia scores were comparable between the two groups preoperatively (2.78 ES versus 2.79 OS; p = 0.98) and improved significantly (p = 0.001) to 1.1 after ES and 1.0 after OS. The time to oral intake was 1.38 days in the ES group and 1.29 days in the OS group (p = 0.80). We conclude that ES is feasible and can be performed with shorter operative times and comparable short-term results to OS.

Fatty acid ethyl esters and HepG2 cells: intracellular synthesis and release from the cells

Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), esterification products of fatty acid and ethanol, have been implicated as mediators of ethanol-induced organ damage. To understand the molecular and cellular events in FAEE synthesis and secretion, we developed a system in which HepG2 cells synthesize and release FAEE into the culture medium upon incubation with ethanol. The synthesis of FAEE was observed within 5 min of the addition of ethanol, with a plateau for FAEE synthesis after 2 h of incubation. It was also observed that FAEE are synthesized by both a microsomal FAEE synthase, which preferentially uses fatty acyl-CoA as a substrate, and a cytosolic FAEE synthase, which accepts both unesterified fatty acid and fatty acyl-CoA as substrates with a slight preference for fatty acyl-CoA. Although the kinetics of cellular FAEE synthesis await further characterization, the intracellular fatty acid substrate appears to be derived principally from glycerolipids and other esters. FAEE were released into the culture medium by a mechanism independent of the vesicular transport pathway. Lipoprotein particles and albumin were found to be carriers of FAEE after FAEE secretion from the cell.

Fatty acid ethyl esters in the blood as markers for ethanol intake

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical utility of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) in the blood as a short-term confirmatory marker for ethanol intake and a longer-term marker for ethanol intake after ethanol is no longer detectable.

DESIGN

Single-center controlled clinical trial and a blinded comparison involving 48 blood samples that were positive, negative, or equivocal for blood ethanol.

PARTICIPANTS

Seven healthy subjects (4 men and 3 women, aged 21 to 23 years) participated in the clinical trial. Blood samples from participants for the blinded comparison portion of the study were numbered from 1 to 48 and not identified by name.

INTERVENTION

The 7 healthy subjects ingested a known amount of ethanol at a fixed rate. The concentration of FAEEs in the blood after ethanol intake was determined for a period of up to 24 hours. There was no intervention in the blinded comparison study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

In the clinical trial, a pharmacokinetic analysis of FAEE concentration in the blood after ethanol intake was completed for 7 individuals whose blood ethanol level was elevated from 25 to 35 mmol/L. In the blinded comparison, the 48 blood samples that were positive, negative, or equivocal for blood ethanol were analyzed for FAEE concentration.

RESULTS

In the clinical trial, the disappearance of FAEEs from the blood followed a decay curve that initially resembled the decay curve for blood ethanol. However, because of a very slow secondary elimination phase, the FAEEs were found to persist in the blood for at least 24 hours after ethanol intake was completed. In the blinded comparison, all 20 samples that were positive for ethanol were positive for FAEEs, 7 of 7 samples equivocal for ethanol were positive for FAEEs, and 21 of 21 negative samples for ethanol were negative for FAEEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum concentration of FAEEs can serve as an excellent short-term confirmatory test for ethanol intake as well as a longer-term marker of ethanol ingestion. Measurement of FAEEs in the blood may be a more sensitive indicator of ethanol ingestion than the measurement of blood ethanol .

Fatty acid ethyl ester synthase catalyzes the esterification of ethanol to cocaine

Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), esterification products of ethanol and fatty acids, have been implicated as mediators of ethanol induced organ damage. It has been shown that FAEE synthase, the enzyme responsible for the formation of FAEE, is present selectively in the organs damaged by ethanol abuse. Cocaethylene is a cocaine metabolite generated in the presence of ethanol which has been established as enhancing cocaine toxicity. In the present study we show that purified FAEE synthase also catalyzes the formation of cocaethylene. A linear relationship (r = 0.998) was demonstrated between the amount of purified FAEE synthase (microgram) and cocaethylene synthesis (nmol/hr). We further showed a correlation (r = 0.804) between the two enzyme activities in selected tissues. These findings provide evidence that purified FAEE synthase has cocaethylene synthetic ability and FAEE synthase may be responsible for a portion of cocaethylene synthesis in vivo.