Boerhaave’s syndrome presenting with hematemesis: Case report

@#The clinical presentation of Boerhaave’s syndrome (BS), a rare condition of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by a spontaneous rupture of the esophagus most often caused by vomiting after excessive alcohol drinking or after consuming a large meal, mimics other less serious illnesses, often leading to a missed or delayed diagnosis. The Mackler triad, which is rare and pathognomonic of BS, includes lower thoracic or chest pain, subcutaneous emphysema, and vomiting. Diagnosis is made through computed tomography scan and esophageal contrast studies. Treatment of BS is geared towards control of mediastinitis and sepsis, and repair of the perforation or reestablishment of the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract. We report the case of a 46-year-old male with BS, who was initially managed with a conservative resection of the perforated esophagus 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. When the mediastinitis persisted we decided to do a subtotal esophagectomy and subsequent esophageal reconstruction.

Reconstitución de tránsito esofágico con interposición de colon derecho / Esophageal reconstruction using right colon interposition

Background: Esophageal replacement therapy is indicated for benign and malignant esophageal lesions and can be performed using stomach, jejunum or colon. Aim: To report the experience using right colon interposition for esophageal replacement. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of 41 patients aged 17 to 73 years (29 males), subjected to right colon interposition in the last 20 years. Indications, complications, mortality and long term results were recorded. Results: Forty nine percent of patients had a malignant esophageal lesion. Esophagectomy was performed using a transhiatal route or thoracotomy in 44 and 30 percent of patients, respectively. Retroesternal ascension was the most common route used in 88 percent of patients. The most common surgical complication was cervical fistula in 29 percent of patients, followed by fistula of the anastomosis between colon and jejunum in 7 percent of patients. Pneumonia was the most common medical complication. Postoperative mortality was 7 percent. Conclusions: The mortality in this series of patients is similar to that reported elsewhere.

Introducción: La cirugía de reemplazo esofágico actualmente se indica para tratamiento de enfermedades benignas y malignas del esófago. Existen diversas técnicas de reconstitución de tránsito esofágico que utilizan estómago, yeyuno o colon. Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia acumulada en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile utilizando la técnica de transposición de colon derecho para la reconstitución de tránsito esofágico. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo restrospectivo que incluyó a los pacientes sometidos a reconstitución de tránsito esofágico mediante interposición de colon derecho, durante los últimos 20 años, basado en la revisión sistemática de historias clínicas, analizando causas, morbilidad precoz y tardía, mortalidad operatoria, compararándolos con los resultados de la literatura. Resultados: Se incluyen 41 pacientes operados, con edad promedio de 63,6 años (17-73), 29 de ellos de sexo masculino (70,7 por ciento). El 48,7 por ciento correspondieron a neoplasias malignas, el resto a patología benigna. En 43,9 por ciento la esofaguectomía se realizó por vía transhiatal y 29,7 por ciento por toracotomía. El ascenso retrosternal fue la vía más empleada (87,8 por ciento). La complicación más frecuente correspondió a la fístula cervical en 29,3 por ciento seguida de la fistula en colo-yeyuno anastomosis en el 7,3 por ciento de los casos. La neumonía fue la complicación médica más frecuente (14,7 por ciento). La mortalidad postoperatoria fue 7,3 por ciento. Conclusión: El uso de interposición de colon derecho tiene indicaciones precisas. La mortalidad operatoria reportada se ajusta a lo encontrado en la literatura internacional.

