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The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical treatment of esophago-tracheobronchial fistulas (ETBFs) that occurred after esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction in a tertiary referral center for esophageal surgery. All patients who underwent surgical repair for an ETBF after esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction were included in a tertiary referral center. The primary outcome was successful recovery after surgical treatment for ETBF, defined as a patent airway at 90 days after the surgical fistula repair. Secondary outcomes were details on the clinical presentation, diagnostics, and postoperative course after fistula repair. Between 2007 and 2022, 14 patients who underwent surgical repair for an ETBF were included. Out of 14 patients, 9 had undergone esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis and 5 esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis after which 13 patients had developed anastomotic leakage. Surgical treatment consisted of thoracotomy to cover the defect with a pericardial patch and intercostal flap in 11 patients, a patch without interposition of healthy tissue in 1 patient, and fistula repair via cervical incision with only a pectoral muscle flap in 2 patients. After surgical treatment, 12 patients recovered (86%). Mortality occurred in two patients (14%) due to multiple organ failure. This study evaluated the techniques and outcomes of surgical repair of ETBFs following esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction in 14 patients. Treatment was successful in 12 patients (86%) and generally consisted of thoracotomy and coverage of the defect with a bovine pericardial patch followed by interposition with an intercostal muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current practice in surgical techniques for esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer surgery worldwide and to compare the results to the previous surveys in 2007 and 2014. An online survey was sent out among surgical members of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus, the World Organization for Specialized Studies on Disease of the Esophagus, the International Gastric Cancer Association, the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland and Dutch gastroesophageal surgeons via the network of the investigators. In total, 260 surgeons completed the survey representing 52 countries and 6 continents; Europe 56%, Oceania 14%, Asia 14%, South-America 9%, North-America 7%. Of the responding surgeons, 39% worked in a hospital that performed >51 esophagectomies per year. Total minimally invasive esophagectomy was the preferred technique (53%) followed by hybrid esophagectomy (26%) of which 7% consisted of a minimally invasive thoracic phase and 19% of a minimally invasive abdominal phase. Total open esophagectomy was preferred by 21% of the respondents. Total minimally invasive esophagectomy was significantly more often performed in high-volume centers compared with non-high-volume centers (P  = 0.002). Robotic assistance was used in 13% during the thoracic phase and 6% during the abdominal phase. Minimally invasive transthoracic esophagectomy has become the preferred approach for esophagectomy. Although 21% of the surgeons prefer an open approach, 26% of the surgeons perform a hybrid procedure which may reflect further transition towards the use of total minimally invasive esophagectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Transcervical esophagectomy allows for esophagectomy through transcervical access and bypasses the thoracic cavity, thereby eliminating single lung ventilation. A challenging surgical approach demands thorough understanding of the encountered anatomy. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of surgical anatomy encountered during the (robot-assisted) minimally invasive transcervical esophagectomy (RACE and MICE). METHODS To assess the surgical anatomy of the lower neck and mediastinum, MR images were made of a body donor after, which it was sliced at 24-μm intervals with a cryomacrotome. Images were made every 3 slices resulting in 3.200 images of which a digital 3D multiplanar reconstruction was made. For macroscopic verification, microscopic slices were made and stained every 5 mm (Mallory-Cason). Schematic drawings were made of the 3D reconstruction to demonstrate the course of essential anatomical structures in the operation field and identify anatomical landmarks. RESULTS Surgical anatomy 'boxes' of three levels (superior thoracic aperture, upper mediastinum, subcarinal) were created. Four landmarks were identified: (i) the course of the thoracic duct in the mediastinum; (ii) the course of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve; (iii) the crossing of the azygos vein right and dorsal of the esophagus; and (iv) the position of the aortic arch, the pulmonary arteries, and veins. CONCLUSIONS The presented 3D reconstruction of unmanipulated human anatomy and schematic 3D 'boxes' provide a comprehensive overview of the surgical anatomy during the RACE or MICE. Our findings provide a useful tool to aid surgeons in learning the complex anatomy of the mediastinum and the exploration of new surgical approaches such as the RACE or MICE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is frequently used in esophageal cancer patients undergoing treatment with curative intent, it can negatively impact patients' physical fitness. A decline in physical fitness during chemoradiotherapy may be an indication of vulnerability. