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This study aims to verify the utility of international online datasets to benchmark and monitor treatment and outcomes in major oncologic procedures. Objective:This study aims to verify the utility of international online datasets to benchmark and monitor treatment and outcomes in major oncologic procedures.Background:The Esophageal Complication Consensus Group (ECCG) has standardized the reporting of complications after esophagectomy within the web-based Esodata.org database. This study will utilize the Esodata dataset to update contemporary outcomes and to monitor trends in practice in an era of rapid technical change.Methods:This observational study, based on a prospectively developed specific database, updates esophagectomy outcomes collected between 2015 and 2018. Evolution in patient and operative demographics, treatment, complications, and quality outcome measures were compared between patients undergoing surgery in 2015 to 2016 and 2017 to 2018.Results:Between 2015 and 2018, 6022 esophagectomies from 39 centers were entered into Esodata. Most patients were male (78.3%) with median age 63. Patients having minimally invasive esophagectomy constituted 3177 (52.8%), a chest anastomosis 3838 (63.7%), neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy 2834 (48.7%), and R0 resections 5441 (93.5%). For quality measures, 30- and 90-day mortality was 2.0% and 4.5%, readmissions 9.7%, transfusions 12%, escalation in care 22.1%, and discharge home 89.4%. Trends in quality measures between 2015 and 2016 (2407 patients) and 2017 and 2018 (3318 patients) demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) improvements in readmissions 11.1% to 8.5%, blood transfusions 14.3% to 10.2%, and escalation in care from 24.5% to 20% A significantly (P < 0.05) reduced incidence in pneumonia (15.3%-12.8%) and renal failure (1.0%-0.4%) was observed. Anastomotic leak rates increased from 11.7% to 13.1%, whereas leaks requiring surgery decreased 3.3% and 3.0%, respectively.Conclusions:The Esodata database provides a valuable resource for assessing contemporary international outcomes. This study highlights an increased application of minimally invasive approaches, a high percentage of complications, improvements in pneumonia and key quality metrics, but with anastomotic leak rates still >10%.

Background: Early nasogastric tube (NGT) removal is a component of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for esophagectomy. The aim of this study is to assess a protocol-driven application of UGI contrast study to facilitate early NGT removal and direct a standardized therapeutic response in patients with evidence for delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE). Methods: All patients undergoing esophagectomy between January 2017 and October 2019 were prospectively enrolled. Esophageal resections were performed through different surgical approaches involving gastric conduit reconstruction. A standardized clinical protocol (SCP) was systematically applied, which targeted a UGI contrast study on POD 2–3 to allow immediate NGT removal or initiate DGCE protocols. Results: This study enrolled 50 patients undergoing open Ivor Lewis (42%), left thoracoabdominal (46%), and three-field procedure (12%) with gastric conduit reconstruction and either upper thoracic (66%) or cervical (34%) anastomosis. Jejunostomy was routinely placed while pyloric procedures were not performed. Patients achieving targeted contrast study (86%) demonstrated significantly earlier NGT removal (p-value 0.010), oral protocol initiation (0.001), and decreased length of hospital stay (6 vs 10days, 0.024). Four patients (8%) presented with radiology signs of DCGE and underwent protocoled treatment, eventually achieving discharge similar to the overall study population (7 vs 8.5days). Conclusions: Protocol-driven UGI contrast study can effectively provide objective data facilitating early NGT removal and discharge. Patients with DGCE can successfully undergo intervention to improve conduit emptying and adhere to ERAS discharge goals.

Epiphrenic diverticulum is a rare esophageal disorder occurring as an outpouching of mucosa and submucosa through the muscular layers, within 10 cm above the cardia. As the majority of epiphrenic diverticula are asymptomatic, the real incidence varies because of a considerable number of cases detected incidentally during radiographic or endoscopic evaluation. Traditionally, the operation was performed through a left thoracotomy approach and the diverticulectomy was completed with esophago-cardial myotomy and a Belsey Mark IV fundoplication. Laparoscopy offers many advantages in the treatment such as the possibility of extension of the myotomy from the lower esophagus through the stomach and the concomitant antireflux procedure to avoid postoperative reflux. The abdominal approach is also more comfortable for the patients and, as there is no need for transthoracic drains, is more tolerated in terms of postoperative pain. In this article, we do review our technique with all the steps of the operation illustrated by intraoperative pictures.

