Functional gastrointestinal reconstruction strategies after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy / 中华消化外科杂志

The incidence of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction is gradually increa-sing. The metastasis of the distal lymph node of upper gastric cancer with tumor diameter <4 cm is rare, and proximal gastrectomy can meet the requirements of radical treatment. Reflux esophagitis, food stasis, anastomotic stenosis, and poor nutrient absorption are important factors affecting the quality of life of patients undergoing proximal gastrectomy. With the continuous promotion of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection has been standardized. However, the method of digestive tract reconstruction has not yet reached standardization consensus, and anti-reflux has become a hot spot in clinical attention in recent years. Through interpositioned jejunum reconstruction to achieve anti-reflux effect, or retaining or rebuilding the anti-flow structure of esophageal residual gastric anastomosis include a variety of additional anti-reflux surgery, which have their own different advantages and disadvan-tages. The authors introduce in detail a variety of mainstream anti-reflux surgery, and its modified program, with the aim of providing reference for colleagues and maximizing the benefits of patients.

Functional outcomes of 100 patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction undergoing Cheng's GIRAFFE(®) reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the functional outcomes and postoperative complications of Cheng's GIRAFFE reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy. Methods: A descriptive case series study was conducted. Clinical data of 100 patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who underwent Cheng's GIRAFFE reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy in Cancer Hospital of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (64 cases), Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (24 cases), Lishui Central Hospital (10 cases), Huzhou Central Hospital (1 case) and Ningbo Lihuili Hospital (1 case) from September 2017 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Of 100 patients, 64 were males and 36 were females; the mean age was (61.3 ± 11.1) years and the BMI was (22.7±11.1) kg/m(2). For TNM stage, 68 patients were stage IA, 24 were stage IIA and 8 were stage IIB. Postoperative functional results and postoperative complications of radical gastrectomy with Giraffe reconstruction were analyzed and summarized. Gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ) score and postoperative endoscopy were used to evaluate the occurrence of reflux esophagitis and its grade (grade N, grade A, grade B, grade C, and grade D from mild to severe reflux). The continuous data conforming to normal distribution were expressed as (mean ± standard deviation), and those with skewed distribution were presented as median (Q1, Q3). Results: All the 100 patients successfully completed R0 resection, including 77 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and 23 patients undergoing laparotomy. The Giraffe anastomosis time was (38.6±14.0) min; the blood loss was (73.0±18.4) ml; the postoperative hospital stay was 9.5 (8.2, 13.0) d; the hospitalization cost was (6.0±0.3) ten thousand yuan. Fourteen cases developed perioperative complications (14.0%), including 7 cases of pleural effusion or pneumonia, 3 cases of anastomotic leakage, 2 cases of gastric emptying disorder, 1 case of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and 1 case of anastomotic stenosis, who were all improved and discharged after symptomatic management. Patients were followed up for (33.3±1.6) months. Eight patients were found to have reflux symptoms by RDQ scale six months after surgery, and 11 patients (11/100,11.0%) were found to have reflux esophagitis by gastroscopy, including 6 in grade A, 3 in grade B, and 2 in grade C. All the patients could control their reflux symptoms with behavioral guidance or oral PPIs. Conclusion: Cheng's GIRAFFE reconstruction has good anti-reflux efficacy and gastric emptying function; it can be one of the choices of reconstruction methods after proximal gastrectomy.

Safety and feasibility of intrathoracic modified overlap esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic radical resection of Siewert type Ⅱ adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of intrathoracic modified overlap method in laparoscopic radical resection of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods: A descriptive case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 27 patients with Siewert type II AEG who underwent transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic total gastrectomy and intrathoracic modified overlap esophagojejunostomy in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from May 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The intrathoracic modified overlap esophagojejunostomy was performed as follows: (1) The Roux-en-Y loop was made; (2) The jejunum side was prepared extraperitoneal for overlap anastomosis; (3) The esophagus side was prepared intraperitoneal for overlap anastomosis; (4) The overlap esophagojejunostomy was performed; (5) The common outlet was closed after confirmation of anastomosis integrity without bleeding; (6) A thoracic drainage tube was inserted into the thoracic hole with the diaphragm incision closed. The intraoperative and postoperative results were reviewed. Results: All 27 patients were successfully operated, without mortality or conversion to laparotomy. The operative time, digestive tract reconstruction time and esophageal-jejunal anastomosis time were (327.5±102.0) minute, 50 (28-62) minute and (29.0±7.4) minute, respectively. The blood loss was 100 (20-150) ml. The postoperative time to flatus and postoperative hospital stay were (4.7±3.7) days and 9(6-73) days, respectively. Three patients (11.1%) developed postoperative grade III complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, including 1 case of anastomotic fistula with empyema, 1 case of pleural effusion and 1 case of pancreatic fistula, all of whom were cured by puncture drainage and anti-infective therapy. Conclusions: The intrathoracic modified overlap esophagojejunostomy is safe and feasible in laparoscopic radical resection of Siewert type II AEG.

