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Background Artificial intelligence (AI) holds tremendous potential to reduce surgical risks and improve surgical assessment. Machine learning, a subfield of AI, can be used to analyze surgical video and imaging data. Manual annotations provide veracity about the desired target features. Yet, methodological annotation explorations are limited to date. Here, we provide an exploratory analysis of the requirements and methods of instrument annotation in a multi-institutional team from two specialized AI centers and compile our lessons learned. Methods We developed a bottom-up approach for team annotation of robotic instruments in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), which was subsequently validated in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). Furthermore, instrument annotation methods were evaluated for their use in Machine Learning algorithms. Overall, we evaluated the efficiency and transferability of the proposed team approach and quantified performance metrics (e.g., time per frame required for each annotation modality) between RAPN and RAMIE. Results We found a 0.05 Hz image sampling frequency to be adequate for instrument annotation. The bottom-up approach in annotation training and management resulted in accurate annotations and demonstrated efficiency in annotating large datasets. The proposed annotation methodology was transferrable between both RAPN and RAMIE. The average annotation time for RAPN pixel annotation ranged from 4.49 to 12.6 min per image; for vector annotation, we denote 2.92 min per image. Similar annotation times were found for RAMIE. Lastly, we elaborate on common pitfalls encountered throughout the annotation process. Conclusions We propose a successful bottom-up approach for annotator team composition, applicable to any surgical annotation project. Our results set the foundation to start AI projects for instrument detection, segmentation, and pose estimation. Due to the immense annotation burden resulting from spatial instrumental annotation, further analysis into sampling frequency and annotation detail needs to be conducted.

While the sentinel lymph node concept is routinely applied in other surgical fields, no established and valid modality for lymph node mapping for esophageal cancer surgery currently exists. Near-infrared light fluorescence (NIR) using indocyanine green (ICG) has been recently proven to be a safe technology for peritumoral injection and consecutive lymph node mapping in small surgical cohorts, mostly without the usage of robotic technology. The aim of this study was to identify the lymphatic drainage pattern of esophageal cancer during highly standardized RAMIE and to correlate the intraoperative images with the histopathological dissemination of lymphatic metastases. Patients with clinically advanced stage squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus undergoing a RAMIE at our Center of Excellence for Surgery of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract were prospectively included in this study. Patients were admitted on the day prior to surgery, and an additional EGD with endoscopic injection of the ICG solution around the tumor was performed. Intraoperative imaging procedures were performed using the Stryker 1688 or the FIREFLY fluorescence imaging system, and resected lymph nodes were sent to pathology. A total of 20 patients were included in the study, and feasibility and safety for the application of NIR using ICG during RAMIE were shown. NIR imaging to detect lymph node metastases can be safely performed during RAMIE. Further analyses in our center will focus on pathological analyses of ICG-positive tissue and quantification using artificial intelligence tools with a correlation of long-term follow-up data.