Pharyngogastric or pharyngocolonic anastomosis in esophageal reconstruction for hypopharyngeal cancer or esophageal disease / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the surgical indications and postoperative morbidity of pharyngogastric anastomosis or pharyngocolonic anastomosis in esophageal reconstruction for advanced hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal neoplasms or diffuse corrosive hypopharyngoesophageal stricture.Method:Retrospectively analysis the experience and results of 52 patients undergoing esophageal reconstruction with pharyngogastric anastomosis and 66 patients with pharyngocolonic anastomosis. In the group of neoplasms, total esophagectomy with pharyngo-gastric anastomoses in 52 cases and with pharyngo-colonic anastomosis in 35 cases. Thirty-one cases with diffuse corrosive hypopharyngoesophageal stricture were treated by pharyngo-colonic anastomosis without resection of the strictured intrathoracic esophagus.Result:In the group of neoplasms, preservation of laryngeal functions in pharyngogastric anastomoses was performed in 28/52 cases and that of in pharyngo-colonic anastomosis was in 18/35 cases. There was no significant difference in preservation of laryngeal functions between two groups(P>0.05). Pharyngocutanuous fistula was happened in 23 patients which significant higher in the group of pharyngocolonic anastomosis (17/66 cases) than that of pharyngogastric anastomoses (5/52 cases) (P<0.05). Gastric reflux was presented in 19 cases and there was significant higher in pharyngogastric anastomoses(16/52 cases) than that of(3/66 cases) (P<0.05).Conclusion:Substitution of esophagus with stomach or colon can completely removed the neoplasms of hypopharynx or cervical esophagus and preserved laryngeal functions in selected patients. But gastric reflux is a challenging reconstructive problem in pharyngogastric anastomosis. Pharyngocolonic anastomosis should take into consideration to patients with extensive neoplasms and diffuse corrosive stricture or probably preserved the laryngeal functions. However, the swallow function is weak and the incidence of pharyngocolonic fistula is higher than that of pharyngogastric anastomosis.

Reconstrução esofágica pela esofagocoloplastia no megaesôfago avançado em pacientes gastrectomizados / Esophageal reconstruction by esophagocoloplasty for megaesophagus end-stage in gastrectomized patients

RACIONAL: A necessidade de esofagocoloplastia em pacientes com megaesôfago avançado, previamente submetidos à gastrectomia não é frequente, mas quando executada traz consigo maior dificuldade técnica, o que pode elevar o número de complicações. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as complicações da reconstrução de trânsito pela esofagocoloplastia em uma série de pacientes submetidos à esofagectomia transmediastinal por megaesôfago avançado com gastrectomia prévia. MÉTODOS: De julho de 1983 a abril de 2009, 204 pacientes com megaesôfago grau III e IV foram submetidos à ressecção esofágica no Departamento de Cirurgia do Hospital Celso Pierro da Puc-Campinas. Em 92 pacientes a ressecção foi pela técnica da mucosectomia esofágica; em 84 pela via transmediastinal; em 38 pela via transtorácica. Em 194 pacientes (95 por cento) a reconstrução do trânsito foi realizada pela transposição gástrica e nos 10 restantes (5 por cento), pela transposição do colo transverso. O procedimento foi indicado pelo fato dos pacientes já terem sido submetidos à gastrectomia prévia. Todos eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 47, 5 anos. RESULTADOS: Sete pacientes (70 por cento) apresentaram uma ou mais complicações, sejam sistêmicas ou locais. Das sistêmicas, um paciente apresentou tromboflebite em membro inferior, com boa evolução; outro, infarto do miocárdio, com evolução fatal; três pacientes (30 por cento) apresentaram infecção pulmonar, com boa evolução. Das complicações locais, quatro tiveram deiscência da anastomose esofagocolônica cervical, tendo boa evolução com tratamento conservador. Cinco pacientes evoluíram com estenose da anastomose esofagocolônica cervical entre o 35º e 63º dia do pós-operatório, sendo realizadas dilatações endoscópicas com boa evolução. De oito pacientes acompanhados neste período, seis (75 por cento) apresentavam boa deglutição para sólidos e/ou pastosos, referindo estarem satisfeitos com ato cirúrgico por terem retornado aos hábitos usuais...

BACKGROUND: Esophagocoloplasty in advanced chagasic megaesophagus is seldom necessary. But, when realized, brings with it a major incidence of complications. AIM: To verify the complications following esophagus reconstruction by esophagocoloplasty in patients with previous gastrectomy submitted to transmediastinal esophagectomy for chagasic megaesophagus end-stage. METHODS: From July 1983 to April 2009, 204 patients with chagasic megaesophagus stage III and IV were submitted to esophageal resection at the Surgery Department at the Hospital Celso Pierro Puc-Campinas, Brasil. Ninety-two patients had the procedure done by esophageal mucosectomy; 84 under-went a transhiatal esophagectomy and in 38, esophagectomies were done through a transthoracic approach. In 194 patients (95 percent) the reconstruction was done by gastric interposition and in the 10 remaining patients (5 percent) it was by transposition of the transverse colon. This procedure was recommend due to previous gastrectomy done in all patients. All of them were male with average age of 47.5 years old. RESULTS: Seven patients (70 percent) developed one or more complications, either systemic or local. Among the systemic complications, one patient had thrombophlebitis in the lower extremity, with good recovery; one had a myocardial infarction with fatal evolution; three patients (30 percent) had pulmonary infection with good recovery. Amongst the local complications, four patients had cervical anastomotic leak with satisfactory recovery with conservative treatment. Five had cervical anastomotic stricture between the 35th and the 63rd post-operative day, with good recovery after endoscopic anastomotic dilatations. From the eight patients followed during this period, six (75 percent) had good deglutition for solids and/or semi-solids, and satisfied with the surgery since were able to return to their regular diet. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that the esophagocoloplasty results in...

