Jean-Marie Collard

Endoscopic stapling technique of esophagodiverticulostomy for Zenker's diverticulum☆

We present an endoscopic technique of division of the common wall between the esophagus and the hypopharyngeal (Zenkers) diverticulum. The novelty of the technique, as compared with endoscopic sutureless coagulating methods, consists of stapling the esophageal to the diverticular wall using the Endo-GIA 30 stapler (US Surgical Corp, Norwalk, CT), which protects the neck from any contamination from the digestive lumen and ensures optimal hemostasis of the wound edges. The stapler has been designed such that perforation of the bottom of the diverticulum is not likely. The technique has been applied to 6 patients.

En-bloc and Standard Esophagectomies by Thoracoscopy

Subtotal esophagectomy was attempted by right thoracoscopy on 13 patients, 10 having cancer and 3 long caustic stenosis. Thoracoscopy was converted into thoracotomy in 2 patients, owing to loss of selectivity in one-lung ventilation in 1 and injury to a right intercostal artery flush to the aorta in the other. One patient with cancer underwent an esophageal bypass operation only, owing to tumor invasion into the lung at exploratory thoracoscopy. The ten esophagectomies that could be performed in totality by thoracoscopy consisted of seven en bloc resections of the esophagus with extensive lymph node clearance in the posterior mediastinum, and three standard resections without any lymph node dissection. Postoperative complications included one death due to hepatic failure, two cases of acute pneumonitis, and one persistent chest wall discomfort at the trocar sites. Up to 51 lymph nodes were found in the resected specimens of the cancer patients. Six of the 7 cancer patients who were discharged from the hospital after esophagectomy completed by thoracoscopy were alive at 2 to 20 months of follow-up. Five of them were disease free. The study shows that esophageal resections as extensive as those carried out by thoracotomy can be performed by thoracoscopy. It suggests that prompt management of untoward injury to any mediastinal structure adjacent to the esophagus is less easy by thoracoscopy than by thoracotomy, and that classic complications of open thoracic surgery may occur after thoracoscopy as well.

Terminalized semimechanical side-to-side suture technique for cervical esophagogastrostomy

BACKGROUND The classic manual end-to-side technique of esophagogastrostomy after gastric pull-up to the neck carries a rather high risk of fistula and stricture. METHODS A terminalized semimechanical side-to-side technique of cervical esophagogastrostomy was performed in 16 patients by the application of an Endo-GIA stapler across the gastric and esophageal walls placed side by side, so as to create a V-shaped posterior opening between the two lumina. The anterior aspect of the anastomosis was hand-sewn using a classic running suture. The cross-sectional area of the semimechanical anastomoses was estimated by barium swallow study 2 months after operation and compared with that of 24 manual end-to-side esophagogastrostomies. RESULTS The cross-sectional area was 225 +/- 15.7 mm2 (mean +/- standard error of the mean) for the 16 semimechanical anastomoses versus 136 +/- 15 mm2 for the 24 manual anastomoses (p = 0.0001). The anastomotic area decreased from 206.6 +/- 13.5 mm2 in 29 patients without dysphagia to 107.5 +/- 4.7 mm2 in 7 patients with moderate dysphagia for solids that did not require endoscopic dilation and to 55.7 +/- 16 mm2 in 4 patients with severe dysphagia that required dilation (p = 0). The anastomotic area in 6 of the 7 patients with initial moderate dysphagia for solids increased spontaneously with time from 107.3 +/- 5.5 mm2 to 174.6 +/- 8.1 mm2, with concomitant symptomatic relief (p = 0.0277). CONCLUSIONS The terminalized semimechanical side-to-side suture technique produces a larger anastomosis than the classic end-to-side esophagogastrostomy technique. Inflammatory changes related to the operation may cause transient narrowing of a cervical esophagogastrostomy.