Objective of the study In esophageal surgery, anastomotic leak (AL) remains one of the most severe and critical adverse events after oncological esophagectomy. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) can be used to treat AL; however, in the current literature, treatment outcomes and reports on how to use this novel technique are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with an AL after IL RAMIE and to determine whether using EVT as an treatment option is safe and feasible. Material and methods This study includes all patients who developed an Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) type II AL after IL RAMIE at our center between April 2017 and December 2021. The analysis focuses on time to EVT, duration of EVT, and follow up treatments for these patients. Results A total of 157 patients underwent an IL RAMIE at our hospital. 21 patients of these (13.4%) developed an ECCG type II AL. One patient died of unrelated Covid-19 pneumonia and was excluded from the study cohort. The mean duration of EVT was 12 days (range 4–28 days), with a mean of two sponge changes (range 0–5 changes). AL was diagnosed at a mean of 8 days post-surgery (range 2–16 days). Closure of the AL with EVT was successful in 15 out of 20 patients (75%). Placement of a SEMS (Self-expandlable metallic stent) after EVT was performed in four patients due to persisting AL. Overall success rate of anastomotic sealing independently of the treatment modality was achieved in 19 out of 20 Patients (95%). No severe EVT-related adverse events occurred. Conclusion This study shows that EVT can be a safe and effective endoscopic treatment option for ECCG type II AL.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to provide a full HRM data set in patients with a normal functioning fundoplication. BACKGROUND The Chicago classification was devised to correlate High Resolution Manometry (HRM) values to the clinical status of patients with swallowing disorder. However, it is unclear whether those values are applicable after fundoplication as the literature is sparse. METHODS We identified patients with pre- and postoperative HRM who had a normal functioning primary fundoplication as defined by 1) resolution of preoperative symptoms without significant postoperative side effects, 2) no dysphagia reported on a standardized questionnaire given on the day of the postoperative HRM and 3) normal acid exposure determined objectively by esophageal pH-testing. RESULTS Fifty patients met inclusion criteria for the study. Thirty-three patients (66%) underwent complete fundoplication and 17 patients (34%) underwent posterior partial fundoplication. Postoperative HRM was performed at a median of 12 months after primary surgery. LES values significantly increased with the addition of a fundoplication. Median IRP was 14mmHg (p = 0.0001), median resting pressure 19.5mmHg (p = 0.0263) and median total length LES was 3.95 cm (p = 0.0098). The 95th percentile for IRP in a complete fundoplication was 29 vs. 23mmHg in a partial fundoplication (p = 0.3667). CONCLUSION We offer a new standard manometric profile for a normally functioning fundoplication which provides a necessary benchmark for analyzing postoperative problems with a fundoplication. The previously accepted upper limit defining esophageal outflow obstruction (IRP > 20mmHg) is not clinically applicable after fundoplication as the majority of patients in this dysphagia-free cohort exceeded this value. Interestingly, there does not appear to be a significant difference in HRM LES values between complete and partial fundoplication.

The short-term success of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is well documented but the durability of the operation is questioned. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the POEM procedure for esophageal motility disorders in a large cohort in which all patients had at least 5 years of follow-up. All patients from a single center who underwent a POEM between October 2010 and September 2014 were followed for long-term clinical outcomes. Postoperative Eckardt symptom scores of short term and ≥ 5 years were collected through phone interview. Clinical success was defined as an Eckardt score

Robotische Systeme wurden vor uber 20 Jahren zum ersten Mal in die Viszeralchirurgie eingefuhrt, kurz darauf fuhrte Horgan in Chicago 2003 die erste roboterassistierte Osophagusresektion durch. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Darstellung neuer Techniken und Trainingsmethoden fur die roboterassistierte Chirurgie mit Kosten-Nutzen-Bewertung am Beispiel der Ivor-Lewis-Osophagektomie Es erfolgte eine systematische Literaturrecherche zu neuen Technologien im Bereich der roboterassistierten Chirurgie und Kostenanalyse der intraoperativen Verbrauchsmaterialien fur die Hybrid-Ivor-Lewis-Osophagektomie sowie die roboterassistierte Ivor-Lewis-Osophagektomie. Roboterassistierte Osophaguschirurgie ist komplex und erfordert eine aufwendige Lernphase. Diese kann durch moderne Trainingsmethoden deutlich verkurzt werden. Neue Robotersysteme zielen auf den Einsatz bildgestutzter Chirurgie und kunstliche Intelligenz. Roboterassistierte Eingriffe in der Osophagustumorchirurgie sind signifikant teurer als vergleichbare Eingriffe ohne diese Technologie. Onkologische Kurz- und Langzeitvorteile fur den Patienten nach roboterassistierten Eingriffen am oberen Gastrointestinaltrakt mussen weiter evaluiert werden, um den Einsatz robotischer Technologie zu rechtfertigen.