The blood supply of third intestinal artery to the free jejunal transplantation:an applied anatomical study / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To assess the effective length of jejunal graft when the 3~(rd) intestinal artery is u- tilized as vascular pedicle and afford a reliable theoretic base for clinical esophageal reconstruction.Methods In 32 formalin preserved and 21 fresh cadaver specimens,the diameter of 1st to 5th intestinal arteries and diameter of arterial arches are measured with linear calibre.Measure the length of jejunum that can be harves- ted as graft when the arches are extended.In the 21 fresh specimens,the 1st,2nd,4th and 5th intestinal ar- teries are ligated,acetic ester stained with red dye were injected into the lumen of 3rd intestinal artery via catheter.Extent of distribution of the arteries to the jejunum was observed.And then red ABS solution was in- jected into the 3rd intestinal artery to make into cast specimen.The blood supply distribution of jejunum through 3rd intestinal artery-arterial arch and communicating system were observed again.Results The di- ameter of the 3rd intestinal artery was the largest among the 1st to 5th intestinal arteries.The length of jejunum vascularized by 3rd intestinal artery can be as long as (142.2?62.3) (69.0～206.60cm) in acetic ester in- filtrated specimens.While in ABS east specimen,the average available extent of donor jejunum was(30.8?7.3) (23.0～37.3cm).Conclusion As observed by this applied anatomy study,the jejunum graft vascu- larized by 3rd intestinal artery alone has sufficient length to meet the need of esophageal reeonstrution.

Salvage of Esophageal Reconstruction with Colon Free Flap

Besides gastric pull-up or colonic interposition, microvascular technique in esophageal reconstruction has been approved reliable methods. When free intestinal transfer is considered, jejunal free flap is commonly used. We treated the patient who had undergone reconstruction with a right colon interposition and suffered from inability of swallowing because of stricture and necrosis of the interposed flap. Although we have planned jejunal free transfer, we couldn't use jejunum due to adhesion by previous gastrojejunostomy and colon interposition. Salvage procedure with microvascualr free left colon flap was executed successfully. After 9 month follow-up, the patient was able to consume a normal diet.

Replacing dog cervical esophagus with polyurethane stent covered with collagen-chitosan sponge / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To replace esophageal defects with artificially composed biodegradable materials and non-biodegradable materials. Met hods: A two-layered tube consisting of a collagen-chitosan sponge and an inner polyurethane stent was used to replace 5 cm esophageal segmental defect s in 15 dogs. The inner polyurethane stent was removed endoscopically at weekly intervals from 2 or 4 weeks. Results: Partial regeneration of es ophageal epithelia was observed in 5 dogs at week 2, and progressing constricti on occurred and the dogs became unable to swallow within 1 month. In the 10 dog s that the polyurethane stent was removed at week 4, regenerated esophageal tiss ue successfully replaced the defects, and complete epithelization was observed 1 month after surgery. Complete regeneration of esophageal mucosa structures, inc luding mucosal smooth muscle and mucosal glands were observed 3 months after surgery, and partial regeneration of esophageal muscle tissue was also observed 6 months after surgery. Conclusion: Our artificial prosthesis i n reconstruction of the cervical esophagus segment in dogs is feasible. Through temporary polyurethane tube, collagen-chitosan sponge provides a three-dimensi onal structure suitable for the regeneration and sufficient degradation time for the complete regeneration of esophagus.