Skeletonizing en bloc esophagectomy for cancer.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with esophageal cancer after resection of the extraesophageal component of the neoplastic process en bloc with the esophageal tube. Summary Background DataOpinions are conflicting about the addition of extended resection of locoregional lymph nodes and soft tissue to removal of the esophageal tube. MethodsEsophagectomy performed en bloc with locoregional lymph nodes and resulting in a real skeletonization of the nonresectable anatomical structures adjacent to the esophagus was attempted in 324 patients. The esophagus was removed using a right thoracic (n = 208), transdiaphragmatic (n = 39), or left thoracic (n = 77) approach. Lymphadenectomy was performed in the upper abdomen and lower mediastinum in all patients. It was extended over the upper mediastinum when a right thoracic approach was used and up to the neck in 17 patients. Esophagectomy was carried out flush with the esophageal wall as soon as it became obvious that a macroscopically complete resection was not feasible. Neoplastic processes were classified according to completeness of the resection, depth of wall penetration, and lymph node involvement. ResultsSkeletonizing en bloc esophagectomy was feasible in 235 of the 324 patients (73%). The 5-year survival rate, including in-hospital deaths (5%), was 35% (324 patients); it was 64% in the 117 patients with an intramural neoplastic process versus 19% in the 207 patients having neoplastic tissue outside the esophageal wall or surgical margins (P < .0001). The latter 19% represented 12% of the whole series. The 5-year survival rate after skeletonizing en bloc esophagectomy was 49% (235 patients), 49% for squamous cell versus 47% for glandular carcinomas (P = .4599), 64% for patients with an intramural tumor versus 34% for those with extraesophageal neoplastic tissue (P < .0001), and 43% for patients with fewer than five metastatic nodes versus 11% for those with involvement of five or more lymph nodes (P = .0001). ConclusionsThe strategy of attempting skeletonizing en bloc esophagectomy in all patients offers long-term survival to one third of the patients with resectable extraesophageal neoplastic tissues. These patients represent 12% of the patients with esophageal cancer suitable for esophagectomy and 19% of those having neoplastic tissue outside the esophageal wall or surgical margins.

Management of pharyngoesophageal (Zenker's) diverticulum: which technique?

BACKGROUND Incomplete symptomatic relief of pharyngoesophageal (Zenkers) diverticulum after endoscopic stapling or laser division has been reported by some authors. The clinical relevance of cricomyotomy, although supported by experimental data, remains controversial. METHODS Operative procedures consisted of transcervical resection (n = 34, group I), transcervical resection plus cricomyotomy (n = 12, group II), transcervical cricomyotomy (n = 8, group III), transcervical cricomyotomy plus diverticulopexy (n = 47, group IV), endoscopic stapling division (n = 31, group V), and endoscopic laser division (n = 55; group VI). RESULTS The percentage of totally asymptomatic patients was significantly (p < 0.004) higher after open procedures (combined groups I to IV) than after endoscopic treatment (combined groups V and VI) regardless of the size of the pouch (< 3 cm, 85% versus 25%; > or = 3 cm, 86% versus 50%). The percentage of patients with no or occasional (ie, fewer than twice a week) symptoms was significantly (p < 0.001) higher after open procedures (98%) than after endoscopic treatment (57%) for less than 3-cm diverticula whereas it was not higher (p = 0.409) for 3-cm or greater pouches (open, 97%; endoscopic, 88%). Furthermore, this percentage was similar (p > 0.286) after endoscopic stapling division and after endoscopic laser division (< 3 cm, 50% versus 58%; > or = 3 cm, 96% versus 80%). It was also similar (p > 0.197) after resection alone (group I) and after open operations including myotomy (combined groups II to IV) (< 3 cm, 100% versus 98%; > or = 3 cm, 92% versus 100%). Unlike endoscopic stapling and division, laser division was complicated by mediastinitis (2 patients), and 1 patient was referred because of cervical esophageal disruption during laser division. Five of six postoperative fistulas after resection occurred in patients who did not have myotomy, and 4 patients were referred 12 to 49 years after resection without myotomy for true recurrence of the pouch. CONCLUSIONS Open techniques afford better symptomatic relief than endoscopic techniques, especially in patients with small diverticula. Endoscopic stapling and division is safer than laser division. Although very effective at midterm, resection without myotomy predisposes to the development of postoperative fistula and to recurrence of the pouch after many years.

Denervated stomach as an esophageal substitute recovers intraluminal acidity with time.