Summary Esophageal surgery is historically associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. Selected high-volume centers have previously reported the effect on clinical outcomes following the adoption of a standardized clinical pathway (SCP). This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the current literature to document the effect of SCP and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on esophagectomy outcomes. A literature search was conducted through the main search engines (PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane database) in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. All eligible comparative studies (randomized control trial, prospective, retrospective, and combined) were identified and assessed based on Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies and Jadad quality criteria. Data concerning overall morbidity, early mortality, and length of stay (LOS) were primarily collected and compared. Secondary outcomes included anastomotic leaks, pulmonary complications, and readmission rate. Twenty-six articles (including five randomized controlled trials and six prospective trials) were included in the analysis. Overall study quality was moderate and the included studies utilized a variable approach to SCP. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in terms of overall morbidity, postoperative mortality, anastomotic leak, and readmission rates. Significant improvements included pulmonary complications (odds ratios [OR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–0.94) and hospital LOS (OR −3.68, 95% CI −4.49 to −2.87). Previous reports of SCP within esophagectomy programs have demonstrated clinical improvements in postoperative pulmonary complications and LOS. Given the high heterogeneity historically demonstrated within SCPs, further improvement in outcomes should be expected following the adoption of standardized ERAS guidelines.

Summary This study seeks to define long-term variation in body composition in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer and to associate those changes with survival. Assessment of skeletal muscle, visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was performed using computed tomography (CT) images routinely acquired: at diagnosis; after neoadjuvant therapy, and; >6 months after esophagectomy. In cases where multiple CT scans were performed >6 months after surgery, all available images were assessed. Ninty-seven patients met inclusion criteria with a median of 2 (range 1–10) postoperative CT images acquired between 0.5 and 9.7 years after surgery. Following surgical treatment of esophageal cancer, patients lost on average 13.3% of their skeletal muscle, 64.5% of their VAT and 44.2% of their SAT. Sarcopenia at diagnosis was not associated with worse overall survival (66.3% vs. 68.5%; P = 0.331). Sarcopenia 1 year after esophagectomy was however associated with lower 5-year overall survival (53.8% vs. 87.5%; P = 0.019). Survival was lower in those patients who had >10% decrease in skeletal muscle index (SMI; 33.3% vs. 72.1%; P = 0.003) and >40% decrease in SAT 1 year after surgery (40.4% vs. 67.4%; P = 0.015). On multivariate analysis, a decline in SMI 1 year after surgery was predictive of worse survival (HR 0.38, 95%CI 0.20–0.73; P = 0.004). This study provides new insight relating to long-term variation in body composition in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer. Findings provide further evidence of the importance of body composition, in particular depletion of skeletal muscle, in predicting survival following esophagectomy.

Achalasia is a neurodegenerative motility disorder of the esophagus; dysphagia, weight loss, chest pain, and regurgitation are its main symptoms. Surgical myotomy (HM) is considered the gold standard treatment. However, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) seems to be a safe and effective alternative option. The aim of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of these techniques. From March 2012 to June 2015, 74 patients with symptomatic primary achalasia underwent myotomy. The two groups were compared in terms of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes and Eckardt score at last follow-up. A morphofunctional comparison was also performed. Thirty-two myotomies were performed endoscopically (POEM group) and 42 were performed laparoscopically with a 180° anterior fundoplication (surgical myotomy [SM] group). Operative time was significantly shorter for the POEM group (63 [range: 32–114] vs. 76 minutes [54–152]; P = 0.0005). Myotomy was significantly longer for the POEM group (12 [range: 10–15] vs. 9 cm [range: 7–10]; P = 0.0001). Postoperative morbidity occurred in two patients (4.7%) in the SM group; no complications (P = not significant) were recorded for the POEM group. The median Eckardt score at last follow-up decreased for each group from 6 to 1 (P < 0.001). Morphological evaluation was performed for 20 patients and functional evaluation was performed in 18 patients of each group. Lower esophageal sphincter resting and relaxation pressures were significantly reduced in both groups (P < 0.001). Eight patients in the POEM group (40%) had esophagitis at endoscopy: 4 (20%) with Los Angeles (LA) grade A, 3 (15%) with LA grade B, and 1 patient with LA grade D (5%). Five patients in POEM group (28%) had a pathologic DeMeester score. In the SM group, one patient (5%) had esophagitis (P = 0.04; 95% CI) and 4 patients (22%) presented a pathological DeMeester score. Perioperative results for POEM and SM are similar. The absence of an antireflux wrap leads to an increased risk of reflux with consequent esophagitis. SM with an antireflux wrap could be a preferred choice when a long standing gastroesophageal reflux could potentially lead to a damage as, for example, in young patients.

