Interpretation of the updates of the NCCN esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancers clinical practice guidelines in oncology (version 3. 2023) / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Esophageal cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide. On August 29, 2023, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) released the NCCN esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancers clinical practice guidelines in oncology (version 3. 2023). This article aims to highlight the key updates in treatment and follow-up recommendations between the version 3 and the version 2 in 2023, providing the latest guidance for the management of esophageal cancer in our country.

Esophagogastric Junction Contractile Integral (EGJ-CI) in Various Phenotypes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Introduction: Two parameters of high-resolution esophageal manometry are used to observe the function of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ): the anatomical morphology of the EGJ and contractile vigor, which is evaluated with the esophagogastric junction contractile integral (EGJ-CI). To date, how these parameters behave in different gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) phenotypes has not been evaluated. Materials and methods: An analytical observational study evaluated patients with GERD confirmed by pH-impedance testing and endoscopy undergoing high-resolution esophageal manometry. The anatomical morphology of the EGJ and EGJ-CI was assessed and compared between reflux phenotypes: acid, non-acid, erosive, and non-erosive. Results: 72 patients were included (63% women, mean age: 54.9 years), 81.9% with acid reflux and 25% with erosive esophagitis. In the latter, a decrease in EGJ-CI (median: 15.1 vs. 23, p = 0.04) and a more significant proportion of patients with type IIIa and IIIb EGJ (83.3% vs 37.1%, p < 0.01) were found. No significant differences existed in the manometric parameters of patients with and without acid and non-acid reflux. Conclusion: In our population, EGJ-CI significantly decreased in patients with erosive GERD, suggesting that it could be used to predict this condition in patients with GERD. This finding is also related to a higher proportion of type III EGJ and lower pressure at end-inspiration of the lower esophageal sphincter in this reflux type.

Introducción: Para observar la función de la unión esofagogástrica (UEG) se utilizan dos parámetros de la manometría esofágica de alta resolución: la morfología anatómica de la UEG y el vigor contráctil, el cual se evalúa con la integral de contractilidad distal de la unión esofagogástrica (IC-UEG). Hasta el momento, no se ha evaluado cómo se comportan estos parámetros en los diferentes fenotipos de enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE). Metodología: Estudio observacional analítico en el que se evaluaron pacientes con ERGE confirmado por pH-impedanciometría y endoscopia, llevados a manometría esofágica de alta resolución. Se evaluó la morfología anatómica de la UEG y la IC-UEG, y se comparó entre los diferentes fenotipos de reflujo: ácido, no ácido, erosivo y no erosivo. Resultados: Se incluyó a 72 pacientes (63% mujeres, edad media: 54,9 años), 81,9% con reflujo ácido y 25% con esofagitis erosiva. En este último grupo se encontró una disminución de la IC-UEG (mediana: 15,1 frente a 23, p = 0,04) y una mayor proporción de pacientes con UEG tipo IIIa y IIIb (83,3% frente a 37,1%, p < 0,01). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los parámetros manométricos de los pacientes con y sin reflujo ácido y no ácido. Conclusión: En nuestra población, la IC-UEG estuvo significativamente disminuida en los pacientes con ERGE erosivo, lo que sugiere que podría ser utilizada como un predictor de esta condición en pacientes con ERGE. Este hallazgo también se relaciona con mayor proporción de UGE tipo III y menor presión al final de la inspiración del esfínter esofágico inferior en este tipo de reflujo.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de los tumores de la unión esofagogástrica. Experiencia en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología / Diagnosis and treatment of esophagogastric junction tumors. Experience at the National Cancer Institute

