Routine use of feeding jejunostomy in oesophageal cancer resections: results of a survey in England.

Nutrition and post-operative feeding in oesophageal cancer resections for enhanced recovery remain a controversial subject. Feeding jejunostomy tubes (FJT) have been used post-operatively to address the subject but evidence to support its routine use is contentious. There is currently no data on FJT use in England for oesophageal cancer resections. Knowledge regarding current FJT usage, and rationale for its use may provide a snapshot of the trend and current standing on FJT use by resectional units in England. A standardised survey was sent electronically to all oesophageal resectional units in the United Kingdom (UK) between October 2016 and January 2018. In summary, the questionnaire probes into current FJT use, rationale for its usage, consideration of cessation of its use, and rationale of cessation of its use for units not using FJT. The resectional units were identified using the National Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Audit (NOGCA) progress report 2016 and 1 selected resectional unit from Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, respectively. Performance data of those units were collected from the 2017 NOGCA report. Out of 40 units that were eligible, 32 (80.0%) centres responded. The responses show a heterogeneity of FJT use across the resectional centres. Most centres (56.3%) still place FJT routinely with 2 of 18 (11.1%) were considering stopping its routine use. FJT was considered a mandatory adjunct to chemotherapy in 3 (9.4%) centres. FJT was not routinely used in 9 (28.1%) of centres with 5 of 9 (55.6%) reported previous complications and 4 of 9 (44.4%) cited using other forms of nutrition supplementation as factors for discontinuing FJT use. There were 5 (15.6%) centres with divided practice among its consultants. Of those 2 of 5 (40.0%) were considering stopping FJT use, and hence, a total of 4 of 23 (17.4%) of units are now considering stopping routine FJT use. In conclusion, the wider practice of FJT use in the UK remains heterogenous. More research regarding the optimal post-operative feeding regimen needs to be undertaken.

The implementation and effectiveness of an enhanced recovery programme after oesophago-gastrectomy: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Oesophageal resection is notoriously complicated and produces a cohort of patients prone to postoperative complications. Maintaining quality care demands a systematic approach to patient management yet postoperative recovery after oesophagectomy is often needlessly inefficient, heterogeneous and governed by the idiosyncrasies of the operating surgeon. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes are now well established in colorectal surgery and here we describe the implementation and effectiveness of an ERAS programme for the postoperative management of Ivor Lewis oesophago-gastrectomy (ILOG). METHODS: An ERAS programme was devised and implemented with the support of a dedicated in-hospital task-force. Three consultant surgeons allocated consecutive patients to the programme (ERAS) and outcomes were compared to consecutive patients not on the ERAS programme (non-ERAS) and a pre-ERAS cohort (pre-ERAS). Principal outcome measures were total length of stay (TLOS), Accordion postoperative complication grade and 30-day readmission rate. RESULTS: 75 patients were enrolled on the ERAS programme, 41 continued as a non-ERAS cohort and 80 consecutive pre-ERAS patients were identified. A significant improvement in median TLOS was observed in the ERAS group (10 days r.7-58) compared to pre-ERAS (13 days r. 8-57) (p = <0.001) and non-ERAS patients (13 days r.8-42) (p = <0.001). No significant difference in Accordion scores for postoperative complications or 30-day readmission rates were observed. DISCUSSION: The introduction of an ERAS programme after ILOG can significantly reduce TLOS without jeopardising patient safety or clinical outcomes. The successful introduction of an ERAS programme requires full motivation and support from all team members including the patient.

Assessment and comparison of recovery after open and minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer: an exploratory study in two centers.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) may lead to early restoration of health-related quality of life, but few prospective comparative studies have been performed. This exploratory study compared recovery between totally minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE), laparoscopically assisted esophagectomy (LAE) and open surgery (OE). METHODS: A prospective study in 2 specialist centers recruited consecutive patients undergoing OE, LAE, or MIE for high-grade dysplasia or cancer. Patients completed validated questionnaires, the Multi-Dimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), modified Katz Scale, and modified Lawton and Brody Scale (assessing activities of daily living) before and 6 weeks and 3 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients (26 women; median age 64 years) were scheduled for surgery that was abandoned in 11 due to occult low-volume metastatic disease. In the remaining 86 (OE = 19, LAE = 31, and MIE = 36), there were 4 in-hospital deaths (4 %), and 54 postoperative complications (OE = 12, LAE = 19, and MIE = 23). Overall questionnaire compliance was high (77 %) and baseline scores similar in all groups, although clinical differences between groups were observed with earlier tumors and more squamous cell cancers selected for MIE. Following surgery fatigue levels increased dramatically and activity levels reduced in all groups. These gradually recovered to baseline following MIE and LAE within 6 months, but the ability to perform activities of daily living and most parameters of fatigue had not returned to baseline levels in the OE group. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory prospective nonrandomized study of recovery after different types of surgery for esophageal cancer showed possible small benefits to MIE. A much larger study is needed to confirm these findings.