Replacing dog cervical esophagus with polyurethane stent covered with collagen-chitosan sponge / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To replace esophageal defects with artificially composed biodegradable materials and non-biodegradable materials. Met hods: A two-layered tube consisting of a collagen-chitosan sponge and an inner polyurethane stent was used to replace 5 cm esophageal segmental defect s in 15 dogs. The inner polyurethane stent was removed endoscopically at weekly intervals from 2 or 4 weeks. Results: Partial regeneration of es ophageal epithelia was observed in 5 dogs at week 2, and progressing constricti on occurred and the dogs became unable to swallow within 1 month. In the 10 dog s that the polyurethane stent was removed at week 4, regenerated esophageal tiss ue successfully replaced the defects, and complete epithelization was observed 1 month after surgery. Complete regeneration of esophageal mucosa structures, inc luding mucosal smooth muscle and mucosal glands were observed 3 months after surgery, and partial regeneration of esophageal muscle tissue was also observed 6 months after surgery. Conclusion: Our artificial prosthesis i n reconstruction of the cervical esophagus segment in dogs is feasible. Through temporary polyurethane tube, collagen-chitosan sponge provides a three-dimensi onal structure suitable for the regeneration and sufficient degradation time for the complete regeneration of esophagus.

Replacing dog cervical esophagus with polyurethane stent covered with collagen-chitosan sponge / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To replace esophageal defects with artificially composed biodegradable materials and non-biodegradable materials. Met hods: A two-layered tube consisting of a collagen-chitosan sponge and an inner polyurethane stent was used to replace 5 cm esophageal segmental defect s in 15 dogs. The inner polyurethane stent was removed endoscopically at weekly intervals from 2 or 4 weeks. Results: Partial regeneration of es ophageal epithelia was observed in 5 dogs at week 2, and progressing constricti on occurred and the dogs became unable to swallow within 1 month. In the 10 dog s that the polyurethane stent was removed at week 4, regenerated esophageal tiss ue successfully replaced the defects, and complete epithelization was observed 1 month after surgery. Complete regeneration of esophageal mucosa structures, inc luding mucosal smooth muscle and mucosal glands were observed 3 months after surgery, and partial regeneration of esophageal muscle tissue was also observed 6 months after surgery. Conclusion: Our artificial prosthesis i n reconstruction of the cervical esophagus segment in dogs is feasible. Through temporary polyurethane tube, collagen-chitosan sponge provides a three-dimensi onal structure suitable for the regeneration and sufficient degradation time for the complete regeneration of esophagus.

Colobronchial Fistula as a Late Complication of Esophagocologastrostomy / 대한흉부외과학회지

We report a case of colobronchial fistula, which is an extremely rare complication of esophagocologastrostomy. A 53-year-old man developed recurrent respiratory symptoms 30 months after colon interposition for corrosive esophageal and gastric strictures. Chest radiographs and computed tomography showed an aspiration pneumonia and total atelectasis of the left lower lobe(LLL). Esophagoscopy and barium esophagogram revealed fistula between the colon just below the esophagocolostomy and superior segment of the LLL. The colobronchial fistulectomy and left lower lobe lobectomy were performed. This rare complication should be considered in patients who develop recurrent productive cough whenever they drink or eat something after esophagocologastrostomy.

Colobronchial Fistula as a Late Complication of Esophagocologastrostomy / 대한흉부외과학회지

We report a case of colobronchial fistula, which is an extremely rare complication of esophagocologastrostomy. A 53-year-old man developed recurrent respiratory symptoms 30 months after colon interposition for corrosive esophageal and gastric strictures. Chest radiographs and computed tomography showed an aspiration pneumonia and total atelectasis of the left lower lobe(LLL). Esophagoscopy and barium esophagogram revealed fistula between the colon just below the esophagocolostomy and superior segment of the LLL. The colobronchial fistulectomy and left lower lobe lobectomy were performed. This rare complication should be considered in patients who develop recurrent productive cough whenever they drink or eat something after esophagocologastrostomy.