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether changes in physical fitness, weight, and fat-free mass index (FFMI) during nCRT can predict the risk of postoperative pneumonia. A retrospective longitudinal observational cohort study was performed in patients who received curative treatment for esophageal cancer between September 2016 and September 2018 in a high-volume center for esophageal cancer surgery. Physical fitness (handgrip strength, leg extension strength, and exercise capacity), weight, and FFMI were measured before and after chemoradiotherapy. To be included in the data analyses, pre- and post-nCRT data had to be available of at least one of the outcome measures. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive value of changes in physical fitness, weight, and FFMI during nCRT on postoperative pneumonia, as defined by the Uniform Pneumonia Scale. In total, 91 patients were included in the data analyses. Significant associations were found between the changes in handgrip strength (odds ratio [OR] 0.880, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.813–0.952) and exercise capacity (OR 0.939, 95%CI: 0.887–0.993) and the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia. All pneumonias occurred in patients with declines in handgrip strength and exercise capacity after nCRT. A decrease of handgrip strength and exercise capacity during nCRT predicts the risk of pneumonia after esophagectomy for cancer. Measuring physical fitness before and after chemoradiotherapy seems an adequate method to identify patients at risk of postoperative pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) is increasingly being adopted as the preferred surgical treatment for esophageal cancer, as it is superior to open esophagectomy and a good alternative to conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy. This paper addresses the technical details of the thoracoscopic phase of RAMIE, including the operating room set-up, patient positioning, port placement, and surgical steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of bedside assistants in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy is important. It includes knowledge of the procedure, knowledge of the da Vinci Surgical System, skills in laparoscopy, and good communicative skills. An experienced bedside assistant will likely improve efficiency and safety of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim The relation between tumor characteristics and the pattern of lymph node (LN) metastases in gastric cancer is unclear, especially following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the pattern of LN metastases of gastric cancer. Methods Individual LN stations were separately collected (no. 7–9, 11 and 12a) or clearly marked at the resection specimen (no. 1–6), and were analyzed for all patients included in the LOGICA-trial. The LOGICA-trial was a multicenter randomized trial comparing laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy in ten hospitals. Total and distal D2-gastrectomy were performed for resectable gastric cancer (cT1–4aN0–3bM0). The pattern of metastases per LN station was related to tumor location, cT-stage, Lauren classification and NAC-treatment. In addition, the distribution of LN metastases over the individual LN stations was assessed for four subgroups based on tumor location, cT-stage, Lauren classification and NAC-treatment, and several combinations of these characteristics. Results Between 2015–2018, 212 patients underwent D2-gastrectomy, of whom 158 (75%) received NAC. LN metastases were present in 121 patients (57%). Proximal tumors metastasized predominantly to proximal LN stations (no. 1, 2, 7 and 9; OR > 1, P  < 0,05), and distal tumors to distal LN stations (no. 5, 6 and 8; OR > 1, P > 0,05). However, distal tumors still metastasized to proximal LN stations, and vice versa. Each individual LN station (no. 1–9, 11 and 12a) showed metastases, regardless of the tumor location, cT-stage, histological subtype and NAC-treatment, including station 12a for cT1N0-tumors. Although LN metastases were present more frequently in cT3–4- versus cT1–2-stage (59% versus 51%; P  = 0,259) and in diffuse versus intestinal tumors (66% versus 52%; P  = 0,048), the pattern of LN metastases was similar for these subgroups. A sensitivity analysis was performed with only the NAC-treated patients to test the robustness of these results, which showed a similar pattern of LN metastases after NAC. Conclusion Although the pattern of LN metastases is related to tumor location in gastric cancer, metastatic spread occurred in all LN stations (no. 1–9, 11 and 12a), regardless of the tumor location, cT-stage (including cT1N0-tumors), histological subtype and NAC-treatment. Therefore, all LN stations (including 12a; D2-lymphadenectomy) should be routinely dissected during gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomography revealed a giant diaphragmatic hernia allowing herniation of the entire transverse colon into the left hemithorax (Fig. Hiatal hernia after esophagectomy: analysis of 2,182 esophagectomies from a single institution. [Extracted from the article]