ObjectiveTo determine whether the denervated stomach as an esophageal substitute recovers normal intraluminal acidity with time. Summary Background DataBilateral truncal vagotomy to the stomach as an esophageal substitute reduces both gastric acid production and antral motility, but a spontaneous motor recovery process takes place over years. MethodsIntraluminal gastric pH and bile were monitored during a 24-hour period 1 to 195 months after transthoracic elevation of the stomach as esophageal replacement in 91 and 76 patients, respectively. Nine patients underwent a second gastric pH monitoring after a 3-year period. The percentages of time that the gastric pH was less than 2 and bile absorbance exceeded 0.25 were calculated in reference to values from 25 healthy volunteers. Eighty-nine upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were performed in 83 patients. Patients were divided into three groups depending on length of follow-up: group 1, less than 1 year; group 2, 1 to 3 years; group 3, more than 3 years. ResultsThe prevalence of a normal gastric pH profile was 32.3% in group 1, 81.5% in group 2, and 97.6% in group 3. The percentage of time that the gastric pH was less than 2 increased from group 1 (27.3%) to group 2 (56.1%) and group 3 (70.5%), parallel to an increase in the prevalence of cervical heartburn and esophagitis. The percentage of time that the gastric pH was less than 2 increased from 28.7% to 81.2% in the nine patients investigated twice. Exposure of the gastric mucosa to bile was 12.8% in patients with a high gastric pH profile versus 19.3% in those with normal acidity. In the esophageal remnant in six patients, Barrett’s metaplasia developed, intestinal (n = 2) or gastric (n = 4) in type. ConclusionsEarly after vagotomy, intraluminal gastric acidity is reduced in two thirds of patients, but the stomach recovers a normal intraluminal pH profile with time, so that in more than one third of patients, disabling cervical heartburn and esophagitis develop. The potential for the development of Barrett’s metaplasia in the esophageal remnant brings into question the use of the stomach as an esophageal substitute in benign and early neoplastic disease.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery. What is real progress

ObjectiveThe authors aim to substantiate, with objective arguments, potential advantages of laparoscopic versus open antireflux surgery in the light of the recent crude experience of the Louvain Medical School Hospital. MethodsSeventy-two consecutive patients with disabling gastroesophageal reflux disease ([GERD], n = 56), symptomatic hiatal hernia without GERD (n = 5), or unsatisfactory outcome after unsuccessful antireflux procedure (n = 11) were operated on by laparotomy (n = 28), laparoscopy (n = 39), or thoracotomy (n = 5). The antireflux procedure was a subdiaphragmatic Nissen fundoplication (n = 60), an intrathoracic Nissen fundoplication (short esophagus, n = 3), a subdiaphragmatic 240deg; fundoplication (severe motility disorders, n = 3), a Lortat-Jacob repair (hiatal hernia without GERD, n = 5), and a duodenal diversion (delayed gastric emptying, n = 1). ResultsMajor postoperative morbidity included two pulmonary embolisms (one laparoscopy patient and one laparotomy patient), and one hemothorax (one thoracotomy patient). Mean hospital stay was 6.4 days for laparoscopy, 7.8 days for laparotomy, and 12.5 days for thoracotomy. Postoperative morphine consumption (patient-controlled analgesia) averaged 47 mg/48 hrs (laparoscopy) versus 46 mg/48 hrs (laparotomy with primary antireflux surgery) (p > 0.05). Although 93% of the laparoscopy patients returned to work within 3 weeks after surgery, 92% of the laparotomy and thoracotomy patients resumed their activity after more than 6 weeks. At follow-up, 87.5% of the patients were asymptomatic or had inconsequential symptoms, 9.8% had disabling side effects, and 2.7% had persistent or recurring esophageal symptoms. There were four parietal herniations, i.e., one incisional hernia and one recurrence of a repaired unbilical hernia in the laparotomy group, and two herniations of the wrap into the chest—probably related to a premature return to manual work–in the laparoscopy group. Three iaparoscopy patients were dissatisfied with the esthetics of their scars. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and esophageal acid exposure in the laparoscopy patients who were investigated were normal in 100% and 95%, respectively. ConclusionsLaparoscopy is a good approach for achieving successful antireflux surgery in selected cases. However, its fails to substantially reduce postoperative complication rate and discomfort, duration of the hospital stay, and the risk of esthetic sequella. Early return to work is questionable for manual workers. The subdiaphragmatic Nissen fundoplication is not an all-purpose antireflux procedure.

