Abdominothoracic En Bloc Esophagectomy with High Intrathoracic Anastomosis
Asad Kutup, Emre F. Yekebas, Jakob R. Izbicki
Introduction
High intrathoracic anastomosis may be performed without compromising the oncologic requirements alternatively to collar anastomosis for treatment of intrathoracic tumors, i.e., if located distally to the tracheal bifurcation. The benefits of considerably shorter operating times are associated with the risk of developing devastating mediastinitis when anastomotic leakage occurs.
Indications and Contraindications
Indications ■ Thoracic esophageal carcinoma
■ Long distance peptic stricture, if transhiatal resection is not possible
Contraindications ■ See chapter on “Subtotal Esophagectomy: Transhiatal Approach”
■ High risk patients
Preoperative Investigation/Preparation for the Procedure See chapter on “Subtotal Esophagectomy: Transhiatal Approach”.
Procedure
Access
■ Helical positioning of the patient with 45° elevation of the right thorax and elevated arm
■ Turning the table to the patient’s supine position for the abdominal part of surgery
■ Turning the table to the left for the thoracic part of surgery
STEP 1
See Steps 1–3 and Step 5 of the chapter “Subtotal Esophagectomy: Transhiatal Approach”
STEP 2
See Steps 1–4 of the chapter “Subtotal Esophagectomy: Transhiatal Approach”
STEP 3 High intrathoracic anastomosis
Transection of the esophagus is carried out 5cm below the upper thoracic aperture over a Pursestring 45 clamp. Alternatively the esophagus is transected and a running suture (monofilament, 2-0) is applied as a pursestring suture.
Dilatation of the proximal esophageal stump with a blunt clamp is performed. The anvil of a circular stapler (preferably 28mm) is introduced into the esophageal stump and fixation is done by tying the pursestring suture.
Mobilization of the gastric tube through the diaphragmatic esophageal hiatus is performed, followed by resection of the apex of the gastric tube. This is usually longer than required. Then introduce the stapler into the gastric tube, and perforation of the wall at the prospective site of the anastomosis with the head of the stapling device (A).
In case of limited length of the gastric tube, the stapling device is inserted through a ventral gastrostomy and an end-to-end gastroesophagostomy is performed.
Connection with the anvil is followed by firing of the instrument (B).
Check for completeness of the anastomotic rings. The stapler is removed and closure and resection of the protruding part of the gastric tube are done with a linear stapler.
A nasogastric feeding tube is then inserted over the anastomosis and placed into the first jejunal poop for decompression and postoperative enteral feeding. Thoracic drainage is placed in the right thoracic cavity.
Alternatively, this elegant method can be performed in the same manner in the case of colonic interposition after esophagogastrectomy (C,D).
90 SECTION 2 Esophagus, Stomach and Duodenum
STEP 3 (continued)
Abdominothoracic En Bloc Esophagectomy with High Intrathoracic Anastomosis 91
A
C
B
D
See the transhiatal approach for standard postoperative investigations and complicatons.
Tricks of the Senior Surgeon
■ An additional length of the gastric tube is achieved by mobilization of the duodenum (Kocher maneuver). In this way, the end of the gastric tube designated for the anastomosis is located closer to the gastroepiploic pedicle. The improved vascular supply reduces the risk of anastomotic leakage.
■ In contrast to cervical esophagogastric anastomosis, in any case of suspected intrathoracic leakage, emergency endoscopy should be done. Even if an insufficiency cannot be definitely visualized, the indication for stenting should be established generously as long as clinical signs suggest a leakage to prevent catastrophic mediastinitis.
92 SECTION 2 Esophagus, Stomach and Duodenum
