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Advanced chemo- and radiotherapy makes it possible to expand the cohort of patients who can undergo surgical treatment for esophageal cancer. Optimization of perioperative approach, diagnosis and modern options for complications reduced early postoperative mortality after esophagectomy. Conduit ischemia with failure of esophageal-gastric or esophageal-intestinal anastomosis is one of the most serious complications. To minimize the risk of anastomotic leakage and graft necrosis in these patients, various methods of intraoperative assessment of graft viability are being investigated. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green is valuable for real time assessment of graft perfusion. To date, fluorescence imaging is analyzed regarding perfusion of the gastric stalk after esophagectomy. However, there are still few or no data on this method for analysis of colonic conduit perfusion. The absence of plastic material for gastrointestinal reconstruction is the most dangerous moment in case of ischemia and necrosis of colonic graft. We present our first case of delayed retrosternal esophageal repair using intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging for assessment of conduit perfusion.

Objective: To analyze the causes and surgical treatment of hiatal hernia after esophagectomy, technical features of surgery and methods of prevention., Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of postoperative hiatal hernias after esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer between 2018 and 2023. Structure of hernias, surgical options and postoperative results were assessed., Results: We analyzed 161 patients after Ivor Lewis ( n =101) and McKeown ( n =60) esophagectomies (open surge surgeries - 43.5%, thoraco- and laparoscopic procedures - 23%, hybrid procedures - 33.5%). The incidence of postoperative hiatal hernia was 3.7%. Hernia occurred within 1-15 months. There were 5 men and 1 woman (mean age 65 years). In all cases, partial or complete dissection of the left diaphragmatic crura was performed. The incidence of hernia after minimally invasive surgery was 4.4%, after open surgery - 2.9%. Two (33.3%) patients underwent urgent surgery for ileus within 2 months after primary esophageal surgery. Three (50%) patients underwent elective surgery. One (16.6%) patient is currently followed-up. The complication was asymptomatic in 2 (33.3%) patients. One (16.6%) patient died after emergency surgery in a COVID hospital due to strangulated hernia and progressive respiratory failure. Mean follow-up period was 16 months. No recurrent hernias were diagnosed., Conclusion: Hiatal hernias occur 2 times more often after minimally invasive esophagectomies. Active surgical strategy is necessary for symptomatic hernias due to high risk of strangulation and emergency interventions. The incidence of this complication is lower without wide diaphragmotomy, transection of the left diaphragmatic crus and high abdominal pressure during laparoscopic stage.

Postoperative hiatal hernia is a rare and specific complication after esophagectomy. This complication leads to emergency and affects mortality. Incidence of this complication has increased due to the great number of minimally invasive procedures over the past decades. In addition, chronic cough, preoperative hiatal hernia and transhiatal approach also increase the risk of recurrent hernias. Most post-esophagectomy hiatal hernias do not require emergency surgery. About 70% of patients have symptoms reducing the quality of life. About 25% of cases are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during follow-up examinations. The role of surgery for asymptomatic post-esophagectomy hernias is a matter of debate because the risk of symptoms or complications is poorly predictable. Surgical treatment is the only radical method for symptomatic or complicated hernias. However, there is still no consensus regarding surgical approach and technique. Most surgeons prefer open surgery fearing severe adhesive process and other technical difficulties. Laparoscopic approach is widely accepted as the "gold standard" for primary hiatal hernia. However, minimally invasive access for post-esophagectomy hiatal hernias is not sufficiently studied and described in several case reports. Currently, it is very important to study the risk factors of hiatal hernias after esophagectomy. We present successful laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia after hybrid McKeown esophagectomy.

Objective: To evaluate clinical efficacy of preoperative carbohydrate loading as a component of ERAS in esophageal reconstructive surgery., Material and Methods: Post hoc analysis included 162 patients who underwent esophageal reconstructive interventions with ERAS principles between 2014 and 2024. The main group ( n =61, CHO+) included patients who were metabolically loaded with carbohydrates in preoperative period with 12.5% maltodextrin solution 800 mL the day before and 400 mL 2 hours before surgery per os or enterally. The control group consisted of patients without carbohydrate load ( n =101, CHO-). Primary endpoint was length of hospital-stay, secondary control points - postoperative glycemia and complication rate., Results: Both groups were comparable in sex, age, character of the main and comorbid diseases, body mass index. Patients with CHO had significant lower incidence of respiratory complications ( p =0.034). Both groups did not differ in the incidence of anastomosis failure, morbidity and mortality., Conclusion: Preoperative carbohydrate loading in esophageal reconstructive surgery positively affects metabolic status and reduces the incidence of respiratory complications without effect on length of hospital-stay.