Advantages and disadvantages of transthoracic approach for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Adenocarcinoma of the esophaogastric junction (AEG) has anatomical characteristics of spanning two organs and anatomical sites. Thoracic surgery and gastrointestinal surgery aim at the safe resection margin of esophagus, the scope of lower mediastinal lymph node dissection and whether transthoracic surgery will increase complications. However, there are great differences and controversies in the surgical approach, surgical method, lymph node dissection and extent of resection of AEG. For Siewert II AEG via abdominal mediastinal approach, due to the limitation of exposure and the difficulty of operation, it is difficult to acquire a satisfactory proximal resection margin, and very difficult to dissect the inferior mediastinal lymph nodes. The transthoracic approach can provide adequate exposure, reduce the difficulty of operation, obtain satisfactory resection margin of esophagus and allow lower mediastinal lymph node dissection, which may bring better prognosis. Although transthoracic approach may increase the incidence of pulmonary infection, the standard development of thoracoscopic technology will overcome the disadvantage of transthoracic approach for Siewert II AEG.

Current status and progression of minimally invasive surgery after neoadjuvant therapy for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The number of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) has been increasing year by year. The key technical points such as surgical approach, lymph node dissection and GI tract reconstruction have gradually reached their maturity. With the emergence of proofs of evidence-based neoadjuvant therapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy or neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy for advanced AEG is also gradually accepted by most surgeons and oncologists. European scholars have previously started researches on MIS after neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer and AEG. Domestic scholars also raise practical suggestions on the application of neoadjuvant therapy for AEG via the cooperation between gastrointestinal and thoracic surgeons, demonstrating the trend in standardization and individualization. But there is still no consent to the indication of MIS after neoadjuvant therapy. Furthermore, there is also a lack of the standardization of technical points for MIS, GI tract reconstruction, short- and long-term outcomes. Such associated problems have been the hot controversy and exploration in recent years. This article describes current progress of neoadjuvant therapy for AEG, current status of MIS after the neoadjuvant therapy in Europe, America, East Asia, including China, and related researches plus future prospects, hoping for better clinical outcomes.

Management of anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic surgery for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The incidence of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) is increasing at home and abroad. Laparoscopic surgery has gradually become the main means of surgical treatment of this kind of tumor. However, due to the special anatomical position of the tumor, the high position away from the broken esophagus and the narrow space in the mediastinum, laparoscopic anastomosis has the characteristics of difficult anastomosis and high anastomosis position. There is a high risk of anastomotic leakage after operation, which may cause serious consequences. Early identification of anastomotic leakage and unobstructed drainage by various means are the key to treatment. With the development of endoscopic technology, endoscopic methods such as covered stent and vacuum-assisted closure further improve the treatment efficacy. As a salvage measure, surgical treatment can achieve good treatment outcome, while accompanied by risk of complications and mortality, so we must strictly grasp the indications.

Related factors of postoperative complications of radical resection for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) is at a special anatomic site with obviously higher morbidity of postoperative complication than gastric cancers at other sites. Postoperative quality of life and survival rate are influenced by the occurrence of complications. Moreover, the perioperative complications are associated with multiple factors such as patient factors (advanced age, obesity and preoperative nutritional status), surgical factors (surgical route, surgical procedure, resection range and prophylactic multivisceral resection), tumor factors (size, stage) etc. Optimizing perioperative management and formulating standardized surgical methods are the key points to prevent postoperative complications of AEG. In conclusion, we should strive to ensure the radical resection and reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications in order to truly benefit patients.

