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Introduction. RCTs support neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery in Locally Advanced Esophago-Gastric Junction (LA-EGJ) adenocarcinoma. However, RCTs are performed in highly controlled settings with limited representativeness of real-life patients (RLS). Aim: To compare the outcomes in RLS and clinical trial settings. Methods. The outcomes of RLS, which comprised 125 patients consequently treated for LA-EGJ adenocarcinoma between 2012 and 2017, were compared with the phase II trial (PIIS), performed on 65 patients from 2003 to 2011. Results. About half of RLS (51.2%) were treated with nCRT according to VR-protocol, 20.8% with standard-CRT according to CROSS/Al-Sarraf, 20% with CT alone. pCR was 36.8%, 28.6% and 9.1% after VR-protocol, standard-CRT, and chemotherapy respectively (p=0.082), while three-year overall survival (OS) was 58.6% (95% CI 43.2-71.1%), 32.8% (14.6-52.4%) and 44.8% (21.3-65.9%) respectively (p=0.030). With respect to PIIS, RLS had a higher proportion of cN+ (94% versus 54%; p

The incidence of esophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma (EGJ) has been steadily increasing over the last 30 years, especially in Western countries. Surgical and oncological treatment of these malignancies are still debated, in particular in case of true junctional cancer (Siewert type II tumors). The aim of the study is to compare different approaches to EGJ cancers in high volume centers around the world. We administered a survey to 39 international opinion leaders, working in high volume centers, with a minimum of 50 gastrectomies and 20 esophagectomies performed as first operator. The survey was structured in the form of clinical case scenarios, created to focus on different peculiar issues in the management of Siewert type II tumors. The main fields of investigation were the oncological approach of these malignancies (i.e. choice and type of neoadjuvant treatment) and the preferred surgical strategy. Our first finding was that almost 80% of responders would choose a neoadjuvant treatment even in cT2N0 patients, fearing probably the low accuracy of the clinical staging. Secondly, 60% of surgeons would prefer chemotherapy over chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced Siewert II tumors, regardless of histological subtype and nodal diffusion. As for the surgical strategy, we reported a strong preference (75% of responders) for two-field esophagectomy, over three-field esophagectomy (11%) and total extended gastrectomy (14%). However, in case of signet-ring cell carcinoma, up to 20% of surgeons would prefer an extended total gastrectomy, to avoid a distal positive margin. Our survey confirms that the management of Siewert type II tumors is greatly debated, even among experts of the field, and it needs to be tailored on the patient and tumor characteristics. Even so, we observed a trend towards the choice of chemo over chemoradiotherapy for any histological subtype. When operating on Siewert type II tumors, a thoracic approach is considered necessary by most of responders.

Optimal surgical treatment for Siewert type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma is debated. The aim of this study was to compare transhiatal extended gastrectomy (TEG) and transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE). Patients with Siewert type II tumors who underwent a resection by TEG or TTE in two centers (Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, and University of Verona) between 2014 and 2019 were identified. To limit selection bias, patients were matched for baseline characteristics and compared with a multivariable logistic regression model. Some 159 patients treated by TEG (60 patients, 37.7%) or TTE (99 patients, 62.3%) were included. Patients in the TEG group were older, had less tumor invasion of the esophagus, and were more often excluded from neoadjuvant therapy. Post-operative morbidity was comparable (P = 0.88), while 90-day mortality was higher after TEG (90-day mortality 10.0% in TEG group vs. 2.0% in TTE group P = 0.01). R0 resection was achieved in 83.3% of patients after TEG and in 97.9% after TTE (P

Background: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication after esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction. It is still unclear whether a pyloric drainage procedure might reduce the r...

Background Data on ERAS for gastrectomy are scarce, and the majority of the studies come from Eastern countries. Patients in the West are older and suffer from more advanced tumors that impair their clinical condition and often require neoadjuvant treatment. This retrospective study assessed the feasibility and safety of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for gastrectomy in a Western center. Methods We conducted a single-center study of 351 patients operated for gastric cancer: 103, operated from January 2015 to December 2016, followed the standard pathway, while 248, operated from January 2017 to December 2019, followed the ERAS program. The primary outcomes considered were length of hospital stay (LOS) and direct costs. Secondary outcomes were 90-day morbidity and mortality, readmission rate, and compliance with ERAS items. A propensity score (PS) was built on confounding variables. Results Compliance with ERAS items after the program was ≥ 70%. Univariable analysis evidenced a 2-day median reduction in LOS and a median cost reduction of €826 per patient in the ERAS group. PS-based multivariable analysis confirmed a significant, 2-day decrease in median LOS and a €1097 saving after ERAS introduction. Ninety-day mortality decreased slightly in ERAS group, while complications and readmissions did not change significantly. When complications were included in the multivariable analysis, ERAS retained its significance, although the effects on LOS and cost were blunted to a median reduction of 1 day and €775, respectively. Conclusions ERAS for gastrectomy improved patients’ recovery and reduced hospital costs without changes in morbidity, mortality, or readmission.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition characterized by the intraperitoneal accumulation of mucus derived mostly by appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can offer a favourable overall survival. In this study, we report a single-institute outcomes following CRS and HIPEC in patients with this condition. This is a review of prospectively collected data from 32 patients (11 men and 21 women) affected by PMP of appendiceal origin who underwent CRS and HIPEC from 2008 to 2016 in our Surgical Unit of General and Esophagogastric Surgery. The median age of the patients was 53 years (range 25—77 years). After CRS, all patients underwent HIPEC (mytomicin C 3.3 mg/m2/L and cisplatin 25 mg/m2/L at 41 °C for 60 min) with closed abdomen technique. The median (range) follow-up time for surviving patients was 43 (18–119) months. The median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 17. Complete cytoreductive surgery (CC0) was achieved in in 22 patients (69%). The majority of patients (88%) had grade I–II complications, 3 (9%) had grade III complications, and 1 (3%) patient had a grade IV complication. There were no perioperative mortalities. The median hospital stay was 9.5 (range 9–24) days. One year and 5-year overall survival (OS) were 90% and 58%, respectively. Regardless of histotype, disease-free survival was 95% at 1 year and 46% at 5 years. CRS in combination with HIPEC is a feasible treatment strategy and can achieve a satisfactory outcome in patients with PMP of appendiceal origin.