Clinical Comparison of Complications Between Cervical and Thor acic Esophagogastrostomy After Resection of Esophageal Cancer / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: For resection of esophageal cancer, esophagogastrostomy caused serous multiple complications such as leakage of anastomosis site, stenosis, recurrence of cancer, etc. Especially, accoding to the anastomosis site of esophagogastrostomy, patients in post operation state was felt various subjective symptom, multiple complications and longer hospital periods, etc. Therefore, there was a demand for comparison and analysis of complication between cervical and thoracic esophagogastrostomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From January 1995 to May 1999, 55patients with esophageal cancer underwent cervical esophagogastrostomy(23patients) or thoracic esophagogastrostomy(32patients). Cancer was grouped according to the postoperative staging(I--5pt, II--27pt, III--23pt) by the AJCC classification and location: upper thoracic(3pt), middle(34pt) and lower(18pt). Cancer was mostly squamous cell carcinoma except 2 adenocarcinoma. Fifty five patients were male with average age of 59 years for cervical anastomosis and 55 years for thoracic anastomosis. The staple anastomosis was done in one cervical anastomosis patient and 23 thoracic anastomosis patients. RESULT: There was one mortality from cervical anastomosis and two from thoracic anastomosis. Fourty six complications(respiratory and digestive system, etc..) occurred in 15cervical anastomosis patients and 37 complication in 13thoracic anastomosis patients. In 23cervical esophagogastrostomy patients, 11patients had moderate to severe dysphagea during swallowing. However, only 2thoracic anastomosis patients experienced this dysphagea. The postoperative hospital stay was above 20days in 18 cervical anastomosis patients, and in 13thoracic anastomosis patients. CONCLUSION: Among esophageal tumor cases, respiratory, digestive, infection and other complications did occur after esophagogastric anastomosis. Particularly, mortality rate secondary to respiratory complication was high. Anastomotic leakage was more frequent in manual anastomosis than in staple anastomosis, and was also seen more frequently among cervical anastomosis than among thoracic anastomosis. In the cases of cervical anastomosis, the patients complained more of dysphagea while their hospital stays were significantly long.

Role of Crural Diaphragm after Esophagogastrectomy / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The high pressure zone(HPZ) at the gastroesophageal junction is an important barrier for prevention of gastroesophageal reflux. Smooth muscle layers in the lower esophageal sphincter mainly contributes to HPZ at the throacoabdominal junction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the manometric characteristics of the thoracoabdominal junction in patients after surgical removal of the lower esophageal sphincter. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty two patients with prior esophagogastrectomy(10 Ivor-Lewis method and 12 left thoracotomy) and 30 normal adults(control group) were studied manometrically. RESULT: Esophageal manometry showed a HPZ and pressure inversion point distal to the anastomosis in 12 of 22 patients(2 of 10 patients with Ivor-Lewis method and 10 of 12 patients with left thoracotomy) and a HPZ in 30 of 30 normal adults. The location of HPZ from nostril was not significant different between the two groups(42.5+/-0.9cm in patients and 43.9+/-2.1cm in the control), while the length of HPZ was shorter in patients than in the control(2.13+/-0.6cm vs 2.83+/-0.59cm). By SPT and RPT, pressures of HPZ at rest were lower in patients(13.78+/-1.63mmHg, 28.58+/-6.06mmHg) than in control(20.3+/-4.95mmHg, 42.80+/-15.91mmHg). The HPZ relaxed partially in response to deglutition(84.4% in patient, 90.5% in control group) and contracted in response to increased intra- abdominal pressure induced by leg lifts(HPZ/ Intra-abdominal pressure= 1.81+/-0.23 in patient, 2.13+/-0.58 in control group). CONCLUSION: This study shows an HPZ at thoracoabdominal junction after surgical removal of the lower esophageal sphincter. It may be important to perform a crural myoplasty during esophageal reconstruction after esophagogastrectomy because crural diaphragm acts as sphincter like HPZ at the thoracoabdominal junction.

Tracing observation of the life quality of the patients with esophagus reconstructed operasion with part of colon via different routes / 临床外科杂志

Objective To study the reconstructing esophagus operation via different paths to reduce postoperative complication and raise life quality.Method We analysed 15 patients with reconstruction of esophagus operation with part of colon via different paths.Results There was less injure in the operation via the path behind sternum.And the length 6～8 cm was than that via the path before sternum under skin.The rebuilt esophagus in anatomy construction is very similar to the original one,which assured full blood supply,reduce the postoperation complication.And the transplanted colon was not easily injured and did not influence the appearance.After the operation the patients took food freely and had satisfactory life quality.Conlusion The operation of esophagus reconstructed with is via the pathbehind breastbone is the most satisfactory.