Digestive tract reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The incidence of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) is increasing in recent years. Its diagnosis, lymph node metastasis and digestive tract reconstruction are all different from those of upper gastric cancer. With the development of the concept of function preserving surgery for gastric cancer, the clinical application of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy in AEG is increasing. In this kind of operation, in addition to ensuring sufficient radical cure of tumor, the short-term smooth recovery and long-term quality of life of patients are also important. The reconstruction of digestive tract after proximal stomach operation is of great significance. According to the author's own practical experience, in clinical work, the author selects different surgical resection scope and digestive tract reconstruction methods according to Siewert classification of AEG. For Siewert Ⅱ AEG, laparoscopic PG is mostly used, and laparoscopic esophageal tubular gastric side-to-side anastomosis or double channel anastomosis is mostly used for digestive tract reconstruction. It is believed that with the emergence of long-term follow-up results and the development of multicenter randomized controlled research, some controversial questions will be better answered. We should pay attention to the individual differences of patients. For different individuals, combined with the operator's experience, on the basis of ensuring the radical cure of tumor, we should adopt appropriate surgical resection scope and digestive tract reconstruction, so as to bring better long-term quality of life for patients.

Dissection borders of laparoscopic lower mediastinal lymphadenectomy for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction and the quality control / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The lower mediastinal lymphadenectomy is indicated for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG), while the laparoscopic procedure shows some advantages. According to previous studies and results of IDEAL phase 2a study in our institute, the following structures are recommended as the dissection borders: the upper (cranial) is inferior wall of pericardium and pulmonary ligament; the lower (caudal) is diaphragm hiatus (esophagogastric junction); the front (ventral) is anterior inferior wall of pericardium and diaphragm; the back (dorsal) is anterior wall of aorta; the lateral is mediastinal pleura. The standard of quality control is still under investigation.

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and lymph node resection in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The proportion of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) in gastric cancer is gradually increasing. Due to the unique anatomical structure and biological characteristics of the tumor at this site, AEG has a certain degree of complexity in many aspects of diagnosis and treatment, which brings difficulties to the operation method, the selection of the resection range, the lymph node dissection and the treatment decision-making. Therefore, AEG has always been the focus of academic debate. With the development of minimally invasive surgery in recent years, laparoscopic technology has been increasingly mature and widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors. Compared with distal gastric cancer, the minimally invasive treatment of AEG is in a lagging state, and there are also a series of problems that have not yet reached a consensus. This article reviews and summarizes the recent research progress in two aspects: proximal gastrectomy for AEG and lymph node dissection. Laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy is safe for early proximal gastric cancer and has a long-term survival outcome not inferior to total gastrectomy, but the surgical indications must be strictly selected. Abdominal lymph node metastasis of AEG is mainly in group 1, 2, 3, and 7, and mediastinal lymph node metastasis is closely related to the length of the infiltrated esophagus. The abdominal transhiatal (TH) approach can obtain a sufficient number of harvested lymph node, and has good safety and efficacy, which is the first-choice of surgical approach for early AEG. The results of the CLASS-10 clinical trial can provide a higher level of evidence for laparoscopic mediastinal lymph node dissection. Laparoscopic surgery for AEG should be carried out in experienced medical center based on clinical research.

Treatment of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: the perspectives from thoracic surgery / 中华胃肠外科杂志

A greater controversy remains in clinical diagnosis and treatment of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG), compared with Siewert type I and III AEG. In 2018, the first edition of Chinese Expert Consensus on the Surgical Treatment for Adenocarcinoma of Esophagogastric Junction was published in the Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. In the past few years, the advance in minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery has been proven to reduce thoracic trauma in Siewert type II AEG. Meanwhile, distal thoracic esophagectomy can achieve more complete resection, and upper abdomen-right thoracic approach can ensure the mediastinal lymph node dissection and improve long-term survival. The concept and practice of endoscopic surgery and the comprehensive treatment also give new supplements to the treatment regimen of Siewert type II AEG. More clinical researches should be conducted to address the surgical residual safety and lymph node dissection issues.

Standardized implementation of minimally invasive surgery for Siewert Ⅱ esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The incidence of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) is increasing year by year. Due to its special anatomical location and biological behavior, the treatment of AEG is still controversial in terms of lymph node dissection, the esophageal resection margin, range of gastrectomy, and the choice of reconstruction modality for postoperative gastrointestinal tract. The advent of the minimally invasive era has brought the treatment of Siewert type II AEG to a stage of gradual improvement and standardization. Experts of China are also actively exploring the value of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of AEG through multicenter trials (CLASS-10, etc.). It is believed that based on the active development of many clinical studies, basic experimental studies and large prospective clinical studies, the strengthening of communication and cooperation among various disciplines and the innovative application of new technologies can bring greater survival benefits to patients.