The interest in the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols on gastrectomy for cancer is fairly new and mainly comes from Eastern series. Gastrectomy is a major abdominal operation and is still burdened by a 30% overall morbidity and a 4.5% mortality. The ERAS protocol aims to optimize the patient’s condition and reduce surgical and anesthesiologic stress in order to reduce complications and secondarily reduce hospitalization. Two recent meta-analyses evidenced a reduction in length of hospital stay, bowel recovery and cost reduction, while also reporting, however, a higher risk for readmission in patients treated with an ERAS protocol. In this chapter we discuss the importance of implementing a multidisciplinary team focusing on gastrectomy-specific items starting from preoptimization up to discharge. Preoptimization should focus on inspiratory muscle training and optimization of the nutritional status, especially for patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment. A minimally invasive approach can reduce surgical stress and should be considered in accordance with the current oncological guidelines. Anesthesia should focus on a goal-directed fluid approach and on a defined multimodal analgesia plan. The goal of the postoperative management is an early mobilization and resumption of oral intake through the avoidance of unnecessary tubes. Discharge should be based on defined criteria and the patient’s network.

Bleeding from the thoracic aorta is potentially fatal in patients with advanced esophageal cancer (AEC). Esophageal malignancy is the third most common cause of aortoesophageal fistula, after thoracic aortic aneurysm and ingestion of foreign body. The involvement of aortic wall often contraindicates chemoradiotherapy (CRT) treatment, thus reducing life expectancy of these patients. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a well-described mini-invasive technique that can be also applied for coverage of the aortic lumen in case of invasion by esophageal cancer. Only few cases have been published with this atypical indication. Between 2016 and 2018, in our tertiary hospital 3 patients affected by AEC involving the thoracic aorta were treated by means of prophylactic TEVAR. All procedures were uneventful, and all patients were reconsidered fit for preoperative or definitive CRT.

Due to the difficulties in the intra-thoracic esophagogastric anastomosis creation, totally minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (MIE) did not encountered a large diffusion, preferring hybrid techniques or cervical anastomosis. Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) has gained popularity due to an easy reproducibility of the open anastomotic technique. In this feasibility study, we described the RAMIE technique introduced in our Center, providing innovative details for a mechanical end-to-end anastomosis. With patient in prone position, esophagectomy is conducted through the meso-esophagus plan. Robotic hand-sewn purse-string is realized above Azygos vein. A 4-cm thoracotomy in the fifth intercostal space is performed by enlarging the trocar incision. The tubulization is performed to create an access pouch for the introduction of the circular stapler. After the creation of the end-to-end anastomosis, the access pouch is resected and a robotic over-sewn is realized. From January 2020 until July 2020, ten patients were enrolled. No restriction in term of age, BMI, ASA grade or previous surgery were applied. Median operative time was 700 min. R0 resection was achieved in all cases with a good lymph node harvesting. No anastomotic leak or stricture were observed. One chyle leak was treated conservatively. Median length of stay was 8 days and 90 days mortality was 0%. This study evidenced how robotic surgery allowed us to perform the same anastomosis of our open technique with good oncological results and morbidity and length of stay comparable with our previous results. Of note, longer operative time has been recorded. Further studies after the completion of the learning curve are necessary to address more definite conclusions.

Simple Summary Chemoradiotherapy according to CROSS regimen is the standard of care for locally advanced esophageal cancer. The studies conducted on this topic have demonstrated the benefits of this type of treatment particularly for squamocellular cancers. Its application for adenocarcinoma has evidenced different results and few studies have investigated its role for adenocarcinomas of esophagogastric junction. Our intent is to evaluate the relation between pathological (yp) stage after CROSS regimen followed by surgery for adenocarcinoma of cardia and overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in a retrospectively analyzed group of patients. Sites of relapse after surgery were also analyzed. Our results evidenced no differences in term of OS and DFS according to different pathological response after chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Further analyses could be performed to identify the histological and molecular characteristics of these tumors and predict the efficacy of systemic therapy identifying patients who can most benefit from this type of treatment. Abstract Background:After the results reported by the “Chemoradiotherapy for esophageal Cancer Followed by Surgery Study” (CROSS) trial, neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy became the standard treatment for locally advanced cancers of esophagus and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Excellent results were reported for squamocellular carcinomas (SCCs). Since the advent of the CROSS regimen, the results of surgery for esophageal adenocarcinomas (EAC) have cast some doubts about its efficacy on overall survival (OS) even in the presence of local response. This study evaluated the relation between pathological (yp) stage after CROSS regimen followed by surgery for adenocarcinoma of cardia and overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Sites of relapse after surgery were also analyzed. Methods: Patients submitted to the CROSS regimen for locally advanced EAC of the cardia followed by transthoracic esophagectomy were analyzed. Actuarial OS and DFS were analyzed and stratified according to yp stage. The site of relapse, distal and local, was also analyzed. Results: The study included 132 patients. The 50-month OS and DFS were 45% and 6.7%, respectively. No differences emerged analyzing OS according to yp stage. Time to relapse was significantly longer for yp Stage I and II, and for yp N0, compared with yp N+. Recurrence occurred in 48 cases (36.3%) with a 9 months median time to relapse. Local and distal relapse were 10 (7.5%) and 38 (28.7%) cases, respectively (p ≦ 0.001). Conclusions: Pathological stage after CROSS regimen does not relate to OS and DFS. Time to recurrence is significantly longer for yp Stages I and II and ypN0. Chemoradiotherapy in a neoadjuvant setting may influence the site of relapse, significantly reducing local recurrences.

The treatment of leak after esophageal and gastric surgery is a major challenge. Over the last few years, endoscopic vacuum therapy (E-VAC) has gained popularity in the management of this life-threatening complication. We reported our initial experience on E-VAC therapy as rescue treatment in refractory anastomotic leak and perforation after gastro-esophageal surgery. From September 2017 to December 2019, a total of 8 E-VAC therapies were placed as secondary treatment in 7 patients. Six for anastomotic leak (3 cervical, 1 thoracic, 2 abdominal) and 1 for perforation of the gastric conduit. In 6 cases, E-VAC was placed intracavitary; while in the remaining 2, the sponge was positioned intraluminal (one patient was treated with both approaches). A total of 60 sponges were used in the whole cohort. The median number of sponge insertions was 10 (range: 5–14) with a median treatment duration of 41 days (range: 19–49). A complete healing was achieved in 4 intracavitary (67%) and in 1 intraluminal (50%) E-VAC. We observed only one E-VAC-related complication: a bleeding successfully managed endoscopically. E-VAC therapy seems to be a safe and effective tool in the management of leaks and perforations after upper GI surgery, although with longer healing time when it is used as secondary treatment.