Esophageal Replacement - Gastric Tube Or Whole Stomach

BACKGROUND The stomach can be used either in its entirely or as a greater curvature tube for esophageal replacement. METHODS The study compares the gastric tube (group A; n = 112) to the whole stomach whose lesser curvature is denuded (group B; n = 100) in terms of technical complication and alimentary comfort. The clinical results are substantiated by assessment of the eating performance of patients and control subjects at a test meal, measurement of the gastric dimensions before and after both tailoring procedures, and intraarterial staining of the gastric wall. RESULTS Major differences between the two groups are cervical anastomosis stenoses (22.3% versus 6% [A versus B]; p = 0.008), fistulas (7.9% versus 1%; p = 0.0209), number of meals and snacks per day (4.6 versus 4; p = 0.0275), sensation of early fullness at meals (52.4% versus 17.8%; p < 0.0001), ratings given to the long-term alimentary comfort (presymptomatic condition = 10 points) (7.6 versus 8.8 out of 10 on average; p < 0.0001), and calories consumed in 1 minute at a test meal (59% [p < 0.05] versus 77% of those consumed by control subjects). The volume of the stomach is reduced by a range of 21.4% to 47.2% after tubulization (group A) whereas it increases by a range of 4.9% to 17.4% after denudation of the lesser curve (group B). Intraarterial staining of the gastric wall reveals the poor vascularity of the upper-most segment of the greater curve. CONCLUSION Slight increase of the gastric capacity and maintenance of the submucosal vascular network account for the better results achieved with the whole stomach.

High-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus: The case for esophagectomy

The main principles for optimal management of HGD arising in Barretts esophagus are that unequivocal diagnosis of HGD is a prerequisite for making the decision of any kind of treatment. HGD must be resected because of the presence of neoplastic cells in the lamina propria in 40% of patients. No reliable endoscopic or endosonographic feature exists that allows accurate prediction of the existence of neoplastic cells within the lamina propria of a patient having HGD in endoscopic biopsy material. Prompt decision to remove an HGD lesion as soon as unequivocal histologic diagnosis has been settled prevents the development of extraesophageal neoplastic spread. Esophagectomy is preferable to endoscopic mucosal excision because approximately 20% of patients who have HGD in preoperative biopsy material carry neoplastic cells beyond the muscularis mucosae. Esophagectomy can be limited to the removal of the esophageal tube without extended lymphadenectomy because 96% of patients who have HGD in endoscopic biopsy samples have a neoplastic process confined to the esophageal wall. Esophageal resection must encompass all the Barretts area because of the risk for the further development of a second cancer in the metaplastic remnant. Vagus-sparing esophagectomy with colon interposition or elevation of the antrally innervated stomach up to the neck is preferable to conventional esophagectomy with gastric pull up because the former procedure maintains gastric function intact, whereas the latter exposes patients to the risk for the long-term development of reflux esophagitis and even of metaplastic transformation of the proximal esophageal remnant. Subtle details in the understanding of a given patients clinical course may be critical for making the decision of the most relevant mode of therapy; therefore, patients who have HGD should be treated in dedicated centers, the experience of which offers the best chances of uneventful recovery if the surgical option is retained.

The denervated stomach as an esophageal substitute is a contractile organ

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the denervated stomach as an esophageal substitute is an inert conduit or a contractile organ. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA The motor response of gastric transplants to deglutition suggests that the stomach pulled up to the neck acts as an inert organ. METHODS The gastric motility of 11 healthy volunteers and 33 patients having either a gastric tube (GT) (n = 10) or their whole stomach (WS) (n = 23) as esophageal replacement was studied with perfused catheters during the fasting state, after a meal, and after intravenous administration of erythromycin lactobionate. A motility index was established for each period of recording by dividing the sum of the areas under the curves of all contractions of >9 mmHg by the time of recording. RESULTS Over years, the denervated stomach recovers more and more motor activity, even displaying a real phase 3 motor pattern in 6 of the 10 WS patients and 1 of the 7 GT patients with >3 years of follow-up. Erythromycin lactobionate generates a phase 3-like motor pattern regardless of the length of follow-up. Extrinsic denervation of the whole stomach does not significantly modify the fasting motility index established >3 years after surgery (+17% on average, p > 0.05), but it reduces that in the fed period by an average of 62% (p = 0.0016). Tubulization of the denervated whole stomach lowers the fasting motility index by an average of 60% (p = 0.0248) and further impairs that in the fed period by an average of 67% (p = 0.0388). CONCLUSIONS The denervated stomach as an esophageal substitute is a contractile organ that may even generate complete migrating motor complexes. Motor recovery is better in the fasting than in the fed period, and it is more marked in WS patients than in GT patients.