Background and aim Established and emerging therapies for recurrent esophageal cancer may impact survival and health-related quality-of-life (HRQL), however surveillance protocols after primary curative treatment are inconsistent. Specifically, whether advantages exist for adjunctive surveillance modalities is unknown and was the focus of this study. Methods ENSURE was an international multicenter observational study of consecutive patients undergoing curative-intent surgery for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancers (2009–2015) across 20 European and North American cancer centers (NCT03461341). The initial report from ENSURE assessed the impact of intensive imaging surveillance on the primary outcome measure of overall survival (OS); secondary outcomes included treatment, disease-specific survival, recurrence pattern, and HRQL. In the present study, multivariable linear, logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to determine the independent impact of adjunctive surveillance modalities on oncologic outcome. Results Results 4,682 patients were studied (72.6% adenocarcinoma, 69.1% neoadjuvant therapy). Routine biochemistry, nutritional profiling, tumor markers, surveillance endoscopy and flexible nasolaryngoscopy were routinely assessed in 37, 33, 15, 19 and 7% of Centers, respectively. Routine biochemistry and tumour markers were associated with reduced risk of symptomatic recurrence, however neither modality was associated with survival benefit. Endoscopic surveillance was independently associated with increased probability of isolated local or anastomotic recurrence (OR1.49 [1.05–2.14]), and reduced probability of symptomatic recurrence (OR0.17 [0.12–0.25]), but not with improved OS. On subgroup analysis, endoscopic surveillance was associated with reduced symptomatic recurrence (OR0.19 [0.12–0.29]) and increased probability of tumour-directed therapy among patients with adenocarcinoma (OR1.65 [1.14–2.38]), but not those with SCC. Endoscopic surveillance was associated with improved OS (HR0.73 [0.55–0.98]) among patients with Barrett's oesophagus, while flexible nasolaryngoscopy was associated with improved OS among patients with SCC (HR0.19 [0.05–0.80]). Nutritional surveillance was independently associated with increased tumor-directed therapy, improved HRQL (P  = 0.015) and OS (HR0.89 [0.80–0.99]), while a multimodal surveillance approach was also associated with improved OS (HR0.83 [0.72–0.95]). Conclusion These data suggest that a multimodal and tailored surveillance approach may improve oncologic outcomes following curative-intent surgery for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer. These findings may inform guideline development and shared decision-making with patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim The incidence of grade 4 lymphopenia in patients treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) according to Chemoradiotherapy for Oesophageal cancer followed by Surgery Study (CROSS) regimen is unclear. The primary aim was to determine the incidence of grade 4 lymphopenia during CROSS for esophageal cancer. Secondary aims were to externally validate a prediction model for grade 4 lymphopenia and compare overall survival between patients with and without grade 4 lymphopenia. Methods Patients who underwent CRT for esophageal cancer between 2014 and 2019 were eligible for inclusion. Patients with a planned radiation dose of 41.4 Gy (CROSS) or 50.4 Gy ('extended-CROSS') and concurrent carboplatin and paclitaxel were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of grade 4 lymphopenia during CRT defined according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 (i.e. lymphocyte count nadir <0.2 μL). The secondary outcome measures were the prediction model's external performance (i.e. discrimination and calibration). Overall survival for patients with versus without grade 4 lymphopenia was compared using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results A total of 219 patients were included of whom 176 patients (80%) underwent CROSS and 43 patients (20%) extended-CROSS. The incidence of grade 4 lymphopenia was 11% in CROSS and 33% in extended-CROSS (P  < 0.001). External discrimination yielded a c-statistic of 0.80 (95% confidence interval: 0.70–0.89). External calibration of the model was poor in CROSS but fair in extended-CROSS. Adjusted calibration using intercept correction (adjusted for the lower a-priori risk for grade 4 lymphopenia in CROSS) showed fair agreement between the observed and predicted risk for grade 4 lymphopenia. Median overall survival in patients with versus without grade 4 lymphopenia was 12.7 versus 42.5 months (P  = 0.045). Conclusion The incidence of grade 4 lymphopenia is significantly higher in esophageal cancer patients receiving extended-CROSS compared to those receiving CROSS. The prediction model demonstrated good external performance in the setting of the CROSS-regimen and could be used to identify patients at high-risk for grade 4 lymphopenia who might be eligible for lymphopenia–mitigating strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim This nationwide population-based study analyzed the outcome of local treatment for oligometastatic esophagogastric cancer in The Netherlands. Methods Patients with synchronous or metachronous oligometastasis (i.e. distant metastasis in 1 organ/extra-regional lymph node station) from esophagogastric cancer were eligible for inclusion from Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients who underwent local treatment (i.e. metastasectomy or stereotactic body radiation therapy [SBRT]) for oligometastasis were included. The overall survival (OS) after diagnosing oligometastasis was determined. Independent prognostic factors for OS were analyzed using a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. Results Between 2015–2016, some 2,336 eligible patients with oligometastasis were identified of whom 103 (4%) underwent local treatment for oligometastasis. This portion was higher in academic hospitals (10%) compared to non-academic hospitals with esophagogastric resections (5%) or without esophagogastric resections (3%, P  < 0.001). The 103 included patients were predominantly diagnosed with esophageal cancer (85%) with adenocarcinoma histology (80%) and with metachronous oligometastasis (59%). The oligometastasis were located in a distant organ (79%), an extra-regional lymph node station (12%), or the peritoneum (9%). Treatment for oligometastasis included metastasectomy (45%), SBRT (40%), or both (15%), and 21% of patients received additional systemic therapy. Median OS was 18.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.9–22.7). The OS rate at 2-year was 36% and at 3-year 23%. Improved OS was independently associated with additional systemic therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23–0.96) and better performance scores (HR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.29–0.92). Conclusion A minority of patients underwent local treatment for oligometastatic esophagogastric cancer, which was dependent on the type of hospital of diagnosis. Local treatment for oligometastasis resulted in a median OS of 1.5 years. Systemic therapy combined with local treatment for oligometastasis improved OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim The proportion of potentially curable esophageal cancer patients undergoing surgery varies among hospitals. Failure to cure is a composite outcome describing surgery not meeting its aim: (1) non-resectional surgery, (2) non-radical surgery (R1/R2) or (3) postoperative mortality. This study hypothesized that hospitals offering surgery to many patients have higher failure-to-cure rates. It aimed to investigate the relationship between the proportion of potentially curable esophageal cancer patients undergoing surgery and failure-to-cure rates. Methods From the Netherlands Cancer Registry, all patients with cT1-cT4a/cTx-any cN-cM0 esophageal cancer diagnosed in 2015–2018 were included. For each region surrounding a surgical center, the expected proportion of patients undergoing surgery was established using multivariable analyses and divided by the observed proportion computing the O/E ratio. Hospitals were categorized into tertiles based on their tendency to treat patients surgically (O/E ratio). The association between these hospital groups and failure to cure was investigated using multilevel multivariable regression analyses. Results In total, 3,437 (53.2%) of 6,457 potentially curable patients underwent surgery, ranging from 45–64% among 16 hospitals. The overall failure-to-cure rate was 15.0% (hospital variation [4.6%–23.7%]). After categorizing, 1,003 patients underwent surgery in hospitals treating relatively few patients surgically (O/E ratio < 0.94), 1,297 patients in average hospitals and 1,137 patients in hospitals treating many patients surgically (O/E ratio > 1.01). Failure-to-cure rates were 16.8%, 12.2% and 14.0%, respectively. This was non-significant in multilevel analyses (aOR:0.63, 95%CI:0.38–1.05; aOR:0.76, 95%CI:0.46–1.24) (Table 1). Conclusion Failure-to-cure rates were not significantly higher in hospitals with a high percentage of surgery, suggesting that increasing the surgery rate may be beneficial. Table http://uploadfile.sem-2000.it/OLC/file/9203828791100911681076702/93673_Table.JPG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5-Aminolaevulinic acid (ALA)-induced porphyrin biosynthesis, which is used for ALA-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT), was studied in tissues of 10 patients with Barrett's oesophagus (BE) and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus (AC) undergoing oesophagectomy at a mean time interval of 6.7 h after the ingestion of ALA (60 mg kg(-1)). In BE, AC, squamous epithelium (SQ) and gastric cardia, the activities of the haem biosynthetic enzymes porphobilinogen deaminase (PBG-D) and ferrochelatase (FC) and the PDT power index--the ratio between PBG-D and FC in BE and AC in comparison with SQ--were determined before ALA ingestion. Following ALA administration, ALA, porphobilinogen, uroporphyrin I and PPIX were determined in tissues and plasma. The PDT power index did not predict the level of intracellular accumulation of PPIX found at 6.7 h. In BE, there was no selectivity of PPIX accumulation compared to SQ, whereas in half of patients with AC selectivity was found. Higher haem biosynthetic enzyme activities (i.e. PBG-D) and lower PPIX precursor concentrations were found in BE and AC compared to SQ. It is therefore possible that PPIX levels will peak at earlier time intervals in BE and AC compared to SQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The potential role of interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) for patients with irresectable hepatic tumours is currently being investigated. Since its introduction in 1983 it has evolved into an innovative minimally