Surgery is the cornerstone of the treatment for esophageal cancer, either alone or as a part of a multimodal approach including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite the improvements in surgical techniques, esophagectomy remains a high-risk surgical procedure. In the last few decades, a large body of evidence has suggested the relationship between high surgical volume and better clinical outcomes, with lower mortality and morbidity rates. Experience of the surgeon and all care providers plays an important role during operation and perioperative period. For instance, an expert surgeon is more confident in promptly recognizing and treating postoperative complications, also involving several care processes. Additionally, a multidisciplinary board is more frequently present in a high-volume center and its evaluation is mandatory to define an appropriate oncological pathway. Despite this evidence, the centralization of esophageal surgery has actually taken place in only few healthcare systems and a clear threshold for high volume is not yet widely defined. In Italy the absence of a formal centralization policy has resulted in a heterogeneous situation and the only efforts towards centralization come from the initiative of the single regions, as in the case of the diagnostic, therapeutic and care pathways (PDTA) available in the Veneto Region.

Gastric conduit perforation is a life-threatening complication after esophagectomy and currently there is no consensus about its optimal management. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (E-VAC) is a promising technique for the treatment of leaks and perforations after upper gastro-intestinal surgery. We report the case of a 65 years-old male patient who underwent an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma. He referred to our Emergency Department for septic shock and right hydropneumothorax. We performed an emergency thoracoscopy with intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy which showed a pre-pyloric perforation of the gastric conduit. The perforation was initially treated with unsuccessful primary surgical closure and subsequently by means of E-VAC, firstly placed intraluminal and then intracavitary. With the latter technique, we assisted to a progressive clinical improvement until the definitive healing of the perforation. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a gastric tube perforation after esophagectomy successfully treated with E-VAC.

Background Boerhaave’s syndrome (BS) is a rare life-threating condition with poor prognosis. Unfortunately, due to its very low incidence, no clear evidences or definitive guidelines are currently available: in detail, surgical strategy is still a matter of debate. Most of the case series reports thoracic approach as the most widely used; conversely, transhiatal abdominal management is just described in sporadic case reports. In our center, the laparoscopic approach has been adopted for years: in the present study, we aim to show his feasibility by reporting the outcomes of the largest clinical series available to date. Methods Clinical records of patients admitted for BS to the General and Upper GI Surgery Division of Verona from February 2014 to December 2019 were retrospectively collected. Clinico-pathological characteristics, preoperative workup, surgical management, and outcomes were analyzed. Results Seven patients were admitted; epigastric/thoracic pain and vomiting were the most frequent symptoms at diagnosis. Laboratory findings were not specific; conversely, radiological imaging always revealed abnormal findings: particularly, CT had excellent sensitivity in detecting signs of esophageal perforation. All but one case had diagnostic workup and received surgery within 24 h. Every patient had laparoscopic transhiatal direct suture and gastric valve; 2 patients (28.6%) also needed a thoracoscopic toilette. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (57%), but in only two of them (29%), the complication was severe according to Clavien-Dindo classification (both received thoracentesis or thoracic drainage for pleural effusion). Of note, no cases of postoperative esophageal leak were recorded. Postoperative mortality was 14% due to one patient who died for cardiovascular complications. Most of the patients (71.4%) were admitted to ICU after surgery (average length, 8.8 days); mean hospital stay was 14.7 days. No patients had readmissions. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the largest case series reporting laparoscopic management of BS. We show that laparoscopy is a safe and feasible approach associated with a shorter length of hospital stay when compared with clinical series in which thoracic approach had been chosen. Of note, laparoscopic management would be easily adopted by surgical centers treating benign gastro-esophageal junction entailing a proper management more widely.

Background and ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the ability of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) to provide functional information useful in predicting pathological response to an intensive neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (nCRT) protocol for both esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC) patients.Material and MethodsEsophageal carcinoma (EC) patients, treated in our Center between 2014 and 2018, were retrospectively reviewed. The nCRT protocol schedule consisted of an induction phase of weekly administered docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TCF) for 3 weeks, followed by a concomitant phase of weekly TCF for 5 weeks with concurrent radiotherapy (50–50.4 Gy in 25–28 fractions). Three 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were performed: before (PET1) and after (PET2) induction chemotherapy (IC), and prior to surgery (PET3). Correlation between PET parameters [maximum and mean standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVmean), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG)], radiomic features and tumor regression grade (TGR) was investigated.ResultsFifty-four patients (35 ADC, 19 SCC; 48 cT3/4; 52 cN+) were eligible for the analysis. Pathological response to nCRT was classified as major (TRG1-2, 41/54, 75.9%) or non-response (TRG3-4, 13/54, 24.1%). A major response was statistically correlated with SCC subtype (p = 0.02) and smaller tumor length (p = 0.03). MTV and TLG measured prior to IC (PET1) were correlated to TRG1-2 response (p = 0.02 and p = 0.02, respectively). After IC (PET2), SUVmean and TLG correlated with major response (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). No significance was detected when relative changes of metabolic parameters between PET1 and PET2 were evaluated. At textural quantitative analysis, three independent radiomic features extracted from PET1 images ([JointEnergy and InverseDifferenceNormalized of GLCM and LowGrayLevelZoneEmphasis of GLSZM) were statistically correlated with major response (p < 0.0002).Conclusions18F-FDG PET/CT traditional metrics and textural features seem to predict pathologic response (TRG) in EC patients treated with induction chemotherapy followed by neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. Further investigations are necessary in order to obtain a reliable predictive model to be used in the clinical practice.

Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak has significantly burdened healthcare systems worldwide, leading to reorganization of healthcare services and reallocation of resources. The Italian Society for Study of Esophageal Diseases (SISME) conducted a national survey to evaluate changes in esophageal cancer management in a region severely struck by COVID-19 pandemic. A web-based questionnaire (26 items) was sent to 12 SISME units. Short-term outcomes of esophageal resections performed during the lockdown were compared with those achieved in the same period of 2019. Six (50%) centers had significant restrictions in their activity. However, overall number of resections did not decrease compared to 2019, while a higher rate of open esophageal resections was observed (40 vs. 21.7%; P = 0.034). Surgery was delayed in 24 (36.9%) patients in 6 (50%) centers, mostly due to shortage of anesthesiologists, and occupation of intensive care unit beds from intubated COVID-19 patients. Indications for neoadjuvant chemo (radio) therapy were extended in 14% of patients. Separate COVID-19 hospital pathways were active in 11 (91.7%) units. COVID-19 screening protocols included nasopharyngeal swab in 91.7%, chest computed tomography scan in 8.3% and selective use of lung ultrasound in 75% of units. Postoperative interstitial pneumonia occurred in 1 (1.5%) patient. Recovery from COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by screening of patients in all units, and follow-up outpatient visits in only 33% of units. This survey shows that clinical strategies differed considerably among the 12 SISME centers. Evidence-based guidelines are needed to support the surgical esophageal community and to standardize clinical practice in case of further pandemics.

