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Purpose: To determine the relationship between postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) as an early indicator of anastomotic leakage (AL) after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Methods: We reviewed patients diagnosed with esophageal or esophagogastric junctional cancer who underwent esophagectomy between 2006 and 2022 at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated relative risk for AL by calculating the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The cut-off values for CRP were based on the maximum Youden's index using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: In total, 612 patients were included, with 464 (75.8%) in the non-AL (N-AL) group and 148 (24.2%) in the AL group. Preoperative body mass index and the proportion of patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification 3 were significantly higher in the AL group than in the N-AL group. The median day of AL occurrence was the postoperative day (POD) 8. Trends in CRP levels from POD 2 to 3 and POD 3 to 4 were significantly higher in the AL than in the N-AL group. An increase in CRP of ≥ 4.65% on POD 2 to 3 was an independent risk factor for AL with the highest OR of 3.67 (95% CI 1.66–8.38, p = 0.001) in patients with CRP levels on POD 2 above 211 mg/L. Conclusion: Early changes in postoperative CRP levels may help to detect AL early following esophageal cancer surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess whether androgens play a role in explaining the sex related differences in the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: A nationwide matched cohort study was conducted employing the Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden (PCBaSe) 4.0 during the study period 2006–2016. Prostate cancer (PC) patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) were treated as exposed. Prostate cancer-free men from the general population were randomly selected and matched to the index case by birth year and county of residence, forming the unexposed group. All were followed until a diagnosis of CRC, death, emigration, or end of the study period. The risk of CRC among ADT exposed PC patients compared to unexposed cancer-free men was calculated using a flexible parametric survival model and expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: There was an increased risk of CRC among ADT exposed PC patients compared to unexposed cancer-free men (HR 1.27 [95% CI 1.15–1.41]), in particular an increased risk of adenocarcinoma of the colon (HR 1.33 [95% CI 1.17–1.51]) and more specifically an increased risk of adenocarcinoma of the distal colon (HR 1.53 [95% CI 1.26–1.85]). Examination of latency effects yielded significantly decreased HRs over time for CRC (p = 0.049 for trend). Conclusions: This population-based study found an increased risk of CRC among PC patients exposed to ADT, specifically adenocarcinoma of the distal colon, which indicates an increased association between ADT (PC + ADT) and CRC but not a positive dose-response trend questioning a true causal effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adequate lymphadenectomy is an important step in gastrectomy for cancer, with a modified D2 lymphadenectomy being recommended for advanced gastric cancers. When assessing a novel technique for the treatment of gastric cancer, lymphadenectomy should be non-inferior. The aim of this study was to assess completeness of lymphadenectomy and distribution patterns between open total gastrectomy (OTG) and minimally invasive total gastrectomy (MITG) in the era of peri-operative chemotherapy. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the STOMACH trial, a randomized clinical trial in thirteen hospitals in Europe. Patients were randomized between OTG and MITG for advanced gastric cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Three-year survival, number of resected lymph nodes, completeness of lymphadenectomy, and distribution patterns were examined. Results: A total of 96 patients were included in this trial and randomized between OTG (49 patients) and MITG (47 patients). No difference in 3-year survival was observed, this was 57.1% in OTG group versus 46.8% in MITG group (P = 0.186). The mean number of examined lymph nodes per patient was 44.3 ± 16.7 in the OTG group and 40.7 ± 16.3 in the MITG group (P = 0.209). D2 lymphadenectomy of 71.4% in the OTG group and 74.5% in the MITG group was performed according to the surgeons; according to the pathologist compliance to D2 lymphadenectomy was 30% in the OTG group and 36% in the MITG group. Tier 2 lymph node metastases (stations 7–12) were observed in 19.6% in the OTG group versus 43.5% in the MITG group (P = 0.024). Conclusion: No difference in 3-year survival was observed between open and minimally invasive gastrectomy. No differences were observed for lymph node yield and type of lymphadenectomy. Adherence to D2 lymphadenectomy reported by the pathologist was markedly low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent research indicates long-term survival benefits of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) compared with open esophagectomy (OE) for patients with esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers, but there is a need for more population-based studies. Methods: We conducted a prospective population-based nationwide cohort study including all patients in Sweden diagnosed with esophageal or junctional cancer who underwent a transthoracic esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis. Data were collected from the Swedish National Register for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer in 2006–2019. Patients were grouped into OE and MIE including hybrid MIE (HMIE) and totally MIE (TMIE). Overall survival and short-term postoperative outcomes were compared using Cox regression and logistic regression models, respectively. All models were adjusted for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, clinical T and N stage, neoadjuvant therapy, year of surgery, and hospital volume. Results: Among 1404 patients, 998 (71.1%) underwent OE and 406 (28.9%) underwent MIE. Compared with OE, overall survival was better following MIE (hazard ratio [HR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55–0.94), TMIE (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47–0.94), and possibly also after HMIE (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.56–1.02). MIE was associated with shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, higher number of resected lymph nodes, and shorter hospital stay compared with OE. MIE was also associated with fewer overall complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.70, 95% CI 0.47–1.03) as well as non-surgical complications (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.40–1.00). Conclusions: MIE seems to offer better survival and similar or improved short-term postoperative outcomes in esophageal and GEJ cancers compared with OE in this unselected population-based cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the male predominance in esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma by evaluating the preventive potential of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). This matched cohort study was based on a national Swedish database of prostate cancer patients in 2006–2013. Prostate cancer patients receiving ADT were the exposed group. Prostate cancer-free men from the general population were randomly selected and matched to the index case by birth year and county of residence, forming the unexposed control group. The participants were followed until a diagnosis of esophageal or gastric cancer, death, emigration, or end of the study period. The risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, cardia gastric adenocarcinoma, non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma, and esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma among ADT-exposed compared to unexposed was calculated by multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were adjusted for confounders. There was a risk reduction of non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma among ADT-users compared to non-users (HR 0.49 [95% CI 0.24–0.98]). No such decreased risk was found for esophageal adenocarcinoma (HR 1.17 [95% CI 0.60–2.32]), cardia gastric adenocarcinoma (HR 0.99 [95% CI 0.40–2.46]), or esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (HR 0.99 [95% CI 0.31–3.13]). This study indicates that androgen deprivation therapy decreases the risk of non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma, while no decreased risk was found for esophageal adenocarcinoma, cardia gastric adenocarcinoma, or esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article was also updated to reflect that author Luigi Bonavina has this affiliation. The correct information is: Department of Surgery and Division of Foregut Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Partial stomach partitioning gastrojejunostomy (PSPGJ) was introduced as a palliative treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGO) caused by unresectable gastric or periampullary cancers and suggested to offer advantages over conventional gastrojejunostomy (CGJ) in reducing the risk for delayed gastric emptying (DGE). However, insufficient evidence is available to allow a comprehensive view of the true value of PSPGJ. The present study aimed to show the advantages of PSPGJ in terms of alleviating DGE and improving postoperative recovery compared to CGJ. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed, and studies comparing DGE and other perioperative and postoperative data including operation time, blood loss, total postoperative complications, anastomotic leak, postoperative period before oral intake, and/or hospital stay between PSPGJ and CGJ for MGO were incorporated. Risk ratio (RR) for binary variables and weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous variables were calculated, and meta-analyses were performed. Results: Seven studies containing 207 patients were included. The risk for DGE was significantly lower after PSPGJ (RR 0.32; 95%CI 0.17 to 0.60; P < 0.001). PSPGJ significantly reduced the postoperative hospital stay (WMD −6.1 days; 95%CI −8.9 to −3.3 days; P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the other variables between the groups. Conclusions: PSPGJ for MGO seems to offer significant advantages in terms of alleviating DGE and improving postoperative recovery compared to CGJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergen-driven disease in which eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus results in fibrosis, causing symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. The natural history of EoE frequently results in progressive deterioration of patients' quality of life. In selected cases, progressive manifestations of disease cannot be managed with the conventional treatment options, and patients therefore suffer from poor quality of life. Methods: We present the case of a 27-year-old male patient whose therapy for long-standing EoE did not prevent his clinical deterioration, which in turn gradually led to worsening quality of life owing to the degree and extent of esophageal fibrosis-associated remodeling. The patient eventually underwent a combined thoracoscopic/laparoscopic esophagectomy as a last resort aimed at alleviating the severe esophageal dysfunction and poor quality of life that he experienced. Results: The patient underwent a minimally invasive esophagectomy and recovered quickly, gaining weight as early as 4 weeks after surgery. The patient returned 5 months later complaining of dysphagia regarding solid food. Gastroscopy showed a mild anastomotic stenosis that was dilated to 18 mm. During follow-up, the patient gained 15 kg compared with his lowest body weight prior to surgery and has remained symptom free 2.5 years after his surgery. Conclusion: Surgery can be considered as a last-resort option for managing the refractory manifestations of EoE and its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) improves long-term survival for patients with esophageal cancer. On the other hand, there are indications that nCRT may increase the risk for postoperative morbidity. The aims of this study were to estimate the radiation exposure to the site of anastomosis on the gastric fundus and to assess whether nCRT affected the incidence or severity of cervical anastomotic complications. Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients with cancer of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction, who were reconstructed with cervical anastomosis. The planned radiation dose to the site of the cervical anastomosis on the gastric fundus was estimated for each patient. Results: The analysis of the dose plans showed that 20 out of 22 (93 %) available patients received radiotherapy toward the planned site of the anastomosis in the region of the gastric fundus with doses ranging from 6 to 40 Gy. In the nCRT group, 12 out of 28 patients (43 %) had anastomotic complications compared to 16 out of 42 (38 %) in the non-RT group ( p = 0.69). In the nCRT group, 39 % had anastomotic complications that led to a Clavien-Dindo grade of IVa or higher compared to 17 % in the non-RT group ( p = 0.03). The OR for Clavien-Dindo grade IVa or worse was 6.0 (95 % CI 1.52-23.50). Conclusion: This small retrospective study suggests that nCRT exposes the future anastomotic site to doses of radiation that may impair healing of the subsequent cervical anastomosis. Our data further suggest that nCRT may increase the severity of cervical anastomotic complications, and this hypothesis needs to be tested in a large prospective study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited information is available on the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after D2 gastrectomy with the strict use of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) criteria, particularly so in Western patients. Methods: All patients who underwent gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma at the Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge from 2006 until June 2012 were identified via hospital records and reviewed for type of surgical procedure, postoperative morbidity, incidence, and risk factors for POPF. Results: Ninety-two of 107 cases had a D2 gastrectomy eligible for evaluation of POPF, of which 83 (90 %) also underwent bursectomy. Seven patients fulfilled the criteria for POPF grade A (7.6 %), 5 met the criteria for POPF grade B (5.4 %), and 6 the criteria for POPF grade C (6.5 %). The incidence of POPF grade B or C was 4.9 % among the 82 patients for whom no pancreatic resection was performed and 70 % among 10 cases with concomitant pancreatic resection. The latter (OR 156.2, 95 % CI 8.00-3046.93) and age (OR 1.2, 95 % CI 1.02-1.35) were found to be the only risk factors for POPF after gastrectomy upon a multivariate analysis. Conclusions: In this series of Western patients, POPF grade B or C according to the ISGPF criteria was uncommon after D2 gastrectomy without pancreatic resection. Bursectomy was not a risk factor for POPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estrogen might protect women against gastric adenocarcinoma of the intestinal histological type. We addressed this hypothesis and proposed that gastric estrogen receptors (ERs) are involved. A population-based cohort of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma diagnosed in 1958–2004 in the county of Stockholm was identified through the Swedish Cancer Register. The patients were categorized regarding their endogenous estrogen exposure at diagnosis into: women aged less than 50 years, labelled “exposed women” ( n = 364), men aged less than 50 years, labelled “unexposed men” ( n = 396), and women aged more than 70 years, labelled “unexposed women” ( n = 3008). Tumor specimens were reviewed, and 289 cases were classified into intestinal ( n = 101) or diffuse type ( n = 188). Cases of intestinal adenocarcinomas ( n = 45) were tested for presence of ERalpha, ERbeta, and ERbeta cx by immunohistochemistry. Compared to “exposed women”, the intestinal type of gastric adenocarcinoma was more than four times more common among “unexposed men” (odds ratio [OR], 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2–10.3) and nine times more common among “unexposed women” (OR, 9.1; 95% CI, 4.3–19.6). No differences in ER expression were found. A comparison of ERs in tissues taken from the tumors and adjacent gastric mucosa revealed a loss of ERbeta and a gain of ERalpha in the tumor cells. The presence of ERbeta cx was identified for the first time in gastric tumors. Gastric adenocarcinoma of the intestinal type is less common in women with high endogenous estrogen exposure, indicating a preventive effect of estrogen. No differences in the distribution of ERs was found between the three estrogen exposure groups. The presence of ERbeta cx in gastric cancer warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In current best practise, curatively intended treatment for oesophageal cancer usually consists of neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (nCRT) or perioperative chemotherapy, and oesophagectomy. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) has the potential to identify patients without lymph node metastases and thus improve the staging accuracy and influence treatment. The impact of neoadjuvant treatment on the lymphatic drainage of oesophageal cancers and subsequently the SLNB procedure in this tumour type has previously not been well studied., Purpose: To evaluate changes in lymphatic drainage patterns of the tumour in patients with cancer of the oesophagus or gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) using Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) hybrid SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy before and after nCRT., Methods: Patients with clinical stage T2-T3, any N-stage, M0 cancer of the oesophagus or GOJ underwent endoscopically guided peri-/intratumoral injection of radio-colloid followed by hybrid SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy prior to, and once again following, nCRT. SPECT/CT images were evaluated to number and location of SLNs and compared between the two examinations., Results: Ten patients were included in this pilot trial. SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy was performed in twenty procedures. The same Sentinel Lymph Node station before and after nCRT was observed in one single patient. In two patients, no SLN was detected before nCRT. In three patients no SLN was detected following nCRT. In four patients, the SLN stations were not the same station at baseline compared to follow-up examination., Conclusions: The reproducibility SLN detection in patients with cancer of the oesophagus/GOJ following nCRT was very poor. nCRT appears to alter lymphatic drainage patterns and thus may affect detection of SLNs and potentially also the accuracy of an SLNB in these patients. On the basis of these initial results, we abort further patient recruitment in our institution., Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Identifier ACTRN12618001433291 . Date registered: 27/08/2018. Retrospectively registered.