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Recent advances in treatment for esophageal cancer have improved prognosis after esophagectomy, but they have led to an increased incidence of gastric conduit cancer. In most gastric conduit cancer patients who underwent retrosternal reconstruction, median sternotomy is performed, which is associated with a risk of postoperative bleeding and osteomyelitis; pain often negatively affects respiration. To avoid these problems, we developed thoracoscopic retrosternal gastric conduit resection in the supine position (TRGR-S) as new procedure. Methods We performed the first case of TRGR-S for a 75-year-old male with retrosternal gastric conduit cancer. He was placed in the supine position. Four ports were placed in the left chest wall. The gastric conduit was separated from the epicardium, sternum, and left brachiocephalic vein. Due to adhesions between the gastric tube and the right pleura, combined resection of the right pleura was performed. Next, pediculated jejunal reconstruction via the presternal route was performed. Results Because there were few adhesions in the left thoracic cavity, this approach provided safety and a good surgical view, and it was easy to recognize the landmark including epicardium, sternum, and left brachiocephalic vein leading to appropriate resection of the tissue. Furthermore, there were few restrictions on the operative angle for the forceps and operability was quite ergonomic. Moreover, the lungs can be noninvasively contracted via an artificial pneumothorax. The pathological diagnosis was signet ring cell carcinoma (pT1b, pN0, M0, pStage I), indicating R0 resection. There were no post-operative complications. Conclusion This approach does not require sternotomy, so it has less risk of postoperative bleeding and osteomyelitis. Due to fewer adhesions, this approach is safe and provides a good surgical view. TRGR-S is a safe, ergonomic, and reliable procedure for resection of retrosternal gastric conduit cancer. Video This is the video of the operation ‘TRGR-S’, which is the new procedure for the gastric conduit cancer. https://www.dropbox.com/s/2whnekgp73hw1lz/video%20for%20ISDE2020.mov?dl=0.

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position (TEP) for esophageal cancer is reported to have superiority in preserving postoperative respiratory function and reducing postoperative respiratory complications. In Japan, the majority of patients with esophageal cancer are smokers and have obstructive ventilation disorders. But, the feasibirity and safety of TEP for patients with low respiratory function is unclear. Objectives To clarify the feasibirity and safety of TEP for esophageal cancer patients with obstructive respiratory function. Methods The 95 patients with obstructive respiratory disorder who underwent TEP and gastric tube reconstruction via posterior mediastinal route for esophageal cancer from January 2016 to April 2019 were divided into the two groups, low respiratory function (LRF) group and the control group. Short-term outcomes were compared between two groups. Results The control group was 73 cases, and the LRF group was 22 cases. Propensity score matching using age, gender, cT, and cN as covariates was used to identify matched patients (22 per group) in both groups. There were no differences in operation time of overall and intrathoracic part, or blood loss in each group. In the postoperative complications, pneumonia (13.6% vs. 9.1%), recurrent laryngeal palsy (18.2% vs. 22.7%), anastomotic leakage (13.6% vs. 13.6%) and hospital stay (36.3 days vs 27.5 days) were no differences in both groups. Conclusion TEP can be feasible and safe for the patients with obstructive ventilation disorder and low respiratory function.

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) producing tumor is one type of growth factor producing tumor that induces leukocytosis. On the other hand, adenocarcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation disease is known as α-fetprotein (AFP), glypican3, and Sal-like protein 4 (SALL4) producing tumor. We report a first case of G-CSF producing esophageal cancer with enteroblastic differentiation which has never been reported in the world. Methods [Case presentation]: A fifty-six year-old man was admitted to our hospital to treat esophageal carcinoma. His body temperature was elevated. Blood biochemistry tests showed leukocytosis (WBC 14000/μl). Gastroscopy revealed a 10-cm diameter, superficial elevated lesion in the lower thoracic esophagus. Biopsy findings indicated a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. No distant metastasis, but right subclavian and para esophageal lymph nodes swelling were identified via computed tomography. Thus, we planned neo adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) (5-FU 800 mg/m2 plus Cisplatin 80 mg/m2) before surgical resection. The patient’s hyperthermia and leukocytosis improved by not antibiotics but NAC. Therefore, we suspected G-CSF producing tumor. Results The serum level of G-CSF was markedly elevated at 133 pg/ml (normal range, Additionally, PET/CT showed abnormally high uptake of (18) F-FDG not only by the tumor itself, but also diffusely throughout the bone marrow. The patient underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy in the prone position with two-field lymph node dissection. Immunohistochemical studies showed G-CSF producing adenocarcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation (AFP negative, glypican3 and SALL4 positive). Pathological stage was pT2N0M0, stageII. After resection, improvement of hyperthermia, leukocytosis, and serum level of G-CSF can be seen. Findings of (18) F-FDG throughout the bone marrow were also disappeared. Conclusion We experienced an extremely rare case of G-CSF producing, esophageal adenocarcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation.