Prophylactic drain in gastrectomy for cancer is still widely used, although some evidence has disputed this practice and spreading enhanced recovery protocol has been pushing towards surgical simplification. This study aimed at assessing the impact of drain placement on important clinical outcomes, evaluating the results of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), or cohort studies whenever information provided by the former was scarce. PubMed, PMC, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wanfang databases were searched from January 1990 to February 2019, both for RCTs and cohort studies comparing use or avoidance of prophylactic drain in gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy. All RCTs and cohort studies were rated according to Jadad score and Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale, respectively. Meta-analysis was separately performed on RCTs and cohort studies. The following clinical outcomes were considered: anastomotic leak, reoperation rate, additional drain procedure, length of stay, postoperative morbidity, postoperative mortality, readmission rate and drain related complications. Overall, 3 RCTs (330 patients) and 7 cohort studies (2897 patients) were included. Seven studies came from Eastern Countries. Meta-analysis on RCTs evidenced that drain avoidance halves overall morbidity (RR = 0.47, 95%CI 0.26–0.86, p = 0.014) and slightly reduces length of stay (SMD -0.24, 95%CI -0.51–0.03, p = 0.083). Only one postoperative death occurred in the drain group. The other outcomes were either not reported or reported just by one RCT each. Meta-analysis on cohort studies, despite higher statistical power, did not highlight any significant difference. This meta-analysis showed that prophylactic drain avoidance can reduce morbidity and length of stay, while not significantly affecting other major surgical outcomes.

Enhanced recovery protocols (ERP) have demonstrated their efficacy after esophagectomy and gastrectomy but little is known about their feasibility and safety in elderly patients. Patients submitted to Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy or gastrectomy for cancer between January 2016 and June 2019 were divided into three age groups: young-age group, YG (≤ 65 years, n = 130); middle-age group, MG (66–74 years, n = 101); old-age group, OG (≥ 75 years, n = 74). The groups were compared for adherence to our ERP, morbidity and mortality rates. After esophagectomy, adherence to ERP was comparable between the three groups, overall morbidity was higher in OG, without statistically significant difference, while the incidence of cardiac complications was significantly higher in OG (p = 0.02). After gastrectomy, OG presented a lower adherence to urinary catheter removal and to early mobilization. No difference in overall morbidity rate was observed (p = 0.13). The median length of stay was comparable both after esophagectomy (p = 0.075) and gastrectomy (p = 0.07). Multivariable analysis showed that age ≥ 75 years was not associated with a higher risk of ERP failure either after esophagectomy (p = 0.59) or after gastrectomy (p = 0.83). After esophagectomy, the risk of failure of the ERP program was higher for patients with ASA grade 3–4 (p = 0.03) and for those with postoperative complications (p

Chyle Leak (CL) is a relative rare but deadly complication after esophagectomy. The optimal management of CL is still unclear; however, a surgical re-intervention is usually considered necessary if the daily output from the thoracic drain exceeds 1 L. In case of re-intervention, surgical ligature of the thoracic duct (TD) is often resolutive, although TD visualization can be challenging in this setting. We report the case of a 66 years old male patient submitted to total minimally invasive Mc Kewon esophagectomy, who in the postoperative course developed a CL. After a first unsuccessful attempt of conservative management, we decided to re-submit the patient to surgery with a thoracoscopic approach. During the procedure, we injected the indocyanine green into the inguinal lymph nodes bilaterally. The fluorescence images allowed us to: 1- visualize the thoracic duct; 2- identify the exact site of the leak; 3- to confirm (after TD selective ligature) that the leak was correctly sealed. In two subsequent esophagectomies we used the same technique to intraoperatively identify the TD, allowing its prophylactic selective ligature.

Bleeding from the thoracic aorta is potentially fatal in patients with advanced esophageal cancer (AEC). Esophageal malignancy is the third most common cause of aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF), after thoracic aortic aneurysm and ingestion of foreign body. The involvement of aortic wall often contraindicates chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) treatment, thus reducing life expectancy of these patients. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a well described mini-invasive technique that can be also applied for coverage of aortic lumen in case of invasion by esophageal cancer (EC). Only few cases have been published with this atypical indication. Between 2016 and 2018, in our tertiary hospital three patients affected by AEC involving the thoracic aorta were treated by means of prophylactic TEVAR (ProTEVAR). We did not observe procedure-related complications and all patients were reconsidered fit for preoperative or definitive CRT.

Background Chyle leak is a rare but life-threatening complication after esophagectomy. In Literature is reported a mortality rate up to 40% in case chyle leak after esophageal surgery. In case of re-operation, ligature of the chyle duct is mandatory. However, chyle duct identification can be difficult. To our knowledge, in Literature are reported only two cases of chyle duct identification through ICG visualization. We present the case of a 66 years old male patient who underwent to a totally mini-invasive McKeown esophagectomy for a locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma, after neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. In 2nd post-operative day (POD) we observed a chylous debt from the thoracic drain, sign of chyle leak. A first conservative approach was tempted, with a nihil-per-os regimen and total parenteral nutrition, with a significant reduction in drain output. However, at the resumption of oral intake, we observed a new increase of drain output. We therefore decided to re-operate the patient to seal the leak. On POD 15 the patient was submitted to a new thoracoscopy, with previous inguinal green indocyanine infiltration. During the thoracoscopy, the ICG allowed to safely identify the chyle duct and to proceed to its selective ligation. During the following days the patient’s clinical state progressively improved, allowing to restore oral feeding in POD3. No chyle debt was attested from the drainage, removed in POD 5. The patients was dismissed the next day. In our opinion, this is a promising application for the ICG technique.