Background Minimally invasive single-port surgery is always associated with large incisions up to 2–3 cm, complicated handling due to the lack of triangulation, and instrument crossing. The aim of this prospective study was to report how medical students without any laparoscopic experience perform several laparoscopic tasks (rope pass, paper cut, peg transfer, recapping, and needle threading) with the new SymphonX single-port platform and to examine the learning curves in comparison to the laparoscopic multi-port technique. Methods A set of 5 laparoscopic skill tests (Rope Pass, Paper cut, Peg Transfer, Recapping, Needle Thread) were performed with 3 repetitions. Medical students performed all tests with both standard laparoscopic instruments and the new platform. Time and errors were recorded. Results A total of 114 medical students (61 females) with a median age of 23 years completed the study. All subjects were able to perform the skill tests with both standard laparoscopic multi-port and the single-port laparoscopic system and were able to significantly improve their performance over the three trials for all five tasks—rope pass (p p p p p p p p p = 0.003). In the task needle threading, there was no significant difference between the standard multi-port system and the new single-port system (p > 0.05). Conclusion This is the first study analyzing learning curves of the commercially available SymphonX platform for abdominal laparoscopic surgery when used by novices. The learning curve and the error rate are promising.

The magnetic sphincter augmentation device (MSA) provides effective relief of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Dysphagia after MSA implantation sometimes prompts endoscopic dilation. The manufacturer’s instructions are that it be performed 6 or more weeks after implantation under fluoroscopic guidance to not more than 15 mm keeping 3 or more beads closed. The purpose of this study was to assess adherence to these recommendations and explore the techniques used and outcomes after MSA dilation. We conducted a multicenter retrospective review of patients undergoing dilation for dysphagia after MSA placement from 2012 to 2018. A total of 144 patients underwent 245 dilations. The median size of MSA placed was 14 beads (range 12–17) and the median time to dilation was 175 days. A second dilation was performed in 67 patients, 22 patients had a third dilation and 7 patients underwent 4 or more dilations. In total, 17 devices (11.8%) were eventually explanted. The majority of dilations were performed with a balloon dilator (81%). The median dilator size was 18 mm and 73.4% were done with a dilator larger than 15 mm. There was no association between dilator size and need for subsequent dilation. Fluoroscopy was used in 28% of cases. There were no perforations or device erosions related to dilation. There is no clinical credence to the manufacturer’s recommendation for the use of fluoroscopy and limitation to 15 mm when dilating a patient for dysphagia after MSA implantation. Use of a larger size dilator was not associated with perforation or device erosion, but also did not reduce the need for repeat dilation. Given this, we would recommend that the initial dilation for any size MSA device be done using a 15 mm through-the-scope balloon dilator. Dysphagia prompting dilation after MSA implantation is associated with nearly a 12% risk of device explantation.

BACKGROUND Locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (EAC) and squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) result in a worse prognosis. Neoadjuvant treatment improves survival, however, only for responders. The transmembrane glycoprotein podoplanin is overexpressed in squamous cell carcinomas, miRNA-363 is associated to its regulation in head and neck cancer. AIM To predict therapy response and prognosis markers, and targets for novel therapies would individualize treatments leading to more favourable outcomes. METHODS Expression of podoplanin protein has been visualized by immunohistochemistry in surgical specimens of 195 esophageal cancer patients who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy: 90 ESCC and 105 EAC with clinical T2-3, Nx, M0. One hundred and six patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. RNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue, and miRNA-363 quantified by real-time TaqMan-real-time-PCR. D2-40 mab staining of > 5% was scored as high podoplanin expression (HPE). We related podoplanin and miRNA-363 expression to histopathologic response after neoadjuvant treatment and clinicopathological characteristics, such as histological tumor type, survival rate or clinical tumor category. RESULTS We confirmed expression of membrane-bound podoplanin in 90 ESCC patients. 26% showed HPE of > 5%. In addition, absence in EAC patients (only 2% with HPE) was shown. Lower podoplanin expression has been detected in resection-specimen of 58 ESCC patients after neoadjuvant (RTx/CTx) treatment, only 11% with HPE, compared to 50% HPE of 32 non-pretreated primary surgery patients, P = 0.0001. This difference of podoplanin expression was confirmed comparing pre-treatment biopsies with matching post-treatment surgical specimens, P < 0.001. Podoplanin has been identified as a prognostic marker in 32 patients that underwent primary surgery without neoadjuvant treatment. Low (0-5%) podoplanin expression was associated with better prognosis compared to patients with HPE, P = 0.013. Podoplanin expression has been associated with post-transcriptional regulation by miRNA-363. At a cut-off value of miR-363 < 7, lower miR-363 expression correlated with HPE in surgical tissue specimens of primary surgery patients, P = 0.013. Therefore, ESCC patients with miRNA-363 expression < 7 had a worse prognosis than patients expressing miRNA-363 ≥ 7, P = 0.049. CONCLUSION Analysis of the molecular process that leads to decrease in podoplanin expression during neoadjuvant treatment and its regulation may provide novel markers and targets to improve targeted therapy of ESCC.