Introducción. El diagnóstico adecuado de los tumores de la unión esofagogástrica es esencial para el tratamiento de estos pacientes. La clasificación propuesta por Siewert-Stein define las características propias, factores de riesgo y estrategias quirúrgicas según la localización. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características de los pacientes con adenocarcinoma de la unión esofagogástrica tratados en nuestra institución. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, de corte longitudinal, que incluyó los pacientes con diagnóstico de adenocarcinoma de la unión esofagogástrica intervenidos quirúrgicamente en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, entre enero de 2012 y mayo de 2017. Resultados. Se operaron 59 pacientes (84,7 % hombres), con una edad media de 62,5 años. En su orden de frecuencia los tumores fueron tipo II (57,6 %), tipo III (30,7 %) y tipo I (11,9 %). El 74,6 % recibieron neoadyuvancia y se realizó gastrectomía total en el 73 % de los pacientes. La concordancia diagnóstica moderada con índice Kappa fue de 0,56, difiriendo con la endoscópica en 33,9 %. El 10,2 % de los pacientes presentó algún tipo de complicación intraoperatoria. La supervivencia a tres años en los tumores tipo II fue del 89,6 % y del 100 % en aquellos con respuesta patológica completa. Conclusión. Es necesario el uso de diferentes estrategias para un proceso diagnóstico adecuado en los tumores de la unión esofagogástrica. En esta serie, los pacientes Siewert II, aquellos que recibieron neoadyuvancia y los que obtuvieron una respuesta patológica completa, tuvieron una mejor supervivencia a tres años

Introduction: Proper diagnosis of gastroesophageal junction tumors is essential for the treatment of these patients. The classification proposed by Siewert-Stein defines its own characteristics, risk factors and surgical strategies according to the location. This study describes the characteristics of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction treated at our institution. Methods. Retrospective, descriptive, longitudinal study, which includes patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who underwent surgery at the National Cancer Institute in Bogotá, Colombia, between January 2012 and May 2017. Results. Fifty-nine patients (84.7% men) were operated on, with a mean age of 62.5 years. In their order of frequency, the tumors were type II (57.6%), type III (30.7%) and type I (11.9%). 74.6% received neoadjuvant therapy and total gastrectomy was performed in 73% of the cases. The moderate diagnostic concordance with the Kappa index was 0.56, differing from the endoscopic one in 33.9%. 10.2% of the patients presented some type of intraoperative complication. Three-year survival in type II tumors was 89.6% and 100% in those with complete pathologic response. Conclusion. The use of different strategies is necessary for an adequate diagnostic process in tumors of the esophagogastric junction. In this series, Siewert II patients, those who received neoadjuvant therapy, and those who obtained a complete pathological response had a better three-year survival

Efficacy of machine learning models versus Cox regression model for predicting prognosis of esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the performance of machine learning models and traditional Cox regression model in predicting postoperative outcomes of patients with esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (AEG).@*METHODS@#This study was conducted among 203 AEG patients with complete clinical and follow-up data, who were treated in our hospital between September, 2015 and October, 2020. The clinicopathological data of the patients were processed for analysis using R language package and divided into training and validation datasets at the ratio of 3:1. The Cox proportional hazards regression model and 4 machine learning models were constructed for analyzing the datasets. ROC curves, calibration curves and clinical decision curves (DCA) were plotted. Internal validation of the machine learning models was performed to assess their predictive efficacy. The predictive performance of each model was evaluated by calculating the area under the curve (AUC), and the model fitting was assessed using the calibration curve.@*RESULTS@#For predicting 3-year survival based on the validation dataset, the AUC was 0.870 for Cox proportional hazard regression model, 0.901 for eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), 0.791 for random forest, 0.832 for support vector machine, and 0.725 for multilayer perceptron; For predicting 5-year survival, the AUCs of these models were 0.915, 0.916, 0.758, 0.905, and 0.737, respectively. For internal validation, the AUCs of the 4 machine learning models decreased in the order of XGBoost (0.818), random forest (0.758), support vector machine (0.0.804), and multilayer perceptron (0.745).@*CONCLUSION@#The machine learning models show better predictive efficacy for survival outcomes of patients with AEG than Cox proportional hazard regression model, especially when proportional odds assumption or linear regression models are not applicable. XGBoost models have better performance than the other machine learning models, and the multi-layer perception model may have poor fitting results for a limited data volume.

Interpretation of the main updates of the NCCN clinical practice guidelines for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer (version 1.2023) / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Upper gastrointestinal tract cancers originating in the esophagus or esophagogastric junction constitute a major global health problem. On February 28, 2023, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) released the clinical practice guidelines for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer (version 1.2023). This article will interpret the main updates related to the treatment and follow-up in this version compared to the version 5.2022, in order to provide the Chinese clinicians a better basis and reference for the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases.