Aim our aim was to evaluate if CT could predict outcomes in terms of treatment in patient with caustic ingestion injury. Background and methods endoscopy has long been the gold standard for initial evaluation of caustic ingestion injury. Lately several studies suggested CT-scans to have an equal or even superior accuracy in emergency evaluation and prediction of esophageal stricture formation. Wishing to avoid complications of endoscopic procedures, new radiological grading system are being defined to supplement or replace the ones currently used. On the basis of the available evidence, we proposed a radiological 3 grade-score: grade I (well-defined visceral wall, homogenous post-contrastographic enhancement, no wall/perivisceral fat tissue edema), grade IIA (thickened and hypointense mucosa with post-contrastographic enhancement, wall/perivisceral fat tissue edema), grade IIB (necrotic mucosa with slight post-contrastographic external wall enhancement), grade III (transmural necrosis, defined by two of three between: lack of post-contrastografic wall enhancement, not defined visceral wall, blurred perivisceral fat tissue). Retrospectively we collected patients’ CT-scans which were reviewed by a radiologist, two senior surgeons and six resident surgeons; CT-scans performed within 48 hours after the ingestion were considered significant. We also tracked patients’ clinical history and compared the outcomes. Results of 50 patients that were admitted in our division in the last 10 years, we reviewed CT-scans of 23 patients; 15 were performed within 48 hours after the caustic ingestion. From the analysis of the data we observed that clinicians scored similarly, especially for grades I and III. Of these patients, 26,6 % had elective surgery (I: 0%; IIA: 0%; IIB: 75%; III: 25%), 20 % underwent emergency surgery (I: 0%; IIA: 33%; IIB: 0%; III: 66%), 53,4 % had conservative management (I: 25%; IIA: 12,5%; IIB: 37,5%; III: 25%). For what concerns the effectiveness of the score, we found high negative predictive value for grade I (all patients were treated conservatively), although highest grade had good specificity (0,86) regarding the needs of reconstructive surgery. Conclusion our radiological classification seems a worthwhile tool at the two extreme grades; on the contrary, for intermediate scores is still necessary an endoscopic-integrated approach to define which treatment achieve.

Background In dedicated centres ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) programs have been successfully applied after esophageal surgery. However, some concerns have been raised about the feasibility of these protocols in elderly patients. Methods We retrospective reviewed 72 patients submitted to Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy in our Institution, during the period 2015-2017. We divided the patients into two groups: 47 patients (65,3%) were Results The two groups were not different in terms of overall morbidity rate (53,2% in YG vs 60,0% in EG p= 0,6) and pulmonary complications rate (70,2% in YG vs 72,0% in EG, p= 1). EG showed a higher cardiac complications rate (3,5% in YG vs 26,7% in EG, p=0,001). We did not report 90-days mortality. We did not observe differences in adherence to the following ERAS steps: pre-operative carbohydrate load administration (78,7% in YG vs 76,0% in EG, p=0,7), ward transfer on POD 0 (61,7% in YG vs 48,0% in EG, p=0,32), removal of naso-gastric tube on POD 1 (87,2% in YG vs 96,0% in EG, p=0,4), resume of liquid diet on POD 1 (55,3% in YG vs 56,0% in EG, p=1), urinary catheter removal on POD 2 (61,7% in YG vs 48,0% in EG, p=0,3), fully mobilization on POD 3 (63,8% in YG vs 52,0% in EG, p=0,4), resume of soft diet on POD 4 (72,3% in YG vs 68,0% in EG, p=0,7), discharge on POD 7 (48,9% in YG vs 40,0% in EG, p=0,6). Median day of discharge was POD 8 for both groups (p= 0,8). Conclusions In high-volume centres ERAS protocols can be safely applied to elderly patients undergoing esophagectomy.

Aim investigate factors influencing the choice of neoadjuvant treatment type in the real world, analyzing our single high-volume center experience. Background & Methods The neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is the standard of care for esophageal cancer [1-2]. This consensus stems from the results of CCT performed on highly selected patients. However, the best treatment for non-selected patients remains unclear. In our clinical practice the treatment considered the goal standard is a TCF with 50GyRT [3-4-5], which showed an R0 resection rate of 88% and 5 y OS of 43%, better than CROSS trial. Despite these results, since 2012 not all patients underwent the same ideal treatment. We analyzed a real life patients group, that from the oncological point of view, they would be treated with our protocol in an intention to treat setting. Results From 2012 to 2017, 244 patients were treated. Analyzing retrospectively our data, it emerges that we have chosen the therapeutic strategy based on patient's characteristics: those aged over 75 yrs or with severe comorbidities were addressed to a “weakened” treatment: 37 with chemotherapy, 24 with radiotherapy and 55 with concomitant chemoradiotherapy different from our protocol. 125 with our protocol. Further selection involved lymph node status and patients with lymph node involvement (>N2 were referred to chemotherapy. The results confirmed that the protocol achieves better results in pathological response (pT0N0 in protocol 40,8% vs 18.2% in standard chemoradiotherapy – p value Conclusion Chemoradiotherapy is currently the gold standard of treatment but it cannot be consider the only treatment, especially for real life patients, less ideal but still requiring treatment. Clinical trials are certainly useful in providing information on highly selected patients, but clinical practice must consider patients whose conditions require tailored treatment.

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a deadly complication after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy. The use of an anastomotic drainage (AD), to diagnose and to potentially treat the leakage, is still a widespread practice. At present, scientific literature is lacking in this topic and its use is based on each center experience. We performed a retrospective analysis of 239 consecutive patients who underwent an Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy in our Department from 01/01/2006 to 31/12/2017. Until 28/02/2014, a transthoracic anastomotic drainage was routinely placed in 119 patients (anastomotic-drain group). Drainage removal was planned on POD 5 after the resume of oral intake. In the remaining 120 cases, no drainage was placed (no anastomotic-drain group). We compared the two groups to assess whether the anastomotic drainage had an impact on the timing of the anastomotic leakage diagnosis and treatment. In our series, we observed 9 anastomotic leaks in the first group (7.6%) and 3 in the second one (2.5%). In the anastomotic-drain group, median time for leak diagnosis was 10 days, and notably, in seven cases, the anastomotic drainage was already removed. Considering all the patients who experienced an AL, a re-operation was mandatory in one case, while endoscopic treatment was chosen for five cases and conservative treatment was adopted in three cases. The median hospital length of stay in these patients was 31 days. In the no anastomotic-drain group, one patient with anastomotic leakage was treated conservatively and discharged after 34 days. The other two cases were re-operated and an esophageal prosthesis was placed in both cases, and these patients were discharged, respectively, on POD 28 and POD 38. Concluding, the role of the anastomotic drain in Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy is still unclear. There is a shortage of the literature on this topic and our experience shows that the anastomotic drain has a limited sensibility in AL diagnosis and cannot replace the clinical signs and symptoms. Moreover, the drain it is often removed before the leakage becomes visible. In selected patients with a less severe leak, the anastomotic drain can be an effective treatment, but often a percutaneous drainage, it is an effective alternative choice. In severe dehiscence with sepsis, a reoperation remains the mainstay to control the mediastinal contamination and to eventually treat the leakage.