BACKGROUND When gastroesophageal reflux contents reach above the upper esophageal sphincter, patients may, in addition to typical reflux symptoms, present with atypical, extraesophageal symptoms related to laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Surgical treatment of LPR has shown to lead to 70% symptom improvement, however no gold standard for the diagnosis of LPR exists. In 2007, the Restech Dx-pH was released as a valid method to measure acid exposure above the upper esophageal sphincter. Recently, a new software update was introduced for analysis of measured pH data and calculation of composite scores. The effect of the changes applied to the new software version have not yet been analyzed. AIM To compare results generated by DataView 3 to the most recently released DataView 4. METHODS All patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms were seen in a specialized surgical outpatient clinic for gastrointestinal function testing. Retrospective chart review was performed of all patients presenting with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease and extraesophageal reflux symptoms, who underwent laryngopharyngeal pH monitoring using the Restech Dx-pH system (Respiratory Technology Corp., Houston, TX, United States) and simultaneous esophageal pH monitoring. DataView 3 and DataView 4 were used to evaluate Restech studies obtained. Diary entries such as mealtimes, supine and upright periods, and symptoms were entered manually to ensure accuracy and precise conversion of data between both software versions. Paired t test was performed for statistical analysis of results. RESULTS A total of 174 patients (63.8% female) met inclusion criteria, all suffering from extraesophageal reflux symptoms as well as typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. Mean RYAN score upright was 48.77 in DataView 3 compared to 22.17 in DataView 4, showing a significant difference (aP = 0.0001). Similar results were shown for supine period (mean RYAN Score DataView 3 5.29 vs 1.42 in DataView 4, cP = 0.0001). For upright periods 80 patients showed a decrease of value of the RYAN score with a mean of -58.9 (mean 51.1% decrease). For supine position 25 patients showed a decrease of value of the RYAN score with a mean of -15.13 [range (-153.44)–(-0.01)], which equals a mean decrease of value of 44.5%. Ten patients showed no oropharyngeal acid exposure in DataView 3, but mild/moderate (n = 7) or severe (n = 3) acid exposure in DataView 4. Correlation with positive esophageal pH measurement was improved in all 10 patients. CONCLUSION Results of both software versions cannot be compared to each other. However, our data suggests that DataView 4 may be an improvement of the Restech pH measurement in the evaluation of LPR.