invasive technique. Methods: On the basis of a Medline literature search and the authors’ experience, the principles, current state and prospects of ILC for hepatic tumours are reviewed. Results: Animal studies and early clinical studies have shown the safety and feasibility of ILC. The site of interest can be approached at laparoscopy or percutaneously and treatment is easily repeatable. Recent advances include the use of fibres with a cylindrical diffusing light-emitting tip, the length of which is adaptable to tumour diameter, water-cooled fibre systems, simultaneous multiple fibre application, and hepatic inflow occlusion during laser treatment. ILC allows complete destruction of tumours up to 5 cm in diameter. Currently a limitation is the lack of reliable real-time monitoring of laser-induced effects but progress in magnetic resonance imaging techniques should allow accurate temperature measurements to be obtained rapidly during treatment. However, the actual benefit of ILC in terms of patient survival remains to be investigated. Conclusion: In terms of tools and experience, ILC has now been developed sufficiently to study its effect on survival of patients with irresectable hepatic tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) is increasingly being applied as treatment for esophageal cancer. In this study, the results of 50 RAMIE procedures were compared with 50 conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) operations, which had been the standard treatment for esophageal cancer prior to the robotic era. Between April 2016 and March 2018, data of 100 consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma undergoing modified Ivor Lewis esophagectomy were prospectively collected. All operations were performed by the same surgeon using an identical intrathoracic anastomotic reconstruction technique with the same perioperative management and pain control regimen. Intra-operative and postoperative complications were graded according to definitions stated by the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group. Data analysis was carried out with and without propensity score matching. Baseline characteristics did not show significant differences between the RAMIE and MIE group. Propensity score matching of the initial group of 100 patients resulted in two equal groups of 40 patients for each surgical approach. In the RAMIE group, the median total lymph node yield was 27 (range 13–84) compared to 23 in the MIE group (range 11–48), P = 0.053. Median intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 1 day (range 1–43) in the RAMIE group compared to 2 days (range 1–17) in the MIE group (P = 0.029). The incidence of postoperative complications was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.581). In this propensity-matched study comparing RAMIE to MIE, ICU stay was significantly shorter in the RAMIE group. There was a trend in improved lymphadenectomy in RAMIE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophagectomy is a mainstay in curative treatment for esophageal cancer; however, the reported techniques and outcomes can vary greatly. Thirty-day mortality of patients with an intact anastomosis is 2–3% as compared to 17–35% in patients who have an anastomotic leak. The subsequent management of leaks postesophagectomy has great global variability with little consensus on a gold standard of practice. The aim of this multicentre prospective audit is to analyze current techniques of esophagogastric anastomosis to determine the effect on the anastomotic leak rate. Leak rates and leak management will be assessed to determine their impact on patient outcomes. A 12-month international multicentre prospective audit started in April 2018 and is coordinated by a team from the West Midlands Research Collaborative. This will include patients undergoing esophagectomy over 9 months and encompassing a 90-day follow-up period. A pilot data collection period occurred at four UK centers in 2017 to trial the data collection form. The audit standards will include anastomotic leak and the conduit necrosis rate should be less than 13% and major postoperative morbidity (Clavien–Dindo Grade III or more) should be less than 35%. The 30-day mortality rate should be less than 5% and the 90-day mortality rate should be less than 8%. This will be a trainee-led international audit of esophagectomy practice. Key support will be given by consultant colleagues and anesthetists. Individualized unit data will be distributed to the respective contributing sites. An overall anonymized report will be made available to contributing units. Results of the audit will be published in peer-reviewed journals with all collaborators fully acknowledged. The key information and results from the audit will be disseminated at relevant scientific meetings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The standard of care for gastroesophageal cancer patients with hepatic or pulmonary metastases is best supportive care or palliative chemotherapy. Occasionally, patients can be selected for curative treatment instead. This study aimed to evaluate patients who underwent a resection of hepatic or pulmonary metastasis with curative intent. The Dutch national registry for histo- and cytopathology was used to identify these patients. Data were retrieved from the individual patient files. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed. Between 1991 and 2016, 32,057 patients received a gastrectomy or esophagectomy for gastroesophageal cancer in the Netherlands. Of these patients, 34 selected patients received a resection of hepatic metastasis (n = 19) or pulmonary metastasis (n = 15) in 21 different hospitals. Only 4 patients received neoadjuvant therapy before metastasectomy. The majority of patients had solitary, metachronous metastases. After metastasectomy, grade 3 (Clavien–Dindo) complications occurred in 7 patients and mortality in 1 patient. After resection of hepatic metastases, the median potential follow-up time was 54 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 28 months and the 1-, 3-, and 5- year OS was 84%, 41%, and 31%, respectively. After pulmonary metastases resection, the median potential follow-up time was 80 months. The median OS was not reached and the 1-, 3-, and 5- year OS was 67%, 53%, and 53%, respectively. In selected patients with gastroesophageal cancer with hepatic or pulmonary metastases, metastasectomy was performed with limited morbidity and mortality and offered a 5-year OS of 31–53%. Further prospective studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate postoperative pain management is essential to facilitate uneventful recovery after esophagectomy. Although epidural analgesia is the gold standard, it is not satisfactory in all patients. The aim of this study is to describe the efficacy and complication profile of epidural analgesia after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). A total of 108 patients who underwent a robot-assisted (McKeown) MIE for esophageal cancer were included from a single center prospective database (2012–2015). The number of patients that could receive epidural analgesia, the sensory block range per day, the number of epidural top-ups, the need for escape pain mediation (i.e. intravenous opioids), the highest pain score per day (numeric rating scale: 0–10), and epidural-related complications were assessed until postoperative day (POD) 4. Epidural catheter placement was achieved in 101 patients (94%). A complete sensory block was found in 49% (POD1), 42% (POD 2), 20% (POD3), and 30% (POD4) of patients. An epidural top-up was performed in 26 patients (24%), which was successful in 22 patients. Escape pain medication in the form of intravenous opioids was given at least once in 49 out of 108 patients (45%) on POD 1, 2, 3, or 4. Overall median highest pain scores on the corresponding days were 2.0 (range: 0–10), 3.5 (range: 0–9), 3.0 (range: 0–8), and 4.0 (range: 0–9). Epidural related complications occurred in 20 patients (19%) and included catheter problems (n  = 11), hypotension (n  = 6), bradypnea (n  = 2), and reversible tingling in the legs (n  = 1). In conclusion, in this study epidural analgesia was insufficient and escape pain medication was necessary in nearly half of patients undergoing MIE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is a well-recognized risk factor for complications after esophagectomy. Lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is not routinely integrated in the risk assessment of esophagectomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of preoperative pulmonary function tests with major postoperative complications after esophagectomy for cancer. In order to achieve this aim, 459 patients with newly diagnosed esophageal cancer who underwent elective transthoracic (n  = 352) or transhiatal (n  = 107) surgical resection of the esophagus with cervical anastomosis between 2003 and 2015 were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of preoperative pulmonary function tests (expressed as % of predicted) with major complications after esophagectomy, adjusted for previously identified predictors. Major complications were defined as Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb or higher. Of the 459 included patients, 114 (24.8%) developed major complications. In univariable analysis FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC), vital capacity (VC), and DLCO were associated with major complications. After adjusting each pulmonary function test for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, cardiac comorbidity, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, and surgical approach, FVC (OR: 1.24 per 10% decrease; 95% CI: 1.06–1.45; P  = 0.004), VC (OR: 1.19 per 10% decrease; 95% CI: 1.02–1.39; P  = 0.025) and DLCO (OR: 1.16 per 10% decrease; 95%CI: 1.02–1.33; P  = 0.025) remained predictive factors for major surgical complications. In multivariable analysis in which all pulmonary functions tests were combined, DLCO was the strongest predictor of major complications (OR: 1.14 per 10% increase; 95% CI: 1.01–1.30; P  = 0.046). The ideal cut-off for DLCO% of predicted was determined at <84% (OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.28–3.03; P  = 0.002). These data indicate that DLCO is an independent predictor of major complications after esophagectomy for cancer. This pulmonary function test deserves greater consideration in prediction research of major complications after esophagectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the effect of preoperative inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on pre- and postoperative functional exercise performance in patients undergoing esophagectomy. A subcohort of patients recruited to the PREPARE randomized control trial were studied. Following evaluation of respiratory