BACKGROUND Mediastinal leakage (ML) is one of the most feared complications of esophagectomy. A standard strategy for its diagnosis and treatment has been difficult to establish because of the great variability in their incidence and mortality rates reported in the existing series. AIM To assess the incidence, predictive factors, treatment, and associated mortality rate of mediastinal leakage using the standardized definition of mediastinal leaks recently proposed by the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG). METHODS Seven Italian surgical centers (five high-volume, two low-volume) affiliated with the Italian Society for the Study of Esophageal Diseases designed and implemented a retrospective study including all esophagectomies (n = 501) with intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis performed from 2014 to 2017. Anastomotic MLs were defined according to the classification recently proposed by the ECCG. RESULTS Fifty-nine cases of ML were recorded, yielding an overall incidence of 11.8% (95%CI: 9.1%-14.9%). The surgical approach significantly influenced the occurrence of ML: the proportion of leakage was 10.5% and 9% after open and hybrid esophagectomy (HE), respectively, and doubled (20%) after totally minimally invasive esophagectomy (TMIE) (P = 0.016). No other predictive factors were found. The 30- and 90-d overall mortality rates were 1.4% and 3.2%, respectively; the 30- and 90-d leak-related mortality rates were 5.1% and 10.2%, respectively; the 90-d mortality rates for TMIE and HE were 5.9% and 1.8%, respectively. Endoscopy was the first-line treatment in 49% of ML cases, with the need for retreatment in 17.2% of cases. Surgery was needed in 44.1% of ML cases. Endoscopic treatment had the lowest mortality rate (6.9%). Removal of the gastric tube with stoma formation was necessary in 8 (13.6%) cases. CONCLUSION The incidence of ML after esophagectomy was high mainly in the TMIE group. However, the general and specific (leak-related) mortality rates were low. Early treatment (surgical or endoscopic) of severe leaks is mandatory to limit related mortality.

Background: The association between compliance to an enhanced recovery protocol (ERAS) and outcome after surgery for gastric cancer has been poorly investigated, particularly in Western patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the rate of adherence to the ERAS program was correlated with outcome and time of discharge. Methods: A prospective, observational, multicenter study was designed to be performed at Italian referral centers for gastric surgery. The protocol was discussed and approved by the Italian Research Group on Gastric Cancer. Twenty-three ERAS domains were applied. A multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between ERAS compliance and overall and major complication rates. The Poisson regression model (measured as mean ratios) was used to assess the association of ERAS compliance rate and length of stay (LOS). Results: Eight centers participated and 290 subjects with a median age of 73 years were enrolled. The overall rates of adherence to pre-, intra-, and postoperative ERAS items were 69.8%, 60.3%, and 82.5%, respectively. At the multivariate model, there was an association between overall rate of morbidity and an overall ERAS compliance rate greater than 70% (OR 0.413; 95% CI 0.235–0.7240; P 0.002). A similar association was found for major complications (OR 0.328; 95% CI 0.151–0.709; P 0.005). The Poisson regression showed that in patients with ERAS compliance rate >70%, LOS was reduced of approximately 20% (mean ratio 0.812; 95% CI 0.694–0.950; P 0.009). Conclusions: These results suggest a moderate compliance to an ERAS program and a significant association between adherence and outcomes.

Candidate genes involved in DNA repair, 5-fluorouracil metabolism and drug detoxification were genotyped in 124 patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer and their predictive role for long-term relapse-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were evaluated. A panel including MTHFR 677TT, MDR1 2677GT, GSTP1 114CC, XPC 499CC and XPC 939AC+CC, defined as high-risk genotypes, discriminated subgroups with significantly different outcomes. When the panel was combined with histology, patients split into two subsets with 5-year RFS and CSS rates of 65% vs 27% (hazard ratio (HR) 3.0, P

SUMMARY Application of enhanced recovery protocols (ERP) in esophageal surgery seems to lead an advantage in terms of length of hospital staying and outcomes, but only few data exist on its cost effectiveness. Previous literature analyzed pre- and post-ERP groups, finding a cost reduction with the introduction of the pathway. We aimed to study the influence on costs of accumulating experience and compliance in an ERP group. Seventy-one patients have been treated at our institution from January 2014 to June 2017 with our ERP for Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy. Direct costs were divided into subcategories and were analyzed as a function of calendar year and compliance. Factor affecting costs were searched. Univariable analysis highlighted a significant reduction in costs over time. Increase in compliance led to a progressive cost reduction for each ERP item completed (€14 852–€11 045). While age was not found to significantly influence the cost (p = 0.341), complications seemed to nullify the effect of experience: the median was €11 507 in uncomplicated patients, and increased to €13 791 in Clavien–Dindo 3–4 (CD3–4) patients. Compliance and CD3–4 remained significant also in multivariable analysis, accomplished by quantile regression, while year of surgery lost its significance. Our results evidence how accumulating experience in ERP led to a cost reduction over time, which was mainly mediated by an increase in compliance. Indeed, compliance was the main factor in reducing ERP cost while CD3–4 complications were the most important factor in cost increasing, nullifying the benefit of compliance.

Involvement of para-aortic nodes (PAN) has been detected at pathological examination in 10–25% of locally advanced gastric cancer. Based on these data of nodal diffusion, the lymphadenectomy of para-aortic stations would be desirable in locally advanced gastric cancer. However, the debate on the oncological benefit of para-aortic nodes dissection is still not solved. A review of the literature was performed and papers reporting either the rate of para-aortic nodal metastases or the long-term survival outcomes after D2+ para-aortic nodes dissection (PAND) or D3 lymphadenectomy were descriptively reported. The literature survey yielded 14 studies. Most of the papers show the outcome of series of advanced gastric cancer treated with surgery alone, while starting from 2012, 3 articles report the outcomes of D2 + PAND or D3 lymphadenectomy after preoperative chemotherapy. The rate of PAN metastases ranges between 8.5 and 28% in surgical series. Survival outcomes largely improved in series of patients treated with multimodal approach compared to those of surgery alone. In patients with clinically detected para-aortic nodal metastases, preoperative chemotherapy followed by PAND is indicated. More data are needed to clarify the indication to prophylactic PAND in the era of multimodal treatment, anyway super-extended lymphadenectomies have to be performed by experienced surgeons in dedicated centres.