Introduction Transthoracic esophagectomy is a highly complex and sophisticated procedure with high morbidity rates and a significant mortality. Surgical access has consistently become less invasive, transitioning from open esophagectomy to hybrid esophagectomy (HE) then to totally minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE), and most recently to robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE), with each step demonstrating improved patient outcomes. Aim of this study with more than 600 patients is to complete a propensity-score matched comparison of postoperative short-term outcomes after highly standardized RAMIE vs. HE in a European high volume center. Patients and Methods Six hundred and eleven patients that underwent transthoracic Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between May 2016 and May 2021 were included in the study. In January 2019, we implemented an updated robotic standardized anastomotic technique using a circular stapler and ICG (indocyanine green) for RAMIE cases. Data were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively maintained IRB-approved database. Outcomes of patients undergoing standardized RAMIE from January 2019 to May 2021 were compared to our overall cohort from May 2016–April 2021 (HE) after a propensity-score matching analysis was performed. Results Six hundred and eleven patients were analyzed. 107 patients underwent RAMIE. Of these, a total of 76 patients underwent a robotic thoracic reconstruction using the updated standardized circular stapled anastomosis (RAMIE group). A total of 535 patients underwent HE (Hybrid group). Seventy patients were propensity-score matched in each group and analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics. RAMIE patients had a significantly shorter ICU stay (p = 0.0218). Significantly more patients had no postoperative complications (Clavien Dindo 0) in the RAMIE group [47.1% vs. 27.1% in the HE group (p = 0.0225)]. No difference was seen in lymph node yield and R0 resection rates. Anastomotic leakage rates when matched were 14.3% in the hybrid group vs. 4.3% in the RAMIE group (p = 0.07). Conclusion Our analysis confirms the safety and feasibility of RAMIE and HE in a large cohort after propensity score matching. A regular postoperative course (Clavien–Dindo 0) and a shorter ICU stay were seen significantly more often after RAMIE compared to HE. Furthermore it shows that both procedures provide excellent short-term oncologic outcomes, regarding lymph node harvest and R0 resection rates. A randomized controlled trial comparing RAMIE and HE is still pending and will hopefully contribute to ongoing discussions.

Background: Patients, surgeons, and payers are interested in reducing hospital length of stay. Outpatient laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) can be done safely and cost effectively. There is low acceptance of this practice due to fear of readmission and patient dissatisfaction. Our aim was to identify factors predicting failure of same-day discharge after LF. Methods and Procedures: We simulated an outpatient setting for patients who underwent LF from 2017 to 2018 and collected the data prospectively. A perioperative pain and nausea protocol was utilized. Postoperatively, patients were given a liquid diet and oral medications, observed overnight, and then discharged after standard criteria were met. Failure was defined by the need for physician intervention after 3 hours or failure to discharge. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed assessing factors associated with failure. Two-sample t-test and chi-squared tests were used for significance. Results: Ninety-eight patients were included. Twenty patients failed, primarily due to the need for intravenous medications. Seven were discharged on postoperative day 1 but required physician intervention after 3 hours. Thirteen patients stayed >23 hours. Two patients were readmitted within 1 week of discharge. There was one acute recurrence, requiring reoperation, and one conversion to laparotomy. We found no statistically significant patient risk factor, comorbidity, or perioperative variable that could reliably predict failure of same-day discharge. Conclusion: This study suggests that same-day discharge after LF is safe and feasible. However, 20% of patients will unpredictably fail to meet discharge criteria.

In addition to typical reflux symptoms, many patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) present with extraesophageal symptoms such as cough, hoarseness or asthma, which can be caused by laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Due to their multifactorial origin, those symptoms can be a great diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Esophageal pH-monitoring is commonly used to determine abnormal esophageal acid exposure and confirm the diagnosis of GERD. However, for better evaluation of acid exposure above the upper esophageal sphincter, a new laryngopharyngeal pH measurement system is now available and may lead to more reliable results in patients with predominantly extraesophageal symptoms. This article aims to present a standardized protocol for simultaneous pH measurement using esophageal and laryngopharyngeal pH probes in order to obtain acid exposure scores from both measurements.