The Japanese National Clinical Database (NCD) started its data registration since 2011, has grown up to a large nationwide database covering more than 95% of the surgeries performed by regular surgeons in Japan. The NCD grew rapidly harvesting over 11 million cases data between 2011 and 2018 from more than 5,000 facilities. Methods In this period, the surgeries of the esophagus were performed for 70,528 cases. In 2018, 93.8% of surgeries were performed at certified institutions, and 94.7% did with the participation of the board-certified surgeon. The board-certified surgeons operated 75.2% of the surgeries. Results Esophagectomy was performed for 47,055 patients in eight years. In 2018, 23.3% of the cases were 75 years old or more. Postoperative complications of Clavien Dindo classification grade III or higher occurred in 22.9% of all. As the patients have been getting older, the morbidities have been increasing. However, the mortalities have been kept at a low level. Postoperative 30-day and 90-day mortalities were 0.9% and 1.9%, respectively. The rates of endoscopic surgery have been increasing year by year, especially high in esophagectomy, which was 61.0% in 2018. Conclusion A risk-adjusted analysis based on nationwide data allows personnel to establish and provide feedback on the risks that patients face before undergoing a procedure. The risk calculator for eight main procedures are available on the websites of the hospitals that are a part of NCD. Nationwide this database is surely expecting to ensure the quality of board certification system and surgical outcomes in gastroenterological surgery.

Procedure of minimally invasive esophagectomy in prone position (Conventional prone-MIE) is standardized leading to feasible short outcomes. On the other hand, robot assisted MIE (Robotic MIE) was approved as Japanese health insurance treatment since 2018. Especially, reduction of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy leading to aspiration pneumonia is expected for Robotic MIE. The purpose of this study is to clarify the potential of Robotic MIE for improvement of short outcomes. Methods Twenty-four Robotic MIEs in introduction period since 2018 and 128 Conventional prone-MIEs in established period since 2015 from all of the 375 cases were compared using propensity score matching. Results Operative times in both entire and thoracic procedures were significantly longer in Robotic MIE. There were no significant differences between two groups in the number of harvested lymph nodes, amount of the blood loss, left RLN palsy rate (13% vs 14%, > Clavien-Dindo classification: C-D grade I), right RLN palsy rate (4% vs 8%, > C-D grade I), and pneumonia rate (7% vs 7%, > C-D grade II). Conclusion Short outcomes of Robotic MIE in introduction period were not inferior to those of Conventional prone-MIE in established period. More improvement is expected for Robotic MIE via learning curve. In conclusion, Robotic MIE has hidden potential to outstrip Conventional prone-MIE in outcomes. Video https://www.dropbox.com/s/7byc8nsqupgetsp/2020%20ISDE%20movie%20for%20submission.wmv?dl=0.

Reconstruction routes after esophagectomy include posterior mediastinal, retrosternal, and subcutaneous route. We have performed posterior mediastinal reconstruction, but this route has higher risks of gastro-tracheal fistula and hiatal hernia. To avoid these complications, now we take the retrosternal route as our first choice by creating the route laparoscopically before pulling-up gastric conduit. We report the successful and safe procedure. Methods We performed laparoscopic creation of retrosternal route in 13 thoracoscopic/robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomies since August 2019. In practice, a peritoneal incision at the dorsal side of the xiphoid process is started. Then, via 12 mm port on the surgeon's right hand inserted slightly to the right and cranial side of the umbilical camera port, we dissect loose connective tissues from the caudal side to the cranial side behind the sternum and inside the internal thoracic vessels as landmarks. The time required to create the route and pleural injury rate during the procedure was examined. Results Thirteen cases were divided into two groups as early period group (seven cases) and later period group (six cases) respectively. The time required for route creation was 31.3 minutes(average) in the early period group, and 16.7 minutes in the later period group. There is tendency towards faster in later period group than in earlier one. The overall pleural injury rate was 15% (2 of 13 cases). Although it was difficult to determine the amount of bleeding, it was visually observed that the bleeding during the route creation was lower in the later period group than in the early period group. Conclusion The entire laparoscopic procedure to create retrosternal route makes it easier to observe and preserve the pleura and internal thoracic vessels compared to blind blunt dissection. As a conclusion, laparoscopic creation of retrosternal route for gastric conduit reconstruction is safe and feasible with good learning curve. Video https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p0wc3x46n33jp23/AADwiWHYIEUNUX6qZsERVIOga?dl=0.