muscle function (spirometry, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and inspiratory muscle endurance), postoperative mobilization (accelerometry) and postoperative physical functioning (6-minute walk test (6MWT)), participants scheduled for esophagectomy were randomly assigned to either 2 weeks of preoperative IMT or a control group. Measures were repeated on the day before surgery and postoperatively. Sixty participants (mean (standard deviation) age 64.13 (7.8) years; n  = 42 male; n  = 43 transthoracic esophagectomy; n  = 17 transhiatial esophagectomy) were included in the final analysis (n  = 28 IMT; n  = 32 control). There was a significant improvement in preoperative MIP (P  = 0.03) and inspiratory muscle endurance (P  = 0.04); however preoperative 6MWT distance did not change. Postoperatively, control participants were more active on postoperative day (POD)1, and from POD1–POD5 (P  = 0.04). Predischarge, 6MWT distance was significantly lower in the IMT group (305.61 (116.3) m) compared to controls (380.2 (47.1) m, P  = 0.03). Despite an increase in preoperative respiratory muscle function, preoperative IMT does not improve pre- or postoperative physical functioning or postoperative mobilization following esophagectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restaging after neoadjuvant therapy aims to reduce the number of patients undergoing esophagectomy in case of distant (interval) metastases. The aim of this study is to systematically review and meta-analyze the diagnostic performance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) and 18F-FDG PET/CT for the detection of distant interval metastases after neoadjuvant therapy in patients with esophageal cancer. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane library were systematically searched. The analysis included diagnostic studies reporting on the detection of distant interval metastases with 18F-FDG PET(/CT) in patients with esophageal cancer who received neoadjuvant therapy and both baseline staging and restaging after neoadjuvant therapy with 18F-FDG PET(/CT) imaging. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients in whom distant interval metastases were detected by 18F-FDG PET(/CT) as confirmed by pathology or clinical follow-up (i.e. true positives). The secondary outcome measure was the proportion of patients in whom 18F-FDG PET(/CT) restaging was false positive for distant interval metastases (i.e. false positives). Risk of bias and applicability concerns were assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Random-effect models were used to estimate pooled outcomes and examine potential sources of heterogeneity. Fourteen studies were included comprising a total of 1,110 patients who received baseline staging with 18F-FDG PET(/CT) imaging of whom 1,001 (90%) underwent restaging with 18F-FDG PET(/CT) imaging. Studies were generally of moderate quality. The pooled proportion of patients in whom true distant interval metastases were detected by 18F-FDG PET(/CT) restaging was 8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5–13%). The pooled proportion of patients in whom false positive distant findings were detected by 18F-FDG PET(/CT) restaging was 5% (95% CI: 3–9%). In conclusion,18F-FDG PET(/CT) restaging after neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer detects true distant interval metastases in 8% of patients. Therefore, 18F-FDG PET(/CT) restaging can considerably impact on treatment decision-making. However, false positive distant findings occur in 5% of patients at restaging with 18F-FDG PET(/CT), underlining the need for pathological confirmation of suspected lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently observed following esophagectomy and may predict other complications. The aim of the current study was to determine the association between, and the possible predictive value of, new-onset AF and infectious complications following esophagectomy. Consecutive patients who underwent elective esophagectomy with curative intent for esophageal cancer between 2004 and 2016 in the University Medical Center Utrecht were included from a prospective database. The date of diagnosis of the complications included in the current analysis was retrospectively collected from the computerized medical record. The association between new-onset AF and infectious complications was studied in univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. A total of 455 patients were included. In 93 (20.4%) patients new-onset AF was encountered after esophagectomy. There were no significant differences in patient and treatment-related characteristics between the patients with and without AF. In 9 (9.7%) patients, AF was the only adverse event following surgery. In multivariable analyses, AF was significantly associated with infectious complications in general (OR 3.00, 95% CI: 1.73–5.21). More specifically, AF was associated with pulmonary complications (OR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.29–3.30), pneumonia (OR 2.41, 95% CI: 1.48–3.91) and anastomotic leakage (OR 3.00, 95% CI: 1.80–4.99). In patients who underwent esophagectomy, new-onset AF was highly associated with infectious complications. AF may serve as an early clinical warning sign for anastomotic leakage. Therefore, further evaluation of patients who develop new-onset AF after esophagectomy is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]