Anastomotic intraluminal bleeding is a well-known complication after total gastrectomy. Nevertheless, few data are published on acute bleeding obstruction pancreatitis (BOP) due to a bleeding from the jejunojejunostomy (JJ). In this paper we describe our experience. A total of 140 gastrectomies for EGJ cancer were performed in our Institute from January 2012 to January 2017. All reconstructions were performed with a Roux-en-Y anastomosis: a mechanical end-to-side esophago-jejunostomy and a mechanical end-to-side JJ. Three patients suffered from a bleeding at the JJ with a consequent BOP. We analyzed the time of diagnosis, the treatment and the outcomes. The three patients presented anemia at the laboratory findings on postoperative day (POD) 1. In patient I laboratory findings of acute pancreatitis were found in POD 2. CT scan was performed and showed signs of BOP. Endoscopic treatment was tried without success. Therefore, patient underwent surgery: JJ take down, bleeding control and anastomosis rebuild were performed. In spite of this the patient died of MOF in POD 4. Patient II had a persistent anemia treated with blood transfusions until POD 3, when laboratory tests showed increased lipase and bilirubin levels. Patient was successfully treated with endoscopy but several blood transfusions and a prolonged recovery were necessary. Patient III had laboratory findings of acute pancreatitis on POD 1. Immediate surgery was performed and patient was discharged on POD 9 without sequelae. BOP is a rare but deadly complication after Roux-en-Y anastomosis. An early diagnosis and an aggressive treatment seem to improve the outcome.

Although D2 lymphadenectomy is the standard of care for radical intent surgical treatment of gastric cancer, the real compliance with D2 dissection in Europe is still unknown. The aim of the present study is to analyze the variation in lymph-node harvesting reported after D2 dissection in European series and to present a European project aiming at evaluating the real compliance with D2 lymphadenectomy. A PubMed search for papers using the key words "D2 lymphadenectomy" and "gastric cancer" from 2008 to 2017 was undertaken. Only studies by European authors in English language reporting the number of retrieved lymph nodes after D2 lymphadenectomy were included. The results of literature review were descriptively reported. The literature survey yielded 16 studies: 2 RCTs, 3 observational multicentre studies, and 11 observational monocentric studies. A large variability was found in the number of retrieved nodes, which, overall, was the lowest in the surgical series from Eastern Europe (16.6 and 19.9 in the Lithuanian and Hungarian series, respectively) and the highest in an Italian RCT. The within-study variability was also quite high, especially in multicentre RCTs and observational studies. Sample size tended to have a larger effect on the variability of lymph nodes retrieved than on its actual value. However, in both cases, the relation was not significant, due to the low number of studies considered. There is a large variability in the number of retrieved nodes after D2 dissection in European series. This reflects, at least partly, different approaches to D2 lymphadenectomy by European surgeons and may be responsible of the different outcomes observed in patients with gastric cancer across Europe. Therefore, there is the need to standardize the practice of D2 gastrectomy in Europe and to define possible variations of D2 procedures according to tumour's characteristics.

The optimal treatment strategy for elderly patients with gastric cancer is still controversial. This study aimed to assess the impact of age on short- and long-term outcomes after treatment for primary gastric cancer. From January 2004 to December 2014, a total of 507 patients underwent gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma at two high-volume upper gastrointestinal (GI) centers. The patients were classified into three groups as follows: group A (patients ≤ 69 years old, n = 266), group B (patients 70–79 years old, n = 166), and group C (patients ≥ 80 years old, n = 75). Clinicopathologic characteristics as well as, short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the groups. The patients in groups B and C had more comorbidities, whereas the younger subjects (group A) had more advanced tumor stages. Less extensive surgery was performed in the groups B and C. Older patients (age ≥ 70 years) had more postoperative medical complications. Moreover, group C had a higher postoperative mortality rate (8.1%) than group A (1.8%) or group B (1.9%). In the multivariable analysis, age older than 80 years (group C) was a negative independent factor for overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.36) compared with group A, whereas group B seemed to have a comparable risk (HR, 1.37). Notably, the three groups did not show significant differences in disease-related survival (DRS). The data suggest that patients 70–79 years of age show a risk of postoperative death comparable with that of younger subjects. However, patients older than 80 years should be carefully selected for surgical treatment due to the increased risk of postoperative mortality.

Despite the growing importance of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgery is still the preferred curative treatment for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Depending on the esophageal and gastric involvement of this tumor, a gastrectomy or an esophagectomy is required. The latter needs an abdomino-thoracic approach or a gastric pull-up, resulting in an increased morbidity and mortality.

Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) adenocarcinoma survival improved recently, thanks to the use of multimodal treatments. Survival with surgery alone is instead still poor in all locally advanced and node-positive patients. Recurrence is still the main cause of death, and it is particularly high within 24 months. In this chapter we will discuss the long-term results with surgery alone and multimodal treatments in EGJ cancer patients and then the characteristics and types of recurrence.

Minimalinvasive Operationsverfahren kommen zunehmend bei Tumoren des oberen Gastrointestinaltrakts zum Einsatz. Wahrend sich die minimalinvasive Chirurgie (MIC) bei gutartigen Tumoren und gastrointestinalen Stromatumoren (GIST) nach aktueller Studienlage als Standardverfahren etabliert hat, wird deren Bedeutung fur das Magenkarzinom kontrovers diskutiert. Fur das Magenkarzinom liegen bislang uberwiegend Studien und Metaanalysen aus Asien vor, die Vorteile fur die MIC hinsichtlich des intraoperativen Blutverlusts, der chirurgischen Minorkomplikationen und einer rascheren Rekonvaleszenz ohne Benefit bei den onkologischen Langzeitergebnissen und der Lebensqualitat aufzeigen. Im Gegensatz zur Situation in Deutschland werden Magenkarzinome in Asien bei hoher Inzidenz mit 50 %igem Anteil von Fruhkarzinomen und zumeist distaler Tumorlokalisation in „High-volume“-Zentren behandelt. Aufgrund der in den publizierten Studien nachgewiesenen marginalen Vorteile der MIC gegenuber der offenen Resektion kann aktuell keine generelle Empfehlung fur die laparoskopische Chirurgie des Magenkarzinoms gegeben werden.