Health-related quality of life after minimally invasive oesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Open oesophagectomy has a detrimental impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL), with recovery taking up to a year. Minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO) may enable a more rapid recovery of HRQL. METHODS: Clinical outcomes from consecutive patients undergoing MIO for cancer were recorded between April 2005 and April 2007. Patients completed validated questionnaires, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OES18, before surgery and at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: MIO for cancer or high-grade dysplasia was planned in 62 patients, but abandoned in four owing to occult metastatic disease. Resection was completed in the remaining 58, two having partial conversion to open surgery. There was one in-hospital death and 29 patients developed complications. At 1 year, 52 of 58 patients were alive. Questionnaire response rates were high at each time point (overall compliance 84 per cent). Six weeks after MIO, patients reported deterioration in functional aspects of HRQL and more symptoms than at baseline. However, most improved by 3 months and had returned to baseline levels by 6 months. These levels were maintained 1 year after surgery, with 85 per cent of patients recovering in more than 50 per cent of the HRQL domains. CONCLUSION: MIO leads to a rapid restoration of HRQL.

The role of health-related quality of life outcomes in clinical decision making in surgery for esophageal cancer: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy for cancer offers a chance of cure but is associated with morbidity, at least a temporary reduction in health-related quality of life (HRQL), and a 5-year survival of approximately 30%. This research evaluated how and whether HRQL outcomes contribute to surgical decision making. METHODS: A systematic review identified randomized trials and longitudinal and cross-sectional studies that assessed HRQL after esophagectomy with multidimensional validated questionnaires. Articles were independently evaluated by two reviewers, and the value of HRQL in clinical decision making was categorized in three ways: (1) the assessment of the quality of HRQL methodology according to predefined criteria; (2) the influence of HRQL outcomes on treatment recommendations and/or informed consent; and (3) the HRQL after esophagectomy for cancer in methodologically robust studies. RESULTS: Eighteen publications were identified, of which 16 (89%) were categorized as having robust HRQL design. Of these studies, 3 concluded that HRQL influenced treatment recommendations and 11 (including the former 3) informed patient consent. The remaining five papers were well designed, but the authors did not use HRQL to influence treatment recommendations or informed consent. After esophagectomy, patients report major deterioration in most aspects of HRQL with slow recovery. CONCLUSION: HRQL outcomes are relevant to surgical decision making. Methods to communicate HRQL outcomes to patients are required to inform consent and clinical practice.

Short-term outcomes following total minimally invasive oesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO; thoracoscopy, laparoscopy, cervical anastomosis) is a complex procedure and few substantial series have been published. This study documented the morbidity, mortality and challenges of adopting MIO in a specialist unit in the UK. METHODS: A prospective group of 77 patients was listed consecutively with the intention of performing MIO. Three other patients underwent open oesophagectomy during the study period. RESULTS: MIO was attempted in 77 patients, completed successfully in 70, abandoned in six patients (8 per cent) with unsuspected metastatic disease, and converted to a thoracoscopic anastomosis in one patient. There was one in-hospital death (1 per cent). Complications occurred in 33 patients (47 per cent), including nine gastric conduit-related complications (13 per cent). Median lymph node harvest was 21 (range 7-48) nodes. Mean overall and disease-free survival times were 35 and 33 months respectively. Median disease-free survival for patients with stage III disease was 26 months. CONCLUSION: MIO can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates in an unselected series of patients. There was more morbidity related to gastric tube ischaemia than was expected.

Recurrence and malignant transformation in solitary fibrous tumour of the pleura.

Solitary fibrous tumours of the pleura are mesenchymal neoplasms and recurrence with malignant progression after complete resection rarely occurs. In the case of a 76-year-old patient we found multifocal recurrence with malignant transformation within six months following primary excision. Even though the vast majority of these tumours are benign, complete resection as well as clinical and radiological follow-up are highly recommended because of the potentially adverse biological behaviour and the lack of radical treatment options other than surgery.

Pleuroperitoneal shunts and tumor seeding.

A 76-year-old man with malignant mesothelioma of the left pleura was referred for surgical palliation. He was dyspneic at rest and had anterior chest pain and a persistent cough. Chest x-ray film revealed an extensive left pleural effusion. A thoracoscopy was performed, and 3L of pleural fluid was drained. Both the pleural surfaces and rhe diaphragm were studded with tumors. On maximal inflation of the lung, the parietal and visceral pleura did not oppose, and therefore a Denver shunt was inserted. At 6 weeks follow-up, the shunt was performing satisfactorily. At follow-up 9 weeks postoperatively, the subcutaneous tunnel was infiltrated by mesothelioma over a distance of some 15 cm.