Robotic surgery was introduced into general surgery more than 20 years ago. Shortly afterwards, Horgan performed the first robotic-assisted esophagectomy in 2003 in Chicago. The aim of this manuscript is to elucidate new developments and training methods in robotic surgery with a cost-benefit analysis for robotic-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.Systematic literature search regarding new technology and training methods for robotic surgery and cost analysis of intraoperative materials for hybrid and robotic-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.Robotic-assisted esophageal surgery is complex and involves an extensive learning curve, which can be shortened with modern teaching methods. New robotic systems aim at the use of image-guided surgery and artificial intelligence. Robotic-assisted surgery of esophageal cancer is significantly more expensive that surgery without this technology.Oncological short-term and long-term benefits need to be further evaluated to support the higher cost of robotic esophageal cancer surgery.EINLEITUNG: Robotische Systeme wurden vor über 20 Jahren zum ersten Mal in die Viszeralchirurgie eingeführt, kurz darauf führte Horgan in Chicago 2003 die erste roboterassistierte Ösophagusresektion durch. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Darstellung neuer Techniken und Trainingsmethoden für die roboterassistierte Chirurgie mit Kosten-Nutzen-Bewertung am Beispiel der Ivor-Lewis-Ösophagektomie METHODEN: Es erfolgte eine systematische Literaturrecherche zu neuen Technologien im Bereich der roboterassistierten Chirurgie und Kostenanalyse der intraoperativen Verbrauchsmaterialien für die Hybrid-Ivor-Lewis-Ösophagektomie sowie die roboterassistierte Ivor-Lewis-Ösophagektomie.Roboterassistierte Ösophaguschirurgie ist komplex und erfordert eine aufwendige Lernphase. Diese kann durch moderne Trainingsmethoden deutlich verkürzt werden. Neue Robotersysteme zielen auf den Einsatz bildgestützter Chirurgie und künstliche Intelligenz. Roboterassistierte Eingriffe in der Ösophagustumorchirurgie sind signifikant teurer als vergleichbare Eingriffe ohne diese Technologie.Onkologische Kurz- und Langzeitvorteile für den Patienten nach roboterassistierten Eingriffen am oberen Gastrointestinaltrakt müssen weiter evaluiert werden, um den Einsatz robotischer Technologie zu rechtfertigen.

Simple Summary One of the most severe postoperative complications after a transthoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is a leakage of the anastomosis created between the remnant esophagus and the stomach. There is substantial debate on which surgical technique and which stapler are the best. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze whether the stapler diameter had an impact on postoperative anastomotic leak rates during a 4-year time frame from 2016 to 2020. A total of 632 patients (open, hybrid, and totally minimally invasive esophagectomy) met the inclusion criteria. A total of 214 patients underwent an anastomosis with a 25 mm stapler vs. 418 patients with a 28 mm stapler. Anastomotic leak rates were 15.4% vs. 10.8%, respectively. Stapler size should be chosen according to the individual anatomical situation of the patient and may be of higher relevance in patients undergoing totally minimally invasive reconstruction. Abstract Anastomotic leak is one of the most severe postoperative complications and is therefore considered a benchmark for the quality of surgery for esophageal cancer. There is substantial debate on which anastomotic technique is the best for patients undergoing Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Our standardized technique is a circular stapled anastomosis with either a 25 or 28 mm anvil. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze whether the stapler diameter had an impact on postoperative anastomotic leak rates during a 4-year time frame from 2016 to 2020. A total of 632 patients (open, hybrid, and totally minimally invasive esophagectomy) met the inclusion criteria. A total of 214 patients underwent an anastomosis with a 25 mm stapler vs. 418 patients with a 28 mm stapler. Anastomotic leak rates were 15.4% vs. 10.8%, respectively (p = 0.0925). Stapler size should be chosen according to the individual anatomical situation of the patient. Stapler size may be of higher relevance in patients undergoing totally minimally invasive reconstruction.