Application of modified Kamikawa anastomosis in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: Traditional Kamikawa anastomosis in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy can greatly decrease the anastomosis-related complications and reduce the incidence of reflux esophagitis, but its complexity limits the wide application. To decrease the complexity of Kamikawa anastomosis, the surgical team of Changzhi People's Hospital of Shanxi Changzhi Medical College improved this technique by using novel notion and reduced surgical procedures. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified Kamikawa anastomosis in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy. Methods: A descriptive cohort study was carried out. Case enrollment criteria: (1) upper gastric carcinoma or esophagogastric junction carcinoma without distant metastasis was confirmed by preoperative gastroscopic biopsy and imaging examination; (2) tumor diameter was less than 4 cm; (3) preoperative clinical staging was cT1-3N1M0. Exclusion criteria: (1) patients received preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy; (2) patients had severe heart or lung disease, or poor nutritional status so that they could not tolerate surgery. Clinical data of 25 patients with upper gastric carcinoma or esophagogastric junction carcinoma who underwent modified Kamikawa anastomosis in digestive tract reconstruction in Heji Hospital (8 cases) and Changzhi People's Hospital (17 cases) from April 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively collected. Of 25 patients, 21 were male and 4 were female, with mean age of 63.0 (49 to 78) years; 3 underwent open surgery and 22 underwent laparoscopic surgery. The modified Kamikawa anastomosis was as follows: (1) the novel notion of total mesangial resection of the esophagogastric junction was applied to facilitate the thorough removal of lymph nodes and facilitate hand-sewn anastomosis and embedding; (2) the diameter of the anastomotic stoma was selected according to the diameter of the esophageal stump, between 2.5 and 3.5 cm, to reduce the occurrence of anastomotic stenosis; (3) an ultrasonic scalpel was used to incise the esophageal stump, which could not only prevent bleeding of the esophageal stump, but also closely seal the esophageal mucosa, muscle layer and serosa to prevent esophageal mucosa retraction; (4) barbed suture was used to suture the remnant stomach fundus and esophagus to fix the stomach fundus in order to reduce the cumbersome and difficult intermittent sutures in a small space; (5) two barbed sutures were used to continuously suture the front and back walls of the anastomosis and complete the suture and fixation of the muscle flap. Relevant indicators of surgical safety, postoperative complications (using the Clavien-Dindo classification), esophageal reflux symptoms and the occurrence of esophagitis (using Los Angeles classification) were analyzed. The gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) score, gastroscopy, multi-position digestive tract radiography during postoperative follow-up were used to evaluate the residual gastric motility and anti-reflux efficacy. Results: Modified Kamikawa anastomosis in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy was successfully performed in 25 patients. The surgical time was (5.8±1.8) hours, the intraoperative blood loss was (89.2±11.8) ml, and the average hospital stay was (13.8±2.9) days. Three cases (12.0%) developed postoperative anastomotic stenosis as Clavien-Dindo grade III and were healed after endoscopic dilation treatment. Postoperative upper gastrointestinal radiography showed 1 case (4.0%) with reflux symptoms as Clavien-Dindo grade I. Gastroscopy showed no signs of reflux esophagitis, and its Los Angeles classification was A grade. No anastomotic bleeding, local infection and death were found in all the patients. At postoperative 6-month of follow-up, GERD score showed no significant difference compared to pre-operation (2.7±0.6 vs. 2.4±1.0, t=-1.495, P=0.148). Conclusion: Modified Kamikawa anastomosis in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy is safe and feasible with good anti-reflux efficacy.