Bronchopleural fistula complicating group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal pneumonia. Use of a Fogarty embolectomy catheter for selective bronchial blockade.

A 36-year-old woman developed severe group A Streptococcal pneumonia, complicated by a bronchopleural fistula, ARDS and multi-organ failure. We describe the use of selective middle lobe bronchus blockade, with a Fogarty embolectomy catheter, to localise and control the air leak. This allowed effective mechanical ventilation and oxygenation on intensive care and during right middle lobectomy. The patient made a prolonged, but full recovery.

Pulmonary haemorrhage after percutaneous paravertebral block.

We describe the management of a 65-yr-old woman anaesthetized for thoracotomy. The patient suffered a pulmonary haemorrhage after percutaneous paravertebral injection performed using the loss of resistance to saline technique. Thoracotomy at a later date revealed that the lung tissue had become adherent to the chest wall and that the paravertebral space was fibrosed secondary to previous surgery. This particular complication of percutaneous paravertebral block has not been reported previously and raises the question of risk vs benefit of this pre-emptive analgesic technique.

Tracheal obstruction in achalasia: a role for airway stenting?

We describe an 82-year-old woman who presented with acute tracheal obstruction secondary to advanced, asymptomatic achalasia. Conventional treatment of her achalasia failed to relieve recurrent episodes of airway obstruction requiring endotracheal intubation. Because she was not fit for an operation, a Gianturco endotracheal stent was placed bronchoscopically. She remains without respiratory or upper gastrointestinal symptoms 2 years later. Recent information regarding the pathophysiology and surgical treatment of this complication is reviewed.

Stapler design and strictures at the esophagogastric anastomosis.

An apparent reduction in the rate of benign anastomotic stricture after stapled esophagogastrectomy prompted us to review the results obtained with different stapling devices since 1988. We present a retrospective review of 125 consecutive patients undergoing esophageal resection for malignancy with stapled intrathoracic anastomoses. Benign anastomotic stricture was deemed present when a patient required endoscopic dilatation to treat postoperative dysphagia. We found no difference in risk factors not related to stapler size (tumor histologic characteristics, adjuvant therapy) between patients with stricture and patients without stricture. Event-free survival was compared for different stapler diameters as well as for different stapler designs. We found that staplers of smaller diameter were associated with significantly more strictures (p < 0.005). In a comparison of different designs of 25 mm stapler, the newer CDH device (Ethicon Ltd., Edinburgh, United Kingdom) was associated with a similar stricture rate to that associated with other designs (ILP [Ethicon] and EEA [Autosuture Company Division, United States Surgical Corp., Norwalk, Conn.]). For a given stapler diameter, it appears that different stapler designs have no effect on stricture rate.

Simultaneous tracheal and esophageal pH monitoring: investigating reflux-associated asthma.

Aspiration of gastric acid into the trachea may cause asthma in some patients who have gastroesophageal reflux. Antireflux surgery has been advocated for such patients, but lack of an objective test for acid aspiration makes patient selection difficult. We report a new technique for demonstrating acid aspiration, simultaneous tracheal and esophageal pH monitoring. Tracheal pH was measured with a 1.0-mm pH electrode introduced through the cricothyroid membrane under bronchoscopic vision. A standard esophageal pH electrode was placed in the usual position. Tracheal and esophageal pH were monitored over a 24-hour period. Peak expiratory flow rate was measured hourly while the patient was awake. We present data obtained in 3 patients with severe asthma and symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux. All 3 patients demonstrated a decrease in tracheal pH to less than 5.5, coinciding with a decrease in esophageal pH to less than 4.0. The test was repeated after antireflux operation and showed that significant decreases in esophageal pH no longer lowered tracheal pH. Asthmatic symptoms were improved, and medication was reduced in 2 of the 3 patients.

Plasma concentrations of bupivacaine and its enantiomers during continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve block.

Plasma concentrations of bupivacaine have been measured in 12 patients given bupivacaine through a paravertebral catheter placed under direct vision at thoracotomy. After an initial bolus of 0.5% bupivacaine 20 ml, mean (SEM) Cpmax was 1.45 (0.32) micrograms ml-1 and median (range) tCpmax was 25 (10-60) min. A concentration of 4.43 micrograms ml-1 measured in one patient was not associated with toxic signs. During continuous infusion of bupivacaine for 120 h, Cpmax was 4.9 (0.7) micrograms ml-1 and tCpmax 48 (5-96) h. No symptoms or signs of toxicity occurred. Separate measurement of R- and S-bupivacaine concentrations demonstrated significantly different concentration-time profiles.