C-reactive protein to albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio, a novel inflammation-based prognostic score, was first developed as a prognostic score for septic patients. Recent reports show that CRP/Alb ratio is also a prognostic score for cancer patients, including esophageal cancer. However, the role of CRP/Alb ratio for those with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and the changes of CRP/Alb ratio around NAC have never been discussed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the significance of CRP/Alb ratio around NAC for patients with cStage II/III esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). A total of 149 patients who were diagnosed as cStage II/III ESCC were enrolled between February 2007 and December 2014. We retrospectively investigated the relation between pre-NAC and post-NAC CRP/Alb ratio and short and long outcomes. The optimal cutoff level for pre-NAC and post-NAC CRP/Alb ratio was 0.030 and 0.048, respectively. There was no relation between CRP/Alb ratio level and postoperative outcomes. Post-NAC CRP/Alb ratio < 0.048 had a significantly higher overall survival rate than CRP/Alb ratio ≥0.048 (P< 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that cT, cN, pre-NAC CRP/Alb ratio < 0.030 and post-NAC CRP/Alb ratio < 0.048 was prognostic factors (P= 0.003, P= 0.022, P= 0.033, and P< 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that cT and post-NAC CRP/Alb ratio < 0.048 was independent prognostic factors (P= 0.030 and P< 0.001, respectively). Post-NAC CRP/Alb ratio is an independent prognostic factor in patients with cStage II/III ESCC.

Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is a highly invasive procedure, and a feeding jejunostomy tube (FJT) is routinely placed to ensure adequate enteral nutrition. However, the effect of perioperative short-term FJT placement remains controversial, and the aim of this study was to assess risks and benefits of routine FJT placement during esophagectomy and to determine parameters that can identify patients needing long-term FJT. This retrospective study included 393 patients who had undergone esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction via the posterior mediastinal route at the Kobe University Hospital and the Hyogo Cancer Center between April 2010 and December 2017. Propensity score matching was used to identify matched patients (139 per group) in the FJT and no-FJT groups. The incidence of postoperative complications and weight loss (3 months post-procedure) was compared in the matched cohort and significant risk factors predicting the need for long-term FJT placement in the whole cohort were identified. In the matched cohort, while weight loss was not different between the FJT and no-FJT groups (11% vs. 10%), the incidence of small bowel obstruction in the FJT group (11.5%) was significantly higher than that in the no-FJT group (0%). Multivariate analysis revealed that age (≥75 years), preoperative therapy, anastomosis leakage, and pulmonary complications were independent risk factors for long-term FJT placement. Routine placement of an FJT during esophagectomy increases small bowel obstruction and does not result in better nutritional status, suggesting that selective long-term FJT placement in high-risk patients should be considered.

Summary The inflammation-based modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) has been shown to be a prognostic factor for esophageal cancer, but its changes in relation to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) have never been discussed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential prognostic role of mGPS with regard to NAC. mGPS was evaluated on the basis of admission blood samples taken before chemotherapy and before surgery. Patients with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels (>10 mg/L) and hypoalbuminemia (