Application of OrVil TM in patients with recurrent or denovo esophagogastric junction cancer / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of transorally inserted anvil (OrVil TM) in patients with relapsed or denovo carcinoma at the esophagogastric junction. Methods:The clinical data of 60 patients who underwent radical intent resection for locally relapsed or denovo esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma at Zhengzhou University Cancer Hospital from Jan 2011 to Jun 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether transorally inserted anvil was used. Twenty-six patients who had used the system were assigned to the experimental group. Thirty-four patients without transorally inserted anvil were set to control group.Results:The incisor distance of the experimental group was shorter than that of the control group [36(34-40)cm vs. 39(36-41)cm, Z=-4.948, P<0.05]. Operation time in experimental group was 177 (145-260) min, compared to control group of 172 (140-225) min ( Z=-0.735, P=0.463). Intraoperative blood loss was 200 (100-900) ml in the experimental group and 300 (100-800) ml in the control group ( Z=-1.244, P=0.213). Postoperative upper margin distance of the experimental group was (3.6±1.7) cm compared to control group of (1.8±1.1) cm ( t=-0.735, P<0.01). The positive rate of margin in the experimental group was 4% vs. 15% in the control group ( χ2=1.931, P=0.165). The length of postoperative hospital stay in the experimental group was (18.6±5.2) d vs. (20.5±4.7) d ( t=-1.455, P=0.151). Surgery-related complications developed in 19% in the experimental group vs. 27% in the control group ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The application of the transorally inserted anvil in the operation of patients with locally relapsed or denovo esophagogastric junction cancer after initial operation reduces the difficulty of operation and decreases the positive rate of margin.

Influencing of inferior mediastinum and esophageal hiatus lymph node metastasis in Siewert type Ⅱ adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction invading submucosal different venous divisions of esophagogastric junction / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the influencing of inferior mediastinum and esophageal hiatus lymph node metastasis by submucosal different venous divisions of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) invaded in Siewert type Ⅱ adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG).Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 547 patients with Siewert type Ⅱ AEG who were admitted to Shanxi Cancer Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were collected. There were 461 males and 86 females, aged 61 (range, 33?75)years. Observa-tion indicators: (1) lymph node metastasis rate in different groups; (2) influencing factors of inferior mediastinum lymph node metastasis in Siewert type Ⅱ AEG; (3) influencing factors of esophageal hiatus lymph node metastasis in Siewert type Ⅱ AEG. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range) or M( Q1, Q3), and com-parison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were described as percentages or absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. The univariate analysis was conducted using the corresponding statistical methods based on data type. The Logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results:(1) Lymph node metastasis rate in different groups. The lymph node metastasis rate in No. 1, 2, 3, 4sa, 4sb, 7, 8a, 9, 11,20, 108, 110 of the 547 patients was 17.37%(95/547), 6.76%(37/547), 46.44%(254/547), 1.65%(9/547), 1.10%(6/547), 23.22%(127/547), 4.39%(24/547), 3.11%(17/547), 3.47%(19/547), 3.66%(20/547), 0.55%(3/547), 4.20%(23/547), respectively. Of the 547 patients, there were 456 cases with proximal of AEG invading submucosal palisade venous of EGJ including 4 cases with inferior mediastinum lymph node metastasis and no case with media mediastinum or up media-stinum lymph node metastasis. There were 91 cases with proximal of AEG invading submucosal perforator venous of EGJ including 18 cases with inferior mediastinum lymph node metastasis, 3 cases with media mediastinum lymph node metastasis and no case with up mediastinum lymph node metastasis. (2) Influencing factors of inferior mediastinum lymph node metastasis in Siewert type Ⅱ AEG. Results of multivariate analysis showed that age, tumor invading submucosal perforator venous of EGJ and histological classification were independent influencing factors for inferior media-stinum lymph node metastasis of Siewert type Ⅱ AEG ( odds ratio=0.93, 23.33, 0.31, 95% confidence interval as 0.87?0.99, 4.18?130.28, 0.12?0.78, P<0.05). (3) Influencing factors of esophageal hiatus lymph node metastasis in Siewert type Ⅱ AEG. Tumor invading submucosal perforator venous of EGJ was an independent influencing factor for esophageal hiatus lymph node metastasis of Siewert type Ⅱ AEG ( odds ratio=14.95, 95% confidence interval as 2.46?90.76, P<0.05). Conclusion:Age, tumor invading submucosal perforator venous of EGJ and histological classification are independent influencing factors for inferior mediastinum lymph node metastasis of Siewert type Ⅱ AEG, and tumor invading submucosal perforator venous of EGJ is an independent influencing factor for esophageal hiatus lymph node metastasis.