Summary Diaphragmatic transposition of intestinal organs is a major complication after esophagectomy and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims of to analyze a large series of patients with this condition in a single high-volume center for esophageal surgery and to suggest a novel treatment algorithm. Patients who received surgery for postesophagectomy diaphragmatic herniation between October 2003 and December 2017 were included. Retrospective analysis of demographic, clinical and surgical data was performed. Outcomes of measure were initial clinical presentation, postoperative complications, in-hospital mortality and herniation recurrence. A total of 39 patients who had surgery for postesophagectomy diaphragmatic herniation were identified. Diaphragmatic herniation occurred after a median time of 259 days following esophagectomy with the highest prevalence between 1 and 12 months. A total of 84.6% of the patients had neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy prior to esophagectomy. The predominantly effected organ was the transverse colon (87.2%) prolapsing into the left hemithorax (81.6%). A total of 20 patients required emergency surgery. Surgery always consisted of reposition of the intestinal organs and closure of the hiatal orifice; a laparoscopic approach was used in 25.6%. Major complications (Dindo–Clavien ≥ IIIb) were observed in 35.9%, hospital mortality rate was 7.7%. Three patients developed recurrent diaphragmatic herniation during follow-up. Postesophagectomy diaphragmatic herniation is a functional complication of the late postoperative course and predominantly occurs in patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma having chemoradiation before Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy. Due to a high rate of emergency surgery with life-threatening complications not a ‘wait-and-see’ strategy but early surgical repair may be indicated.

Aim The aim of the study is to analyze the structure and the patient population of a consultation hour for benign diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract at a centre of excellence for esophageal and gastric surgery. Background and Methods The increasing specialization in visceral surgery leads to a higher number of special consultation hours, e.g. for benign diseases of the esophagus and stomach. In this study we examine both the reasons for an introduction at a specialized clinic and the therapy suggestions. The clinical and demographic data of all patients who visited an appointment for functional diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract of the University Hospital Cologne during the entire year 2018 were collected prospectively for this study and evaluated at the end of the year. Results In 2018, a total of 412 patients attended the benign OGI consultation hour (54% male). 107 patients (26%) attended more than once. 293 patients attended the consultation hour for the first time. The following diagnoses most frequently led to the presentation in the special consultation hour: GERD (n=262, 63%), achalasia (n=52, 13%), upside-down-stomach (n=24, 6%), dysphagia of unknown genesis (n=15, 4%), and other motility disorders of the esophagus (n=14, 3%). 190 patients received an EGD because they had not received an endoscopic examination in the last year. Functional diagnostics were performed in almost all new presentations: High- resolution-manometry (n=243), 24h-pH-metry (n=199). Even though the surgical department led the consultation hour, a conservative approach was recommended to 231 patients (56%). Surgery was recommended to 156 patients (38%) and an endoscopic approach was recommended in 25 cases (6%). Overall, 101 patients (43%) received an operation during the observation period. Most common indication for surgery was GERD (n=63, 62%). Of those 63 patients, 42 received a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Conclusion The demand for a specialized clinic for reflux treatment is significant and includes a high degree of diagnostics. A differentiation of the symptoms is decisive in order to select the right patients for surgical therapy. Only about every third patient is recommended for surgery.

Introduction/Aim Laryngopharyngeal pH-monitoring (Restech) is a relatively new reflux testing device that needs more validation. It was developed to detect both liquid and acidic gas vapor, and the more consistent pharyngeal placement may lead to more reliable results, especially when laryngopharyngeal symptoms such as cough, hoarseness and globus sensation are present. Aim of this study is to determine if Restech can identify patients with a successful outcome for certain symptoms after antireflux surgery. Background and Methods In our esophageal center of excellence, more than 300 esophageal surgeries are performed annually. All patients are prospectively entered in our IRB approved database and undergo a routine check-up program with postoperative surveillance following surgery. All patients with suspicion for GERD received a complete diagnostic work-up for gastroesophageal reflux including symptom evaluation, endoscopy, 24-hour impedance pH-metry, high resolution manometry and Restech. Only patients with a complete dataset and oropharyngeal reflux symptoms were included in this study. Results A total of 155 [99 females] consecutive patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease and oropharyngeal symptoms that were seen between 10/2013 and 08/2018 were included and underwent 24-h laryngopharyngeal with concomitant esophageal pH-monitoring. A total of 24 of these patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms underwent laparoscopic antireflux surgery from 10/2013 - 02/2018 and had a complete follow up. Restech evaluation was abnormal in 62.5% (n=15, mean RYAN Score upright 121.73 [35.1-386.05], mean RYAN Score supine 5.74 [2.17-50.62]). Two out of preoperatively 12 [16.7%] patients with a pathologic Restech test complained about regurgitation after surgery versus 4 out of preoperatively 8 [50%] patients with a normal Restech result. No patient with an abnormal Restech result out of preoperatively 11 complained about extraesophageal symptoms after the surgery versus 1 from preoperatively 4 [25%] patients with a negative Restech. Conclusion An abnormal Restech result better identifies a successful outcome for regurgitation and extraesophageal symptoms after antireflux surgery. All patients had a complete resolution of extraesophageal symptoms after surgery.