Objective: To analyze the results of thoracoscopic esophagectomy for benign esophageal diseases., Material and Methods: The study included 78 patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy between 2011 and 2019. Peptic and burn strictures of the esophagus were diagnosed in 53 patients, achalasia - in 24 patients. Minimally invasive esophagectomy and esophagoplasty with isoperistaltic gastric tube and esophagogastrostomy on the neck was performed in 68 patients, Ivor Lewis esophagectomy - in 1 patient, coloesophagoplasty - in 9 patients. We used manual technique of anastomosis in 58 patients, stapling device - in 19 patients. In 1 case, surgery was finished with esophagostomy and gastrostomy., Results: Mean blood loss was 200 ml (10-1200), surgery time - 450 min (265-765 min). Early postoperative complications occurred in 37 patients including anastomotic leakage in 24 cases. In long-term period, anastomotic strictures developed in 9 patients. No mortality was observed., Conclusion: Minimally invasive esophagectomy for benign esophageal diseases ensures favorable clinical outcomes. However, no consensus in the choice of surgical approach and indications, as well as small number of these patients cause challenges in implementation of this technique. There are different opinions regarding technique of anastomosis on the neck and surgical access in thoracoscopic esophagectomy.

Objective: To report our initial experience of robot-assisted McKeown esophagectomy with stapled cervical esophagogastrostomy., Material and Methods: There were 5 robot-assisted McKeown esophagectomies in patients with benign end-staged and malignant diseases of the esophagus for the period from October 2019 to February 2020., Results: No conversions and intraoperative complications were observed. Mean surgery time was 406±48 min, total intraoperative blood loss - 108±45 ml. Four patients had minor complications (wound infection, atelectasis, pneumothorax) that required conservative treatment. We have controlled anastomosis in 2-3 postoperative days with water-soluble contrast, none patient had an anastomotic leakage. Mean hospital-stay was 5 days. Complete (R0) resection was accomplished in all patients with malignant neoplasms., Conclusions: Our first experience showed that robot-assisted McKeown esophagectomy is a safe and feasible surgical option for esophageal diseases. Robot-assisted interventions require advanced endoscopic surgical experience.

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted closure system for esophageal anastomotic leakage., Material and Methods: There were 10 patients with upper gastrointestinal anastomotic leakage who were treated at our institution in 2015-2018. Vacuum aspiration system was applied in all cases., Results: Esophageal wall defect was successfully closed in 9 out of 10 patients after 2-4 courses and the system was eliminated in 11 days on the average. Localized cavity with granulation tissue developed in 1 patient after 5 courses and the system was also eliminated., Conclusion: Endoscopic vacuum-assisted therapy is an innovative, minimally invasive, economically profitable and successful method for anastomotic leakage. This procedure should be taken into consideration and widely used in multi-field hospitals.

Diagnostics and surgical treatment of 2 patients with giant esophageal leiomyoma are reported. The diagnosis was confirmed by chest computed tomography, MRI of the mediastinum, endoscopic ultrasound. Resection of tumor with mucosa suturing and Nissen fundoplication was performed in 1 case. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative partial failure of the seams of the esophageal wall occurred in 1 case. Drainage of posterior mediastinum was performed. Treatment resulted closure of the esophageal wall defect. Control postoperative examination confirmed patent esophagus and preserved passage through the esophagus. Multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment of these patients results favorable outcomes.