The use of large data systems or databases has always played a major role in clinical research. These datasets have been based in individual institutions as well as national, international, and professional society registries. Although valuable resources, these databases all have limitations including: biased patient selection, variable institutional involvement and failure to update database components over time. Potentially, the single greatest drawback to many national datasets is the fact that they were not designed to specifically address clinical research projects. This has motivated certain clinical groups to develop "made for purpose" datasets. An example of this type of dataset was developed in 2015 by the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) who produced a standardized online platform including pre-established definitions and quality parameters for assessing perioperative outcomes associated with esophageal resection. This online clinical database (Esodata.org) is a unique resource, designed with a secure and standardized web-based interface and consensus-based data fields and analysis. In 2017, utilizing data from Esodata.org, the ECCG published the first benchmark for perioperative outcomes and complications associated with esophagectomy. This was achieved by the collaboration of 24 high-volume centers, gathering targeted data on 2,704 esophageal resections between 2015 and 2016. The number of high-volume member institutions has now increased to 40 international participants from 19 individual countries, which has created the opportunity to exponentially increase numbers within the dataset but, also, increase the international relevance of the clinical research. The Esodata database now provides a reliable vehicle for monitoring longitudinal, technical and clinical benchmarks, in a period of rapid technical and process changes associated with esophageal resection.

Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD) is a rare disease of the elderly. Surgery was the first treatment option for many years. Subsequently many different endoscopic treatments have been introduced in order to reduce the complication rate. Endoscopic stapled diverticulostomy (ESD) is a well-known procedure since 1993. Recently an endoscopic myotomy of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), called per-oral-endoscopic-myotomy for Zenker’s diverticulum (Z-POEM) and derived from the POEM technique for achalasia, has been proposed. The aim of this study is to describe and compare these two different techniques for treatment of ZD in order to assess their efficacy and safety. We reviewed literature of the last 10 years on 1,490 patients that underwent ESD from 11 different papers and on 96 patients from 9 papers that underwent Z-POEM. Surgical procedure techniques, clinical and technical success, recurrence rate and complications were reviewed. The most common complications are bleeding and perforations that most of time are self-resolving but sometimes could require a surgical intervention. Other minor but frequent complications are dental avulsions and lips tears. Only one death was described among those submitted to ESD. Both procedures are effective in symptoms solutions with a low recurrence rate. Anyway, the main drawback of ESD is the difficult positioning of the diverticuloscope, that is the main reason for technical failure. On the opposite data about Z-POEM are few and of low quality, so some concerns remain about symptoms such regurgitation and aspiration. Minimally invasive treatment of ZD with both ESD and Z-POEM is a valuable option for this disorder. They are both safe, feasible and effective, in terms of hospital stay, complication rate and clinical success rate. Long-term results have to be evaluated considering a larger population for the Z-POEM procedure.

While historically associated with significant postoperative morbidity and mortality rates, esophagectomy remains a major component of the multimodality treatment for esophageal cancer. Over time, multiple advances have led to an improvement in clinical and oncological outcomes after surgery. Similar to the results demonstrated with the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, standardized clinical pathways (SCPs) represent an infrastructure to provide patients with improved clinical outcomes. The aim of this report is to analyze the global application of SCPs and evaluate its effect on outcomes and to assess current levels of adoption in high volume centers. A literature review was conducted through the main search engines (PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane database) to identify eligible comparative studies. All data concerning overall morbidity, length of stay (LOS), and postoperative mortality were collected and statistically analyzed. The search yielded 26 articles (among which five RCTs and six prospective trials) reporting on SCPs but focusing on different perioperative outcomes. Postoperative outcomes improved after the application of SCP, including overall morbidity (29.8% vs. 32.5%, P=0.350), and LOS (9.9±2.8 vs. 13.4±1.0, P

SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to assess the oncological outcomes of a large multicenter series of left thoracoabdominal esophagectomies, and compare these to the more widely utilized Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy. With ethics approval and an established study protocol, anonymized data from five centers were merged into a structured database. The study exposure was operative approach (ILE or LTE). The primary outcome measure was time to death. Secondary outcome measures included time to tumor recurrence, positive surgical resection margins, lymph node yield, postoperative death, and hospital length of stay. Cox proportional hazards models provided hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusting for age, pathological tumor stage, tumor grade, lymphovascular invasion, and neoadjuvant treatment. Among 1228 patients (598 ILE; 630 LTE), most (86%) had adenocarcinoma (AC) and were male (81%). Comparing ILE and LTE for AC patients, no difference was seen in terms of time to death (HR 0.904 95%CI 0.749–1.1090) or time to recurrence (HR 0.973 95%CI 0.768–1.232). The risk of a positive resection margin was also similar (OR 1.022 95%CI 0.731–1.429). Median lymph node yield did not differ between approaches (LTE 21; ILE 21; P = 0.426). In-hospital mortality was 2.4%, significantly lower in the LTE group (LTE 1.3%; ILE 3.6%; P = 0.004). Median hospital stay was 11 days in the LTE group and 14 days in the ILE group (P