Background Mediastinal anastomotic leak (ML) represent one of the most feared complication of esophageal resection. The incidence of ML, and of the associated mortality rate and the treatment strategy are variously reported. A standard strategy for diagnosis and treatment is difficult to establish Methods In order to evaluate the incidence, predictive factors, treatment and mortality of ML in 7 Italian surgical centers with interest in esophageal surgery (5 high volume centers) a retrospective study including all esophagectomies (E) with intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis performed in a 3 year period (2014–2017), was planned. ML were defined according to the classification proposed by the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group. Results The data of 501 E were collected. Overall incidence of ML was 11.8%. Surgical approach significantly influenced the rate of ML: leakage rate was highest for totally minimally invasive (TMIE) and lowest for hybrid esophagectomy (HE) (respectively 20 and 9%). No other predictive factor was found. Overall 30 and 90 day (d) mortality rate (M) were respectively 1,4% and 3,2%; 30 and 90 d M for leaks were respectively 5% and 15,3%; 90 d M for TMIE and HE were 5,9% and 1,8% respectively. Endoscopy was the first line treatment in 49% of leaks, with a need for retreatment in 17,2% of cases. Surgery was needed globally in 44,1% of ML. Endoscopic treatment appeared to have the lowest M (6,9%). Removal of the gastric tube with stoma formation was necessary in 8 cases (13.6%). Conclusion The incidence of mediastinal leaks after esophagectomy in the MUMELE study is high mainly in TMIE group. General and specific (leak) mortality rate is however low. Early ‘aggressive’ treatment of severe leaks is mandatory, with no hesitation to redo surgery if first attempt of conservative management fails. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Background The use of ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols, to reduce morbidity and accelerate recovery is spreading in general surgery. In dedicated centres these programs have been successfully applied after oesophageal surgery. However, some concerns have been raised about the feasibility of these protocols in elderly patients. Methods We retrospective reviewed 72 patients submitted to Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy in our Institution, in the period 2015–2017. We divided the patients into two groups: 47 patients (65,3%) were Results The two groups were not different in terms of overall morbidity rate (53,2% in YG vs 60,0% in EG P = 0,6) and pulmonary complications rate (70,2% in YG vs 72,0% in EG, P = 1). We did not reporte 90-days mortality. We did not observe differences in adherence to ERAS step: pre-operative carbohydrate load administration (78,7% in YG vs 76,0% in EG, P = 0,7), peri-dural catheter for analgesia placement (89,3% in YG vs 88,0% in EG, P = 1), ward transfer on POD 0 (61,7% in YG vs 48,0% in EG, P = 0,32), removal of naso-gastric tube on POD 1 (87,2% in YG vs 96,0% in EG, P = 0,4), resume of liquid diet on POD 1 (55,3% in YG vs 56,0% in EG, P = 1), urinary catheter removal on POD 2 (61,7% in YG vs 48,0% in EG, P = 0,3), fully mobilization on POD 3 (63,8% in YG vs 52,0% in EG, P = 0,4), resume of soft diet on POD 4 (72,3% in YG vs 68,0% in EG, P = 0,7), discharge on POD 7 (48,9% in YG vs 40,0% in EG, P = 0,6). Median day of discharge was POD 8 for both groups (P = 0,8). Conclusion In high-volume centres ERAS protocols can be safely applied to elderly patients undergoing esophagectomy. An experienced team is needed to achieve this results. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

In this paper, the epidemiological and clinicobiological behavior of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) adenocarcinoma in the West is compared and contrasted to that in the East, and an overview is provided of current therapeutic strategies employed for this type of tumor in Western countries. It is well known that multimodal treatment is the therapeutic standard in locally advanced EGJ adenocarcinoma, but whether neoadjuvant/perioperative chemotherapy (CT) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the optimal approach is still debated. Neoadjuvant CRT improves local control in locally advanced Siewert type I and II tumors, so it should be considered the treatment of choice. In the subset of these patients with microscopic systemic disease at diagnosis, more intensive exclusive chemotherapy protocols could be of benefit. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify these patients before planning the treatment. For Siewert type III tumors, perioperative chemotherapy is the standard. While there is general agreement on the optimal surgical approach for Siewert types I and III (a two-field Ivor Lewis operation and a total gastrectomy with distal esophagectomy, respectively), no standard surgical treatment has been defined for Siewert type II tumors. When data from Western series on proximal and circumferential resection margins and on nodal spread in Siewert type II tumors are taken into account, the optimal surgical approach appears to be Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Whether the extent of esophageal invasion can correctly predict nodal involvement in middle-upper mediastinal stations as a means to restrict indications for transthoracic esophagectomy requires further investigation in the West.

This article is about an emerging issue in esophageal surgery: enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) Few data are published in literature and its safety and feasibility is still debated. The focus of our paper is on the feasibility of an ERAS protocol for esophagectomy (including both the Ivor-Lewis and McKeown procedure) in a high volume center comparing to a standard perioperative protocol. We introduced a novelty item on this type of surgery: resume of oral feeding in the first postoperative day. We analyzed the dropout rate for each item and the postoperative morbidity. We studied 39 patients operated in the Upper GI division of Verona University Hospital between January 2013 and August 2014; 22 patients (ERAS group) were studied in a perspective way while 17 patients (standard group) were studied retrospectively. The enhanced recovery protocol included intraoperative fluid management, time of extubation after surgery, intensive care unit discharge, drains and nasogastric tube management, mobilization of the patient, oral food intake. We compared the results between the two groups in term of hospital stay, postoperative morbidity and mortality. We also calculated the percentage completion of the protocol, evaluating patient drop-out rates for each of the items. Patients showed an improvement in the ERAS group in terms of earlier extubation, earlier intensive care unit discharge (p < 0.01), earlier thoracic drain, urinary catheter (p < 0.01) and nasogastric tube removal (p = 0.02), earlier mobilization (p < 0.01), and resume of oral feeding (p < 0.01). Median length of hospital stays in the ERAS group was 9 days while in the standard group was 10 days (p = 0.23). Postoperative morbidity and mortality were comparable between the two groups. This study shows the feasibility and safety of an ERAS protocol for esophageal surgery in a high-volume center. These data strengthen the literature results on this argument calling for larger sample size studies.