Five-step maneuver of transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic lower mediastinal lymph node dissection for Siewert type Ⅱ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: Surgical operation is the main treatment for advanced adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG). Due to its special anatomic location and unique lymph node reflux mode, the surgical treatment of Siewert II AEG is controversial. Lower mediastinal lymph node dissection is one of the most controversial points and a standard technique has not yet been established. This study is aim to explore the safety and feasibility of five-step maneuver of transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic lower mediastinal lymph node dissection for Siewert type II AEG. Methods: A descriptive case series study was conducted. The intraoperative and postoperative data of 25 patients with Siewert type II AEG who underwent five-step maneuver of transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic lower mediastinal lymph node dissection in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Five-step maneuver was as follows: In the first step, the subcardiac sac was exposed; the right pulmonary ligament lymph nodes and the anterior thoracic paraaortic lymph nodes were dissected cranial to inferior pericardium, left to left edge of thoracic aorta. In the second step, the left diaphragm was opened, and a 12 mm trocar was placed through the 6-7 rib in the left anterior axillary line. The supra-diaphragmatic nodes were dissected through the thoracic operation hole. In the third step, the left inferior pulmonary ligament was severed. The anterior fascia of thoracic aorta was incised to join the anterior space of thoracic aorta formed in the first step and then the lymphatic tissue was dissected upward until the exposure of left inferior pulmonary vein. In the fourth step, the posterior pericardium was denuded retrogradely from ventral side to oral side to the level of left inferior pulmonary vein, right to right pleura, and then the right pulmonary ligament lymph nodes were completely removed. In the fifth step, the esophagus was denuded, and the esophagus was transected 5 cm above the tumor using a linear stapler to complete the dissection of lower thoracic paraesophageal lymph nodes. Results: Operations were successfully completed in 25 patients without conversion, intra-operative complication and perioperative death. Total gastrectomy was performed in 19 cases and proximal gastrectomy in 6 cases. The mean operative time was (268.7±85.6) minutes, the mean estimated blood loss was (90.4±44.2) ml, the mean time of lower mediastinal lymph node dissection was (38.6±10.3) minutes, and the mean harvested number of lower mediastinal lymph node was 5.9±2.9. The length of esophageal invasion was >2 cm in 7 cases and ≤ 2 cm in 18 cases. Eight patients (33.0%) had lower mediastinal lymph node metastasis, including 3 cases with esophageal invasion >2 cm and 5 cases with esophageal invasion ≤ 2 cm. The mean time to postoperative first flatus was (5.5±3.1) days. The average time of postoperative thoracic drainage was (5.9±2.9) days. The mean hospital stay was (9.7±3.1) days. Two patients (8.0%) developed postoperative grade IIIa complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, including 1 case of pancreatic fistula and 1 case of pleural effusion, both of whom were cured by puncture drainage. Conclusions: Five-step maneuver of transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic lower mediastinal lymph nodes dissection for Siewert type II AEG is safe and feasible. Which can ensure sufficient lower mediastinal lymph node dissection to the level of left inferior pulmonary vein.

Comparison of efficacy between laparoscopic and open proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction for Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To compare the efficacy between laparoscopic and open proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction for Siewert type II and III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Inclusion criteria: (1) 18 to 80 years old; (2) Siewert II and III AEG was confirmed by preoperative gastroscopy and biopsy, which could not be resected by endoscopy; patients undergoing radical proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction; (3) contrast-enhanced abdominal CT staging was cT1-2N0M0; (4) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) physical status score <2 points, American Association of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 1 to 2; (5) patients agreed to perform proximal gastrectomy and signed an informed consent. Those who had undergone neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, suffered from serious mental diseases and had incomplete data were excluded. According to the above criteria, clinical data of 84 consecutive patients with Siewert II and III AEG undergoing surgery at General Surgery Department of The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2010 to December 2018 were collected and analyzed. Of 84 patients, 61 underwent open proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction (OPG group), while 23 underwent laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction (LPG group). The perioperative complications and postoperative reflux esophagitis of two groups were compared. A P-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Among 84 cases, 74 were male and 10 were female. There were 43 cases of Siewert type II and 41 cases of Siewert type III. There were no significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, comorbidities, Siewert type, and tumor staging between the two groups (all P>0.05). As compared to the OPG group, the LPG group had longer operation duration [(223±21) minutes vs. (161±14) minutes, t=15.352, P<0.001], less intraoperative blood loss [195 (150, 215) ml vs. 208 (192, 230) ml, Z=2.143, P=0.032], and shorter time to flatus [(2.8±0.7) days vs. (3.3±0.9) days, t=2.477, P=0.015]. There were no significant differences in the number of harvested lymph nodes, time to the first meal and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (all P>0.05). Postoperative complications developed in 2 cases (8.7%, 1 case each for anastomotic leakage and intestinal obstruction) in the LPG group and 5 cases (8.2%, 1 case each for anastomotic leakage, anastomotic bleeding, and anastomotic stenosis, 2 cases of incision infection) in the OPG group (χ(2)=5.603, P=0.231). The median follow-up was 41.2 (12.8-110.5) months. One patient (1.6%,1/61) had obvious reflux symptoms in the OPG group, compared with none in the LPG group (χ(2)=0.644, P=0.422). Esophagitis occurred in 1 case (4.8%, 1/21) in LPG group, compared with 4 patients (7.1%, 4/56) in the OPG group, without significant difference between the two groups (χ(2)=0.505, P=0.477). Conclusion: Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction is safe and feasible without increasing the risk of postoperative complication and reflux esophagitis.