Aim: To optimize fluid therapy in transhiatal eshophagectomy by using of goal-oriented infusion therapy based on stroke volume variation., Material and Methods: Our trial enrolled 30 patients who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy followed by repair for the period 2011-2014. Patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group (LT) included 16 patients with liberal fluid therapy. The second group (GDT) consisted of 14 patients in whom goal-oriented fluid therapy was performed. Goal-oriented fluid therapy was implemented via stroke volume variation (SVV)., Results: Infusion rate was 6.7 ml/kg/h and 11.5 ml/kg/h in the main and control groups, respectively. Morbidity rate was 28.6% (n=4) and 62.5% (n=10) in the main and control groups respectively. Clavien-Dindo IV complications were lung atelectasis (n=2, 14%), pneumonia (n=1, 7%). Hydrothorax required puncture was noted in 1 (7%) case. Acute respiratory failure as complication IVa was in 1 (9%) patient. In the control group complications were registered in 10 (62.5%) patients. Complications I-II degree included lung atelectasis (n=4, 25%), cervical anastomosis failure (n=1, 6%); complications IVa were observed in 8 cases (50%). It was significant respiratory failure with reduced PO2/FiO2<300. Patients of the main group required less time for postoperative mechanical ventilation (120 [90-300] vs. 315 [215-810] min (p=0.02) and ICU-stay (0.83 [0.7-0.8] vs. 1.75 [1.25-2.75] (p=0.0022).

Aim: To present the result of transhiatal esophagectomies with simultaneous repair., Material and Methods: The study included 67 procedures. In 35 cases surgery was carried out for adenocarcinoma of distal esophagus or cardia with high transition to esophagus, in 32 cases - for epidermal carcinoma of the esophagus. Gastric graft and left half of the colon were used in 60 and 7 cases respectively for simultaneous repair. 29 patients underwent transhiatal instrumental esophagectomy using author's original technique.

An article presents the results of application of mediatinoscopy in extirpation of the esophagus and cardiac orifice. The comparative assessment was made in group of patients who underwent the standard surgery. An application of mediastinoscopy for excretion and extirpation of the esophagus allowed doctors to cut down the duration of intervention on 40,15%. The volume of intraoperative loss of blood was reduced on 45,52% and the rate of intraoperative complications decreased on more than 45% compared with standard surgery. There was noted the reduction of the rate of postoperative complications more than 30% and the course of postoperative period was smooth. These factors shortened hospital stay and time the patients should be in resuscitation department.

Aim: To improve immediate and long-term results of delayed coloesophagoplasty in cancer patients., Material and Methods: We presented three case reports of coloesophagoplasty in difficult clinical situations including technical impossibility of primary plasty, extraordinary anesthetic situation, transplant necrosis after primary plasty., Results: Gastrointestinal tract integrity was restored in all cases and patients returned to nutrition per os, that provided good quality of life and compensated nutritional deficiencies. Only one patient had bleeding in postoperative period that required relaparotomy. There were no postoperative complications in two other patients., Conclusion: Delayed coloesophagoplasty should be performed in all patients who underwent esophagogastrectomy if progression of primary disease is absent. Graft placement and colic segment are chosen individually. However left half of colon with retrosternal location of transplant is preferable for plasty.

Aim: To analyze the results of endoscopic interventions for benign diseases and injuries of the esophagus., Material and Methods: 159 patients with benign diseases and perforation of the esophagus were operated. There were 72 (45.3%) cases of achalasia, 56 (35.2%) with post-ambustial stenosis of esophagus, 14 (8.8%) with esophageal perforation, 13 (8.2%) with leuomyoma of esophagus and 4 (2.5%) with diverticulum of thoracic esophagus., Results and Discussion: In long-term period 56 patients with achalasia were followed-up after laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy with Dor fundoplication. Good results were observed in all cases. Three patients died in early postoperative period after thoracoscopic extirpation of esophagus with esophagoplasty via laparotomy at the stage of development of the technique. There were no deaths after thoracoscopic extirpation of esophagus with simultaneous laparoscopic gastroplasty. Postoperative period was significantly less after thoracoscopic extirpation of esophagus with simultaneous laparoscopic esophagogastroplasty using whole stomach compared with esophagogastroplasty and esophagocoloplasty via laparotomy. In long-term postoperative period different complications occurred in 17 cases. Two patients with esophageal perforation died after video-assisted laparotranshiatal drainage of posterior mediastinum. Scarring of esophageal defect was observed in others. Seam failure after esophageal leuomyoma removal was diagnosed in 2 patients that required video-assisted laparotranshiatal drainage of posterior mediastinum and Maydl jejunostomy. Seam failure in thoracic esophagus after thoracoscopic removal of diverticulum was observed in 1 case. The complication was cured by video-assisted laparotranshiatal drainage of posterior mediastinum.

