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Transthoracic esophagectomy results in a radical change in foregut anatomy with multiple consequences for digestive physiology. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with poor functional outcomes by assessing multiple dimensions of digestive performance and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Patients with cancer-free survival after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy were included. Four functional syndromes (dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE), and dumping syndrome (DS)) and HRQL were assessed using specifically designed questionnaires. Patient outcomes were compared with healthy controls. Independent factors associated with poor digestive performance were identified through multivariable analysis. Sixty-five postoperative patients and 50 healthy volunteers participated in this study. Compared with controls, patients had worse outcomes for dysphagia, GERD, DS, and HRQL, but not for DGCE. A multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation of reduced digestive performance with ASA score, squamous cell carcinoma, open or hybrid surgical approach, and (neo)adjuvant therapy. In contrast, no individual patient factor was found to be associated with dumping syndrome. Digestive function and HRQL are substantially impaired after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for cancer. Comorbid patients undergoing multimodal treatment and open access surgery for squamous cell carcinoma have the highest risk of poor functional outcome.

Background: Mesh augmentation is a highly controversial adjunct of hiatus hernia (HH) surgery. The current scientific evidence remains unclear and even experts disagree on indications and surgical techniques. With an aim to avoid the downsides of both non-resorbable synthetic and biological materials, biosynthetic long-term resorbable meshes (BSM) have recently been developed and are becoming increasingly popular. In this context, we aimed at assessing outcomes after HH repair with this new generation of mesh at our institution., Methods: From a prospective database, we identified all consecutive patients that underwent HH repair with BSM augmentation. Data was extracted from electronic patient charts of our hospital information system. Endpoints of this analysis included perioperative morbidity, functional results and recurrence rates at follow-up., Results: Between December 2017 and July 2022, 97 patients (elective primary cases n = 76, redo cases n = 13, emergency cases n = 8) underwent HH with BSM augmentation. Indications in elective and emergency cases were paraesophageal (Type II-IV) HH in 83%, and large Type I HH in 4%. There was no perioperative mortality, and overall (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 2) and severe (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3b) postoperative morbidity was 15% and 3%, respectively. An outcome without postoperative complications was achieved in 85% of cases (elective primary surgery 88%, redo cases 100%, emergencies cases 25%). After a median (IQR) postoperative follow-up of 12 months, 69 patients (74%) were asymptomatic, 15 (16%) reported improvement, and 9 (10%) had clinical failure, of which 2 patients (2%) required revisional surgery., Conclusion: Our data suggest that HH repair with BSM augmentation is feasible and safe with low perioperative morbidity and acceptable postoperative failure rates at early to mid-term follow-up. BSM may be a useful alternative to non-resorbable materials in HH surgery., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Surgery is the cornerstone of esophageal cancer treatment but remains burdened with significant postoperative changes of gastrointestinal function and quality of life., Purpose: The aim of this narrative review is to assess and summarize the current knowledge on postoperative functional syndromes and quality of life after esophagectomy for cancer, and to provide orientation for the reader in the challenging field of functional aftercare., Conclusions: Post-esophagectomy syndromes include various conditions such as dysphagia, reflux, delayed gastric emptying, dumping syndrome, weight loss, and chronic diarrhea. Clinical pictures and individual expressions are highly variable and may be extremely distressing for those affected. Therefore, in addition to a mostly well-coordinated oncological follow-up, we strongly emphasize the need for regular monitoring of physical well-being and gastrointestinal function. The prerequisite for an effective functional aftercare covering the whole spectrum of postoperative syndromes is a comprehensive knowledge of the pathophysiological background. As functional conditions often require a complex diagnostic workup and long-term therapy, close interdisciplinary cooperation with radiologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists, and specialized nutritional counseling is imperative for successful management., (© 2021. The Author(s).)