Clinical value of esophageal-jejunal Orvil TM anastomosis and Overlap anastomosis in laparos-copic radical total gastrectomy of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of esophageal-jejunal OrVil TM anas-tomosis and Overlap anastomosis in laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 112 patients with AEG who were admitted to the First Hospital of Jilin University from July 2017 to August 2022 were collected. There were 87 males and 25 females, aged (64±8)years. All 112 patients underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy and D 2 lymphadenectomy, in which 61 cases with esophageal-jejunal OrVil TM anastomosis were divided into the OrVil TM group, 51 cases with esophageal-jejunal Overlap anastomosis were divided into the Overlap group. Observa-tion indicators: (1) surgical situations; (2) postoperative complications; (3) influencing factors for patients undergoing esophageal-jejunal OrVil TM anastomosis. Measurement data with normal distri-bution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the non-parameter test. Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results:(1) Surgical situations. The esophageal invasion length and tumor diameter was 1.0(0.7,2.0)cm and (6.3±2.7)cm in patients of the OrVil TM group, versus 0.2(0.1,0.5)cm and (4.7±2.2)cm, respectively, in patients of the Overlap group, showing significant differences in the above indicators between the two groups ( Z=?6.14, t=3.26, P<0.05). (2) Postoperative complications. Cases with complications ≥Ⅲa grade of Clavien-Dindo classification, cases with respiratory system complications, cases with hydrothorax were 13, 17, 13 in the OrVil TM group, versus 4, 5, 4 in the Overlap group, showing significant differences in the above indicators between the two groups ( χ2=3.91, 5.74, 3.91, P<0.05). Cases underwent readmission within postoperative 30 days were 3 and 1 in the OrVil TM group and the Overlap group, respectively, and all patients recovered after symptomatic treatment. There were 2 cases died after operation in the OrVil TM group and none of patients died after operation in the Overlap group. (3) Influencing factors for patients undergoing esophageal-jejunal OrVil TM anastomosis. Results of multivariate analysis showed that esophageal invasion length was an independent factor influencing for patients undergoing esophageal-jejunal OrVil TM anastomosis ( odds ratio=8.25, 95% confidence interval as 3.41?19.96, P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with esophageal-jejunal Overlap anastomosis, choosing the esophageal-jejunal Orvil TM anastomosis during laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy can take benefit to the proximal margin of patients with AEG. However, the ratios of complications ≥ Ⅲa grade of Clavien-Dindo classification, respiratory system complications and hydrothorax associated to OrVil TM anastomosis are relatively increased. Esophageal invasion length is an independent influencing factor for patients undergoing esophageal-jejunal OrVil TM anastomosis.

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.