Background While thoracoscopic esophagectomy is a widely performed surgical procedure, only few studies regarding the influence of body position on changes in circulation and breathing, after the surgery, have been reported. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of body position, during surgery, on the postoperative breathing functions of the chest. Methods A total of 266 patients who underwent right-sided transthoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer from 2004 to 2012 were included in this study. Fifty-four of them underwent open thoracotomies in the left lateral decubitus position (Group O), 108 underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the left lateral decubitus position (Group L) and 104 patients were treated by thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position (Group P). Two patients in Group P, who presented with intra-operative bleeding and underwent thoracotomy, were subsequently excluded from the pulmonary function analysis. Results Two patients in Group P had to be changed from the prone position to the lateral decubitus position and underwent thoracotomy in order to control intra-operative bleeding. Despite the significantly longer chest operation period in Group P, total blood loss was significantly lower in this group when compared to Groups O and L. Furthermore, patients in Group P presented with significantly lower water balance during the perioperative period and markedly higher SpO2/FiO2 ratio after the surgery. The incidence of respiratory complications was significantly higher in Group O when compared to the other two groups; however, no significant differences were observed between the Groups L and P. Conclusion From a surgical point of view, artificial pneumothorax and gravity improves the operative field view in the prone position without any compression of the right lung, thereby resulting in no mechanical damage to the lungs. Prone position esophagectomy is a useful surgical technique, which appears to preserve the postoperative pulmonary function. The patients are able to endure the surgical procedure and present with less respiratory complications. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Background Surgical Apgar Score (SAS) is a risk calculator, and is known to predict postoperative complications after surgery. Because it applies three intraoperative parameters, namely estimated blood loss, lowest mean arterial pressure, and lowest heart rate, actual surgical stress is reflected to its scoring system and many studies have reported its usefulness. And in recent years, close relationship between postoperative complications and long-term prognosis has been reported, but there are almost no studies about the relevance between risk calculator of complications and long-term prognosis. Methods A total of 400 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between January 2007 and January 2017 at our institution were included in this study. Clinicopathological and intraoperative data to calculate SAS were collected from medical records, and a 10-point scoring system based on the original method was used to assign points. Complications classified as Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher were defined as postoperative complications. The relationship between SAS and postoperative complications and long-term prognosis was investigated. Results Postoperative complications occurred in 145 cases (36%). From ROC analysis, we set the SAS cut-off value to 5 points in this study. There were no significant differences in patient's background between the group of SAS ≤ 5 and > 5. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension (P = 0.049) and SAS ≤ 5 (P 5 (P = 0.043), especially in clinical stage 2 or higher esophageal cancer (P = 0.027). In the multivariate analysis, SAS ≤ 5 was revealed to be a significantly poor prognostic factor in clinical stage 2 or higher esophageal cancer (P = 0.029). Conclusion The Surgical Apgar Score can predict postoperative complications, and is also useful to predict long-term prognosis after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after esophagectomy have been reported to occur in 15.9-30% of patients and lead to increased postoperative morbidity and mortality, prolonged duration of hospital stay, and additional medical costs. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the possible prevention of PPCs by intensive preoperative respiratory rehabilitation in esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy. The subjects included 100 patients (87 males and 13 females with mean age 66.5 ± 8.6 years) who underwent esophagectomy. They were divided into two groups: 63 patients (53 males and 10 females with mean age 67.4 ± 9.0 years) in the preoperative rehabilitation (PR) group and 37 patients (34 males and 3 females with mean age 65.0 ± 7.8 years) in the non-PR (NPR) group. The PR group received sufficient preoperative respiratory rehabilitation for >7 days, and the NPR group insufficiently received preoperative respiratory rehabilitation or none at all. The results of the logistic regression analysis and multivariate analysis to correct for all considerable confounding factors revealed the rates of PPCs of 6.4% and 24.3% in the PR group and NPR group, respectively. The PR group demonstrated a significantly less incidence rate of PPCs than the NPR group (odds ratio: 0.14, 95% confidential interval: 0.02~0.64). [Correction added after online publication 25 June 2012: confidence interval has been changed from -1.86~ -0.22] This study showed that the intensive preoperative respiratory rehabilitation reduced PPCs in esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy.