24-hour esophageal pH-metry is not designed to detect laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The new laryngopharyngeal pH-monitoring system (Restech) may detect LPR better. There is no established correlation between these two techniques as only small case series exist. The aim of this study is to examine the correlation between the two techniques with a large patient cohort. All patients received a complete diagnostic workup for gastroesophageal reflux including symptom evaluation, endoscopy, 24-hour pH-metry, high resolution manometry, and Restech. Consecutive patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux and disease-related extra-esophageal symptoms were evaluated using 24-hour laryngopharyngeal and concomitant esophageal pH-monitoring. Subsequently, the relationship between the two techniques was evaluated subdividing the different reflux scenarios into four groups. A total of 101 patients from December 2013 to February 2017 were included. All patients presented extra-esophageal symptoms such as cough, hoarseness, asthma symptoms, and globus sensation. Classical reflux symptoms such as heartburn (71%), regurgitation (60%), retrosternal pain (54%), and dysphagia (32%) were also present. Esophageal 24-hour pH-metry was positive in 66 patients (65%) with a mean DeMeester Score of 66.7 [15-292]. Four different reflux scenarios were detected (group A-D): in 39% of patients with abnormal esophageal pH-metry, Restech evaluation was normal (group A, n = 26, mean DeMeester-score = 57.9 [15-255], mean Ryan score = 2.6 [2-8]). In 23% of patients with normal pH-metry (n = 8, group B), Restech evaluation was abnormal (mean DeMeester-score 10.5 [5-13], mean Ryan score 63.5 [27-84]). The remaining groups C and D showed corresponding results. Restech evaluation was positive in 48% of cases in this highly selective patient cohort. As demonstrated by four reflux scenarios, esophageal pH-metry and Restech do not necessarily need to correspond. Especially in patients with borderline abnormal 24-hour pH-metry, Restech may help to support the decision for or against laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery.

Background Post-operative pain control and narcotic over-utilization are challenging issues for surgeons in all fields. While virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly applied in various fields, its feasibility and efficacy in the peri-operative period has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to examine the experience of an integrated VR protocol in the perioperative setting. Methods Patients undergoing minimally invasive foregut surgery at a single institution were randomized to receive a series of VR meditation/mindfulness sessions (VR) or to standard care after surgery (non-VR). Post-operative pain levels, narcotic utilization and patient satisfaction were tracked. Results Fifty-two patients were enrolled with 26 in each arm. Post-operative pain scores, total narcotic utilization, and overall satisfaction scores were not significantly different between the two groups. For patients in the VR arm, sessions were able to be incorporated into the perioperative routine with little disruption. Most (73.9 %) were able complete all six VR sessions and reported low pain, anxiety, and nausea scores while using the device. A high proportion responded that they would use VR again (76.2 %) or would like a VR program designed for pain (62.0 %). There were no complications from device usage. Conclusion VR is a safe and simple intervention that is associated with high patient satisfaction and is feasible to implement in the perioperative setting. While the current study is underpowered to detect difference in narcotic utilization, this device holds promise as an adjuvant tool in multimodal pain and anxiety control in the peri-operative period.