Comparison of the Reconstruction Routes after Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Selection of reconstruction route in esophageal cancer surgery is based on the patient's status, characteristics of tumor, surgeon's preference and experience. Of the various routes, it has been documented that subcutaneous or substernal route may prolong operation time and may be vulnerable to postoperative respiratory complications. This study was designed to evaluate whether the selection of reconstruction route affects the surgical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Of 131 patients who have undergone resection and reconstruction for esophageal cancer, posterior mediastinal route(Group I, n=34), substernal route (Group II, n=31), and subcutaneous route(Group III, n=21) were retrospectively reviewed in 86 patients. Results of early operations and morbidities were compared between the groups. RESULT: There was a male prevalence(79 of males vs. 7 of females). There were 81 squamous cell cancers and 5 adenocarcinomas. There were no differences between groups in weight, height, age, cancer staging and location, and in the preoperative anesthetic risk evaluation and pulmonary function test(p=NS). Postoperative mechanical ventilation time was longer in Group I(20.6 hours) than in Group II(7.8 hours) or III(3.4 hours)(p=0.005). Duration of stay in the intensive care unit was prolonged in Group III(6.4 days) compared to Group I (3.9 days) or II(3.1 days)(p=0.043). No differences were noted in the duration of hospital stay between the groups(p=NS). Blood transfusion was needed in 30 out of 34 patients in Group I compared to 14/31 in Group II or 15/21 in Group III(p=0.001). The mean amount of transfusion for each patient was also higher in Group I(3,833 mL) than in Group II(1535 mL) or Group III(1419 mL)(p=0.04), but there was no difference in the inreoperation due to bleeding. Ea ly mortality rate was substantially higher in Group I(17.6%) but the differences between the groups were insignificant(p=NS). Although sepsis was a more prevalent cause of death in Group I, it was not related to anastomotic leak. Other morbidities did not differ between the groups(p=NS). CONCLUSION: In above results show that the reconstruction route does not affect the outcome of esophageal cancer surgery. We believe that the selection of reconstruction route can be based on the surgeon's preference and experience.

Reconstruction of Hypopharynx and Cervical Esophagus Using Reversed Gastric Tube Procedure / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Among various reconstructive methods of hypopharynx and esophagus, stomachs are widely used in total esophagectomized cases. Reversed gastric tube procedure is different from gastric transposition (gastric pull-up) and the procedure was rarely reported. Present study was undertaken to evaluate the complications and results of reversed gastric tube procedure. MAERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on the results of reversed gastric tube procedure for the reconstruction of pharynx and esophagus at Inha University Hospital from June 1996 to January 1998. Reversed gastric tube procedure was performed in six patients ; three patients with hypopharyngeal cancer, two patients with thyroid cancer and one patient with esophageal cancer. RESULTS: The success rate of the transferred gastric tube was 100%. Most common complication was pulmonary complication which was treated conservatively. There was no other serious complications. Oral feeding was well tolerated within two weeks by all except for one patient in whom intestinal obstruction occurred. One thyroid cancer patient who received manubriosternotomy and upper mediastinal dissection died 6 days following the surgey because of great vessel hemorrhage in the mediastinum. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the reversed gastric tube procedure was a safe method of reconstruction for patients with extensive tumors involving the cervical esophagus and requiring total esophagectomy.

Cervical Esophago-Enteric Anastomosis with Straight Endostapler / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The use of the stapler n esophageal reconstruction after esophageal resection for benign or malignant esophageal diseases has become popular because it has less leakage at the anastomotic site and shorter operation time than manual sutures. However, the use of classic circular stapler has some complications such as stenosis and dysphagia that requires additional treatment. Such complications are closely related to the inner diameter of the anastomotic sites. In this study, the diameter of anastomotic site was compared after the use of circular stapler(EEA) and straight endoscopic stapler(endo GIA). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The patients who received esophageal reconstruction by stapler from August 1995 to September 1997 were reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups. One group need the circular stapler, and the other group the straight endo GIA(14 cases with endo GIA 30mm, 24 with endo GIA 45mm). After a cervical esophago-enteric anastomosis, the stricture of anastomotic site and the incidence of dysphagia were compared between the 2 groups using an esophagography and the patient's symptoms. The follow-up period was 12months in average. RESULT: In the former group in which the circular stapler was used, 2 cases of anastomotic stenosis were reported. In comparison, none were reported in the latter group. Dysphagia were reported in 8 cases of the former group, and in 3 cases of the latter group(1 case in endo GIA 30 mm, 2 cases in endo GIA 45 mm). CONCLUSION: The use of endo GIA in esophago-enteric anastomosis resulted in a wider diameter of the anastomotic site, lesser stricture, and lesser incidence of dysphagia compared to the use of former circular stapler. Therefore, it is thought to be a better method in esophageal reconstructions.