Relationship between gastric filling status and intra-or inter-fractional displacement of tumor in the preoperative radiotherapy of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between gastric filling status and intra-or inter-fractional tumor displacement in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) undergoing preoperative radiotherapy.Methods:From October 2018 to June 2019, 10 patients with locally advanced AEG who received totally neoadjuvant therapy were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients received two markers implanted at the cranial and caudal borders of the tumors under gastroscope and a total of 20 fiducial markers were implanted finally. All patients underwent 4DCT scan under the gastric fasting and filling status. Ten images of 0% to 90% respiratory phase were automatically reconstructed by the system (Pinnacle 3, version 9.1, Philips Medical Systems, Eindhoven, The Netherland). Each patient obtained one hundred sets of images. Results:In the tumors proximal to the chest, gastric filling did not significantly affect intrafractional or interfractional tumor displacements. Nevertheless, in the tumors distal to the chest, the interfractional displacement in the cranio-caudal (CC) direction under the gastric fasting status was significantly larger compared with that under the gastric filling status (6.22±4.67 mm vs. 4.13±3.68 mm, P=0.013). To ensure 95% of the prescribed dose irradiated to at least 90% of the tumor volume during the radiotherapy, the margins of tumors proximal to the chest in the left-right (LR), antero-posterior (AP) and CC directions were 9 mm, 8.5 mm, 12.1 mm under gastric filling status with 300 ml semi-fluid. Six patients diagnosed with gastric cancer with proximal thoracic fiducial markers treated by preoperative radiotherapy were included in the validation group, revealing that the fiducial markers of 93% patients were covered in this margin. Conclusion:During the preoperative radiotherapy in AEG patient, the approach of quantitative gastric filling can be considered.

Application value of self-pulling and latter transection combined with dual anti-reflux tech-nique in dual-tract reconstruction of total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy / 中华消化外科杂志

Along with the changes in the epidemiology of gastric cancer in China, the early diagnosis and treatment rate of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction has elevated signifi-cantly, while its surgical methods have also altered and become a hotspot. Total gastrectomy has become the primary surgical allocation for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction. In recent years, a series of studies on proximal gastrectomy and digestive reconstruction after distal stomach preserving have been explored due to recent concept of functional preservation. The main concern about this surgical method is the efficacy of anti-reflux and its influence on nutritional prognosis. Interpositioned jejunum and double tract reconstruction have curative effects. However, they become obstacles for total laparoscopic surgery due to the complexity of surgical operation. Thus there is increasing concern to explor the way to reduce the reflux rate and improve the nutritional status of patients. Baesd on related research at home and abroad, combined with their own experiences, the authors comprehensively analyze and illustrate self-palling and latter transection with esophagojejunostomy and double anti-reflux double tract reconstruction of total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy.