Thoracoscopic laparoscopy-assisted Ivor-Lewis resection of esophagogastric junction cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the outcome of patients with esophagogastric junction cancer undergoing thoracoscopic laparoscopy-assisted Ivor-Lewis resection. Methods: Eighty-four patients who were diagnosed with esophagogastric junction cancer and underwent Ivor-Lewis resection assisted by thoracoscopic laparoscopy at the National Cancer Center from October 2019 to April 2022 were collected. The neoadjuvant treatment mode, surgical safety and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Results: Siewert type Ⅱ (92.8%) and adenocarcinoma (95.2%) were predominant in the cases. A total of 2 774 lymph nodes were dissected in 84 patients. The average number was 33 per case, and the median was 31. Lymph node metastasis was found in 45 patients, and the lymph node metastasis rate was 53.6% (45/84). The total number of lymph node metastasis was 294, and the degree of lymph node metastasis was 10.6%(294/2 774). Among them, abdominal lymph nodes (100%, 45/45) were more likely to metastasize than thoracic lymph nodes (13.3%, 6/45). Sixty-eight patients received neoadjuvant therapy before surgery, and nine patients achieved pathological complete remission (pCR) (13.2%, 9/68). Eighty-three patients had negative surgical margins and underwent R0 resection (98.8%, 83/84). One patient, the intraoperative frozen pathology suggested resection margin was negative, while vascular tumor thrombus was seen on the postoperative pathological margin, R1 resection was performed (1.2%, 1/84). The average operation time of the 84 patients was 234.5 (199.3, 275.0) minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 90 (80, 100) ml. One case of intraoperative blood transfusion, one case of postoperative transfer to ICU ward, two cases of postoperative anastomotic leakage, one case of pleural effusion requiring catheter drainage, one case of small intestinal hernia with 12mm poke hole, no postoperative intestinal obstruction, chyle leakage and other complications were observed. The number of deaths within 30 days after surgery was 0. Number of lymph nodes dissection, operation duration, and intraoperative blood loss were not related to whether neoadjuvant therapy was performed (P>0.05). Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy or immunotherapy was not related to whether postoperative pathology achieved pCR (P>0.05). Conclusion: Laparoscopic-assisted Ivor-Lewis surgery for esophagogastric junction cancer has a low incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, high safety, wide range of lymph node dissection, and sufficient margin length, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Progress on integrated treatment of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Surgery is an accepted standard in the treatment of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG), but the efficacy of surgery alone for locally advanced AEG is limited. In-depth studies concerning combined therapy for AEG have been carried out worldwide, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT), neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), perioperative chemotherapy (pCT), postoperative chemoradiotherapy, etc. Significantly, the contribution of nCRT and pCT to improving the prognosis of locally advanced AEG patients has been shed light on. Compared with that, multimodality treatment for AEG patients is not well established in China. An attempt was thus made to take an overview of the evidence-based research advance regarding integrated therapy of AEG.

Application of endoscopic ultrasound in tumor staging of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction after neoadjuvant therapy / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the application value of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in tumor staging of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) after neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy.Methods:The clinical data of 40 patients diagnosed with stage Ⅲ AEG and treated with neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy from January 2016 to December 2021 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University were retrospectively analyzed. EUS was used to perform preoperative tumor staging after neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy to evaluate the therapeutic effect, and the consistency between EUS and postoperative pathological staging was analyzed.Results:In 40 AEG patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, the EUS staging was stage yp-uT 2 in 12 cases, stage yp-uT 3 in 18 cases, and stage yp-uT 4 in 10 cases. The postoperative pathological staging was stage pT 1 in 2 cases, stage pT 2 in 14 cases, stage pT 3 in 12 cases, and stage pT 4 in 12 cases. Taking postoperative pathological results as the gold standard, the accuracy of EUS for T staging after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was 62.5%, and the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for stage T 2 were 58.3%, 50.0% and 80.8%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for stage T 3 were 61.1%, 91.7% and 75.0%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for stage T 4 were 70.0%, 58.3% and 89.3%, respectively. The Kappa value of the consistency test between yp-uT staging and pT staging was 0.453. The EUS staging of lymph nodes was stage yp-uN 0 in 15 cases, stage yp-uN 1 in 10 cases, stage yp-uN 2 in 10 cases, and stage yp-uN 3 in 5 cases. The postoperative pathological staging was stage pN 0 in 18 cases, stage pN 1 in 7 cases, stage pN 2 in 7 cases, and stage pN 3 in 8 cases. Taking postoperative pathological results as the gold standard, the accuracy rate of EUS for N staging after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was 57.5%, and the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of EUS for stage N 0 were 73.3%, 61.1% and 81.8%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for stage N 1 were 50.0%, 71.4% and 84.8%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for stage N 2 were 40.0%, 57.1% and 81.8%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for stage N 3 were 60.0%, 37.5% and 93.8%, respectively. The Kappa value of the consistency test between yp-uN staging and pN staging was 0.409. Conclusions:EUS is not accurate for T staging in patients with stage Ⅲ AEG after neoadjuvant therapy, but has high sensitivity for stage T 3 and high specificity for stage T 4. EUS has low sensitivity for N staging in patients with stage Ⅲ AEG after neoadjuvant therapy, but has high specificity for stage N 3.

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.