An investigation included 33 patients with cancer of thoracal section of the esophagus at the age from 42 to 74 years old. A surgical method of treatment was applied as only one in 13 patients and methods of nonadjuvant chemoradiation therapy were used for 20 patients. A hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy (laparoscopic mobilization of the stomach and right-side thoracotomy) was performed on 16 patients. The rate of postoperative complications consisted of 31%. The minimally invasive esophagectomy (performed by totally endovideosurgical approach) was carried out in 15 cases. Postoperative complications developed in 53% of follow-up patients. There weren't cases of lethality. The experience of minimally invasive methods indicated the satisfactory results of application of given methods in patient treatment of esophageal cancer. The use of endovideosurgical approaches allowed performing oncologically adequate volume of operative interventions.

The article presents an experience of treatment of 180 patients with esophageal carcinoma. A resection of the esophagus with the gastric graft plasty was performed using original methods in 163 patients. There were 74 patients at a mature age and 89 patients at an elderly and senile age. The method of Doppler-echocardiography was applied for the assessment of cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Results of surgery correlated with both groups. It allowed the recommendation of more wide application of surgical aids in elderly age group. Postoperative lethality consisted of 4.1% for mature patients and 10.1% for the patients at the elderly and senile age.

Treatment results of 207 patients with the benign diseases of the esophagus, operated on during 2009-2012 yy, were analyzed. The diseases included the burn stricture of esophagus, cardiospasm, esophageal achalasia, hiatal hernias and diverticles. Indications to different treatment algorithms were substantiated. Postoperative complications were registered in 22 (10.6%) patients; the postoperative lethality was 1.6%. The authors concluded the high efficacy of the used methods of treatment.

Postintubation tracheal ruptures is a rare but serious complication with high risk for the patient's life. The preliminary diagnosis is usually made after occurrence of subcutaneous emphysema, blood spitting, respiratory insufficiency, pneumothorax and/or pneumomediastinum. The suspected rupture of the trachea should be verified by fiber-optic bronchoscopy. The decision about necessity of surgical or conservative treatment is based on the compilation of clinical, radiologic and endoscopic data. We present 9 cases (7 women and 2 men) of postintubation tracheal ruptures, occurred during the esophageal (6), lung (2) and mammary gland (1) surgery.

The clinical use of esophagogastroplasty with antireflux gastroesophageal anastomosis was analyzed basing on the data of 11 operated patients. All patients had benign strictures of the esophagus were operated on transhiatally. The long-term and early results demonstrated the efficacy of the sphincter-valve gastroesophageal anastomosis in prevention of reflux after distal esophagus resection and primary esophagogastroplasty.

Purulent endobronchitis was identified as a significant causative factor of post-operative development of pneumonia in 113 patients operated on for cancer of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction. Development of purulent endobronchitis was in turn influenced by extent of lymph node dissection. Timely catheterization and sanitation of the trachea and bronchi are a major tool of treatment.

Functional values of cardiorespiratory complex influencing the survival after resection of the esophagus with one-stage intrathoracic esophagoplasty were examined in 94 cases. Risk factors of postoperative lethality were revealed, among which changes of cardiovascular system predominated over disturbances of function of external respiration. Among parameters of hemodynamics assessed by integral rheography with computer processing of the curve, variability of blood stroke volume at rest and its dynamics after exercise fest showed high significance.

The data on 80 cases of radical resection and extirpation of the esophagus for intrathoracic tumors entailing esophagogastroplasty are discussed. Esophageal extirpation with resection of the proximal part of the stomach, sufficient lymphadenectomy, simultaneous transmedianal esophagogastroplasty and formation of cervical esophago-gastrostomy proved the most radical. The 3-year complication and mortality rates were 20.0 and 5.0%, respectively. The procedure yields the best functional results, too. It is understood that the long and tortuous process of development of a new surgical procedure inevitably involves frequent postoperative complications, which, however, can be effectively treated if measures are taken to improve surgical technique and intensive care standards. The end-results still leave much to be desired--the 3-year survival rate was 24.0, 5 years--8.0%.