Description Background Lymphadenectomy along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in esophageal cancer is important for disease control but requires advanced dissection skills. Complete dissection of the lymph nodes along the left RLN in a safe manner is important. We demonstrate the reliable method for lymphadenectomy along the left RLN during thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position (TEP). Methods This procedure is performed for all of resectable thoracic esophageal cancers. The essence of this method is to recognize the lateral pedicle as a two-dimensional membrane that inclu replicatedes the left RLN, lymph nodes around the nerve, and primary esophageal arteries. By drawing the proximal portion of the divided esophagus and the lateral pedicle, identification and reliable cutting of the primary esophageal arteries and distinguishing the left RLN from the lymph nodes are simplified. Results We performed 46 TEPs for esophageal cancer using this method with no conversion to an open procedure in 2015 at Kobe University. No intraoperative morbidity related to the left RLN was observed. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes along the left RLN was 6.9 ± 4.2. Left RLN palsy greater than Clavien-Dindo classification grade II occurred in 4 patients (8%), all of them were reversible. The incidence of lymph node metastasis along the left RLN was 22%. Conclusion Our method for lymphadenectomy along the left RLN during TEP is safe and reliable. It has a low incidence of left RLN palsy and provides sufficient lymph node dissection along the left RLN. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Background Aortoesophageal fistula(AEF) had been a critical and life-threatening disease. The surgical strategy which consist of aortic graft replacement with omental wrapping, esophagectomy, and staged esophageal reconstruction achieve circulatory recovery, infection control and long term survival. The objective of this study is to evaluate surgical outcomes of pedicled jejunal transfer with microvascular augmentation as esophageal reconstruction for AEF. Methods 14 patients with aortoesophageal fistula who underwent aortic graft replacement and esophagectomy between 2010 and 2017 at Kobe University Hospital and affiliate hospitals were enrolled in this study. Patient characteristics, operative method and clinical outcomes were obtained by retrospective chart review. Results All 14 patients underwent aortic graft replacement with omental wrapping, esophagectomy and staged esophageal reconstruction. 10 patients (71.4%) successfully underwent staged esophageal reconstruction of pedicled jejunal transfer with microvascular augmentation and showed no leakage and no graft loss. Median survival time in the patients who underwent esophageal reconstruction was 20.3 months from initial operation. Nine of 10 patients were alive but one patient died of sepsis ten months after esophageal reconstruction. Conclusion Aortic graft replacement with omental wrapping and esophaegcotomy play crucial role in the treatment of AEF. Omentum is pedicled by right epiploic artery and vein to prepare good blood flow and sufficient volume of omental wraping and, consequently, stomach without right epiploic artery and vein becomes inappropriate for esophageal conduit. Pedicled jejunal transfer with microvascular augmentation contributes good post-operative outcome. The surgical strategy for AEF, which includes aortic graft replacement with omental wrapping, esophagectomy, and staged esophageal reconstruction by pedicled jejunal transfer microvascular augmentation is feasible and promising. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Background Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIPD) is rare condition. The usual symptom is dysphagia mainly due to benign stenosis, and other variety of symptoms and complications have been reported. Only few articles have shown EIPD leading to esophageal mass formation like malignancy. Here, we report EIPD related to esophageal mass with increased up take of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose followed by esophagectomy. Methods A 48-year-old man presented with dysphagia caused by esophageal stricture. Esophagoscopy showed a protruding submucosal lesion and lumen stenosis in lower third of esophagus. The esophageal mucosa was intact, but one small hole was observed. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed the FDG-avid lesion in the lower esophagus. In addition to symptom persistence, possibility of malignancy offered him surgical resection. In the prone position, minimally invasive esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction was performed. Results The pathology of the surgical specimen showed that many cystic spaces lined by stratified squamous epithelium were present in the submucosa and partially in the muscularis propria. There was mucosal depression connecting with the cystic spaces, and submucosa was thickened with fibrosis. The dilated spaces formed flask-shaped lesion and intramural tracking parallel to the esophageal lumen. Based on these findings, esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis with no evidence of malignancy was diagnosed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 18 days after operation. Conclusion EIPD can result in inflammatory mass formation with high up take of FDG and the cavities can protrude into muscularis propria. The present report can be helpful in the assessment of PET-positive tumor. We should consider EIPD in unknown mass in the thoracic esophagus. Early diagnosis followed by conservative therapy may allow adequate control without surgery. The pathogenesis of EIPD remains to be fully clarified, and additional studies will be needed to elucidate the mechanism. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Background Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely used to treat esophageal cancer, but some patients require additional definitive treatment owing to the possibility of residual tumor cells or lymph node metastasis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of these additional treatments. Methods ESD was performed for cT1a esophageal cancer, and additional definitive treatment was recommended for patients who had undergone noncurative ESD for submucosa (SM) or muscularis mucosae cancers with lymphovascular invasion and a positive resection margin. The study included 59 patients who developed superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after noncurative ESD treated between 2005 and 2016, of whom 28 underwent esophagectomy with lymph node dissection and 31 received chemoradiotherapy (CRT) by choice or because their conditions did not permit surgery. Results The median follow-up periods were 45 months (range, 3–89 months) in the esophagectomy group and 41 months (range, 12–84 months) in the CRT group. Overall survival didn’t differ between the groups (P = 0.46). But there were no recurrences in the esophagectomy group, and the disease-specific survival rate was significantly higher in this group (P = 0.042). Among the patients at high risk for recurrence owing to massive tumor invasion (≥ SM2) with lymphovascular invasion (esophagectomy group, 6 patients; CRT group, 10 patients), none in the esophagectomy group had a recurrence, whereas 4 in the CRT group died of esophageal cancer (P = 0.031). Conclusion Overall survival did not differ between the esophagectomy and CRT groups after noncurative ESD. However, compared with CRT, esophagectomy provided more favorable disease control for patients with massive tumor invasion (≥ SM2) with lymphovascular invasion. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.