O-OGC08 The Impact of Anastomotic Techniques on Post-operative Anastomotic Complications: Results of the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA)

Background The optimal anastomotic techniques in esophagectomy to minimize rates of anastomotic leakage (AL) and conduit necrosis (CN) are not known. The aim of this study was to assess whether anastomotic technique is associated with anastomotic failure after esophagectomy in the international Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) cohort. Methods This prospective observational multicenter cohort study included patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer over nine months in 2018. The primary exposure was the anastomotic technique, classified as handsewn, linear stapled or circular stapled. The primary outcome was a composite of AL and CN, as defined by the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to identify the strength of association between anastomotic techniques and anastomotic failure. Results Of the 2238 esophagectomies, the anastomosis was handsewn in 27.1%, linear stapled in 21.0% and circular stapled in 51.9%. Anastomotic techniques differed significantly between the anastomosis site (p < 0.001), with the majority of neck anastomoses being handsewn (69.9%), whilst most chest anastomoses were stapled (66.3% circular stapled, 19.3% linear stapled). Rates of AL/CN differed significantly between the anastomotic techniques (p < 0.001), from 19.3% in handsewn anastomoses, to 14.0% in linear stapled, and 12.1% in circular stapled. This was confirmed by multivariable analysis (Odds ratio (OR): 0.63, 95% CI: 0.46 - 0.86) for circular stapled vs. handsewn anastomosis. However, subgroup analysis by anastomosis site suggested that this effect was predominantly present in neck anastomoses, with AL/CN rates of 23.2% vs. 14.6% vs 5.9% for handsewn vs. linear stapled anastomoses vs circular stapled, compared to 13.7% vs. 13.8% vs 12.2% in chest anastomoses. Conclusions Handsewn anastomoses appear to be associated with higher rates of anastomotic failure for anastomoses in the neck. However, anastomotic failure rates in the chest were similar across techniques and there was no significant difference on multivariable analysis. Further research into standardization of approach and techniques may further improve outcomes.

384 SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES OF INTRA-THORACIC ESOPHAGO-GASTRIC ANASTOMOSES UNDER MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY VIA A PRONE POSITION

Although minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been performed for esophageal cancer worldwide, intra-thoracic anastomosis under prone positions is still challenging. In this retrospective study, we reviewed our short-term results of this anastomotic technique in our institution. Methods From November 2016 to December 2019, we performed 319 esophagectomies. Of these patients, 28 patients (9%) underwent intra-thoracic esophago-gastric anastomosis under MIE. Procedures The left side of an esophageal stump which had been closed using a linear stapler was opened for anastomosis. Then, the anterior wall of a gastric conduit, around 5 cm below the tip, was opened for anastomosis. Linear staplers were inserted in both esophageal stump and gastric conduit and side-to-side anastomosis was performed. The opening for insertion was closed using a hand-sewn anastomosis in 2 layers. Results Five patients (18%) suffered anastomotic leakage with Clavien-Dindo 2 and 3a, and all of them recovered by conservative treatments. Two patients (2/19, 11%) showed anastomotic stricture which improved by several endoscopic dilatations. Six patients (6/19, 32%) showed the reflux esophagitis of Grade C. Conclusion Although we have not experienced severe or critical post-operative complications, the short-term results of intra-thoracic anastomosis under MIE were not sufficient. Additional progresses in techniques are required.

362 SUPERIOR POLAR GASTRECTOMY ASSOCIATED WITH ANTI-REFLUX TECHNIQUE: CASE REPORT

Superior polar gastrectomy remains an accepted surgical alternative for proximal gastric tumors, although this approach has higher rates of gastroesophageal reflux since the valvular mechanism of cardias disappears. Thus, an additional technique is needed to avoid its presence. Methods This is a description of surgical technique and short term results of superior polar gastrectomy associated to Kamikawa’s anti-reflux technique in a female patient with proximal gastric cancer. Results A 55 year-old female diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma. Tumor was 3 cm long, from esophago-gastric junction to subcardial region (cT3N1M0). Patient underwent perioperative chemotherapy and surgical intervention 6 weeks later. A laparoscopic superior polar gastrectomy was performed and D1+ lymphadenectomy. A laparotomy was made to externalize the surgical specimen. Saline solution was injected into submucosa of gastric pouch and two seromuscular flaps were dissected. Gastric mucous membrane was opened in the inferior part of the flaps, constructing an esophagogastric end-to-side anastomosis. Seromuscular flaps were sewn overlapping the esophago-gastric anastomosis. Patient presented an optimal postoperative evolution, without heartburn, dysphagia neither vomiting. Conclusion The procedure described here is feasible and performable, and achieves correct oncological results avoiding performing a total gastrectomy and improving the gastroesophageal reflux problems derived from a superior polar gastrectomy.

DIEULAFOY’S DISEASE IN FORENSIC PRACTICE

Dieulafoy’s disease is a genetically determined lesion manifested in a developmental malformation of the vessels in the submucosal layer of the stomach with arrosion of an abnormally large artery. Dieulafoy’s ulcer is relatively uncommon and causes 0.4–1 % of all acute gastric bleedings, twice as often in men than in women. With the advent of endoscopy, its mortality rate decreased from 80 to 20 %. At the macroscopic scale, Dieulafoy’s arrosion is oval or star-shaped, with the mucous membrane “raised” above the bleeding vessel in the form of a polyp. In 80 % of the cases, the haemorrhage occurs at a 5–6 cm distance from the oesophageal-gastric anastomosis, most commonly in the lesser curvature. Microscopically, the wall of the arrosed artery is affected by proliferation and sclerosis of the intima, degeneration of the middle layer and disappearance of elastic fibres. This article describes a case from forensic practice that may be of interest to doctors of various specialities. During autopsy of citizen F., his stomach was found to contain two litres of black-brown clotted blood. Examination of the gastric mucosa revealed a lesion in the lesser curvature 5 cm below the oesophageal aperture with characteristic histological markers of Dieulafoy’s disease. Accordingly, death of citizen F. was caused by a massive gastric haemorrhage of a mucosal lesion developed in progression of Dieulafoy’s disease. This case highlights the risks associated with this pathology, as a massive gastric bleeding without proper timely surgery is potentially lethal.