Analysis of Siewert classification, microsatellite instability and HER2 expression in 242 cases of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To explore the characteristics of Siewert classification and microsatellite instability(MSI) and HER2 expression in adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG).Methods:The clinicopathological data of gastric adenocarcinoma from May 2019 to November 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: AEG group and non AEG group. The composition ratio of Siewert type of AEG was counted, and the relationship between tumor size and Siewert type was analyzed. The MSI status and HER2 expression status of AEG and non AEG were statistically compared. The measurement data of normal distribution were expressed as mean ± standard deviation( Mean± SD), the comparison between groups were by t test, the comparison of count data between groups were by Chi-square test. Results:A total of 328 consecutive cases of gastric adenocarcinoma were collected, including 242 cases of AEG and 86 cases of non AEG. The Siewert classification of AEG was mainly type Ⅱ (151 cases, 62.40%), followed by type Ⅲ (86 cases, 35.54%) and type Ⅰ (5 cases, 2.07%). The analysis of the relationship between the size of the tumor length and the number of Siewert type showed that the number of Siewert type Ⅱ cases decreased and the number of Siewert type Ⅲ cases increased with the increase of the tumor size. MSI status was detected non selectively in 192 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma (140 cases of AEG and 52 cases of non AEG). There were 12 cases of MSI (6.25%), 2 cases of MSI-H (1.04%) and 10 cases of MSI-L (5.21%). There was no significant difference in MSI ratio between AEG group and non AEG group ( P>0.05). All MSI cases were negative or weakly positive for PMS2. The expression of HER2 was detected by immunohistochemistry in 313 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma, except 15 cases of PTIS/T1a. There were 30 cases (9.58%) with HER2 expression 3+ . Thirty-two cases (10.22%) expressed HER2 (2+ ), of which 7 cases were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and 3 cases were positive. The proportion of HER2 (3+ ) in AEG was significantly higher than that in non AEG group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The main type of AEG was Siewert type Ⅱ. AEG may mostly occur between 1 cm above the esophagogastric junction and 2 cm below the esophagogastric junction; For endoscopic screening of early AEG, more attention should be paid to this area of stomach. Siewert type Ⅲ may be derived from the development of Siewert type Ⅱ. The incidence of microsatellite instability in gastric cancer is low. Compared with other gastric adenocarcinoma, AEG has no specificity in MSI. The MSI of AEG was mainly the expression defect of PMS2. Compared with other gastric adenocarcinoma, there are more HER2 overexpression in AEG.

Analysis of Tim-3/Gal-9 expression and T cell infiltration in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective • To detect T cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (Tim-3) and galectin 9 (Gal-9) expression as well as CD3+ T cells and CD8+ T cells infiltration in the tumor tissues of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG), and analyze their correlations with the patients' clinical characteristics and survival prognosis. Methods • A retrospective case study was used to collect clinical data and follow-up data of 116 AEG patients who were admitted to Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from Dec. 2005 to Dec. 2013. Tim-3, Gal-9, CD3, and CD8 protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry in the tumor tissues, and the clinical characteristics and prognosis were compared among the patients with different levels of protein expression and T cells infiltration. Results • The results of immunohistochemistry showed that Tim-3 mainly expressed in the infiltrating immune cells, and Gal-9 mainly expressed in the tumor cells. The analysis on the clinical characteristics revealed that Tim-3 expression level was related to the Siewert classification (P=0.030) and CD8+ T cells infiltration level was related to the tumor TNM stage (P=0.042). The results of survival analysis showed that the patients with high level of CD8+ T cells infiltration had a better survival prognosis (P=0.047). However, there was no difference in the prognosis among the patients with different Tim-3 and/or Gal-9 expression levels or with different CD3+ T cell infiltration levels. Conclusion • AEG patients with high level of CD8+ T cells infiltration usually have earlier TNM stages and better prognosis. There is no significant difference in the prognosis of AEG patients with different Tim-3/Gal-9 expression levels.

Research progress of inferior mediastinal lymphadenectomy in surgery for Siewert type Ⅱ and m adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction / 中华消化外科杂志

In recent years,the incidence of gastric cancer has shown a decreasing trend.However,the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) is gradually increasing.Different from esophageal cancer and gastric cancer,AEG has distinct pathological types,with low early diagnostic rate and poor prognosis.At present,the main therapeutic measure is surgery for advanced Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ AEG.The key to a successful operation is complete resection of tumor and thorough lymphadenectomy,especially the upper abdominal and inferior mediastinal lymph nodes (No.110 the lower thoracic paraesophageal lymph nodes and No.111 the supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes).For the advanced Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ AEG invading lower thoracic esophagus,it is required to perform gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy,which includes upper abdominal and inferior mediastinal lymphadenectomy.There has been reached a consensus on complete resection of tumor and thorough lymphadenectomy.However,there is still controversy in the inferior mediastinal lymphadenectomy,particularly lower thoracic paraesophageal lymph nodes and supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes.Since specific lymphatic drainage of the esophagogastric junction,it is necessary to dissect inferior mediastinal lymph nodes.The metastatic rate of the inferior mediastinal lymph nodes determines the extent of inferior mediastinal lymphadenectomy.D2 lymphadenectomy (including inferior mediastinal lymphadenectomy) could achieve more thorough clearance for perigastric metastatic lymph nodes.Meanwhile,it could increase the survival rate of postoperative patients and improve their prognosis.