Results of Pharyngocolostomy in Intractable Caustic Pharyngeal Stricture / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: It is not easy to surgically correct caustic pharyngeal strictures and a lot of effort is required to restore normal swallowing after the surgery. The authors reviewed the course in patients who underwent pharyngocolostomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From August 1995 to March 1998, 6 patients with caustic stricture underwent esophageal reconstruction surgery. The time of injury to the replacement of the esophagus was from 3 months to 2 years and 4 months. The left colon was used in all patients. The surgical route was used under the sternum in 5 patients and through the esophageal hiatus in 1 patient. In the cervical anastomoses, the cervical pharyngocolic anastomosis was performed on the left pyriform sinus after a partial resection of the thyroid cartilage in 3 patients and on the posterolateral aspect of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor in 3 patients. RESULT: Postoperative complications consisted of a dysphagia in 3 patients and left vocal cord palsy in 1 patient. There was no cervical anastomotic stricture. Revisional procedures consisted of an esophageal dilation and free jejunal graft in 1 patient, supraglottic scar band resection in 1 patient, and colonic mucosal resection in 1 patient. Swallowing training was required in the 3 patients with dysphagia. Restoration of normal swallowing was obtained in all patients between the 9th and the 303rd day. CONCLUSION: Pharyngocolostomy is a satisfactory method of treatment for patients with intractable caustic stricture. Pharyngocolojejunostomy is an effective alternative for esophagocologastrostomy in cases where gastric outlets are involved.

Esophagogastirc Anastomosis: Analysis of Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: After an esophageal resection for an esophageal disease, the stomach becomes the most common organ for a substitute. The stomach has the advantages of being simple with fewer complications when used properly. The complications of an esophageal reconstruction using the stomach as the substitute are assessed and discussed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 1990 and 1998, 44 patients who underwent esophagogastric anastomosis were treated in the department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery of Yongdong Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. RESULT: The rate of postoperative complications and mortality in these 44 patients were 70.5% and 13.6%, respectively. The major complications in our series involved the stricture of anastomosis(13.6%), pneumonia(11.4%), and wound infection(9.1%). The most frequent causes of postoperative deaths were pulmonary complications and sepsis(6.8%). CONCLUSION: Anastomotic leakage is no longer a major complication of an esophagogastrostomy. Most postoperative stricture can be overcome with frequent esophageal dilations. Postoperative pulmonary infection, nutrition, and physiotherapy are very important in reducing the rate of pulmonary morbidity and mortality.

Interrupted Single-layer Suture Technique in Esophageal Anastomosis Using Monofilament Polypropylene Suture / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Although various anastomotic techniques and suture materials have been used in esophageal anastomosis, anastomotic leakage and stenosis are still somewhat frequent and serious complications when compared to other intestinal anastomoses. We have used interrupted single-layer suture technique using monofilament polypropylene suture in various esophageal anastomoses, including repair of the esophageal atresia, since 1990. Methods and method: We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of this technique on postoperative leakage and stenosis in several esophageal reconstructions. The esophageal reconstructions using this technique were performed in 90 patients at Dong-A University Hospital from April 1990 through December 1996. RESULTS: Anastomotic leakage occurred in 5 patients (5.6%) with one operative death. Stenosis at the anastomotic site occurred in 15 patients (n=86, 17.4%), which was most common in esophagogastrostomy (22%) and least common in esophagocolostomy (5%). This result was comparable to other methods including the autosuture technique. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that this suture technique in esophageal anastomosis can be used with reasonable results in various esophageal reconstructions including correction of the esophageal atresia.