Merendino Resection vs. Transhiatal Gastric Conduit After Resection of the Cardia and the Gastroesophageal Junction

Background Reconstruction after combined cardia resection and removal of the gastroesophageal junction can be carried out by the Merendino procedure or via a gastric conduit. This study compares postoperative complications and quality of life for both approaches. Methods All patients who underwent Merendino or gastric conduit reconstruction from 2011-2017 were included. Both groups were investigated regarding postoperative length of stay, complications, and gastrointestinal quality of life. Results 45 patients were identified, of which, 39 remained for analysis: 22 patients in the Merendino group and 17 patients in the gastric conduit group. The median age of patients in the gastric conduit group (71 (53-92) years) was significantly higher than in the Merendino group (58 (19-75) years), P = .0002. Hospital stay was significantly longer in the gastric conduit group (35.9 (11-82) days vs. 18.2 (7-43) days, P = .0299) and incidence of anastomotic leakage was higher (24% vs. 9%, P = .0171). General incidence of complications (Clavien-Dindo) did not vary ( P = .1694). However, grade 5 complications only occurred in the Merendino group (n = 1). Evaluation of long-term outcome and quality of life showed dysphagia to only have occurred in the Merendino group (n = 3, 14%). Discussion Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages: The Merendino procedure showed reduced incidence of anastomotic leakage and shorter hospital stay but was associated with a higher in-hospital mortality rate. Discrepancies in subgroup populations as well as small patient numbers limit the interpretation of the findings. This study does however provide a first comparison of these surgical approaches and may serve as a basis for further investigation.

Clostridium perfringensSepticemia and a Bleeding Ulcer of a Jejunal Interposition: A Case Report and Short Review of the Literature

Introduction. We report a case ofClostridium perfringenssepticemia in a patient presenting with a bleeding ulcer of a jejunal interposition.Case Presentation. An 81-year-old female patient was acutely admitted to our hospital due to hematemesis and melena. She had a history of metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor, for which she was receiving second line treatment with sunitinib. She had also undergone a Merendino procedure 4 years prior to presentation. The patient underwent emergency gastroscopy, which revealed a bleeding ulcer in the jejunal interposition. Despite initial endoscopic control of the bleeding and transfusion of blood products, the hemoglobin level continued to drop, and the patient was treated for an assumed hemolytic transfusion reaction. The patient died 3 days following admission, and the results of blood cultures later confirmed aClostridium perfringenssepticemia. The postmortem examination revealed a diffuse spread ofClostridium perfringensto multiple organs.Conclusion. This case is a reminder of the importance of considering septicemia, particularly in association withClostridium perfringens, as a potential cause of hemolysis. It also demonstrates the extent of organ involvement in a case of diffuse clostridial myonecrosis.