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Background Preoperative immunonutrition has been proposed to reduce the duration of hospital stay and infective complications following major elective surgery in patients with gastrointestinal malignancy. A multicentre 2 × 2 factorial RCT was conducted to determine the impact of preoperative and postoperative immunonutrition versus standard nutrition in patients with oesophageal cancer. Methods Patients were randomized before oesophagectomy to immunonutrition (IMPACT®) versus standard isocaloric/isonitrogenous nutrition, then further randomized after operation to immunonutrition versus standard nutrition. Clinical and quality-of-life outcomes were assessed at 14 and 42 days after operation on an intention-to-treat basis. The primary outcome was the occurrence of infective complications. Secondary outcomes were other complications, duration of hospital stay, mortality, nutritional and quality-of-life outcomes (EuroQol EQ-5D-3 L™, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-OES18). Patients and investigators were blinded until the completion of data analysis. Results Some 278 patients from 11 Australian sites were randomized; two were excluded and data from 276 were analysed. The incidence of infective complications was similar for all groups (37 per cent in perioperative standard nutrition group, 51 per cent in perioperative immunonutrition group, 34 per cent in preoperative immunonutrition group and 40 per cent in postoperative immunonutrition group; P = 0·187). There were no significant differences in any other clinical or quality-of-life outcomes. Conclusion Use of immunonutrition before and/or after surgery provided no benefit over standard nutrition in patients undergoing oesophagectomy. Registration number: ACTRN12611000178943 (https://www.anzctr.org.au).

Junior surgeons’ perceptions of their own research

Barrett's metaplasia is a well-recognized risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is believed to develop in response to the injurious effects of gastroesophageal reflux. Following subtotal esophagectomy and reconstruction with a gastric conduit, many patients experience profound reflux into the remnant esophagus. Barrett's-like epithelium has been described in these patients, and they have been identified as a potential human model in which to study the early events in the development of metaplasia. This phenomenon also raises clinical concerns about the long-term fate of the esophageal remnant following surgery and the potential for further malignant change. This systematic review summarizes the literature on the prevalence and timing of Barrett's metaplasia occurring after esophagectomy, reviews the evidence regarding risk factors and malignant progression in such patients, and considers the implications for clinical practice.

A dramatic rise in incidence, an aging population, and expensive palliative treatments have led to an escalating burden on clinicians managing inoperable esophageal cancer with only limited evidence of effectiveness. This study compares the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) with other palliative therapies to aid clinicians in making an evidence-based treatment choice.We conducted a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, clinical trial with 215 patients followed until death or study closure. The primary outcome measures were dysphagia, quality of life (QL) 6 weeks following treatment, and total cost of treatment. Secondary outcome measures included treatment-associated morbidity, mortality, survival, and cost-effectiveness. An intention-to-treat analysis was carried out.There was a significant difference in mean dysphagia grade between treatment arms 6 weeks following treatment (P=0.046), with worse swallowing reported by rigid stent-treated patients (mean dysphagia score difference=-0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.10 to -0.89, P=0.014). Global QL scores were lower at both 1 and 6 weeks following treatment for patients treated by SEMSs (mean difference QL index week 1=-0.66; 95% CI: -0.02 to -1.30, P=0.04; mean difference QL index week 6=-1.01; 95% CI -0.30 to -1.72, P=0.006). These findings were associated with higher post-procedure pain scores in the SEMS patient group (mean difference of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ C-30 pain symptom score at week 1=11.13; 95% CI: 2.89-19.4; P=0.01). Although mean EQ-5D QL values differed between the treatments (P0.001), this difference dissipated following generation of quality-adjusted life year values. Total costs varied between treatment arms but these findings canceled out when SEMSs were compared with non-SEMS therapies (95% CI -845.15-1,332.62). These results were robust to sensitivity analysis. There were no differences in the in-hospital mortality or early complication rates, but late complications were more frequent after rigid stenting (risk ratio=2.47; 95% CI 1.88-3.04). There was a survival advantage for non-stent-treated patients (log-rank statistic=4.21, P=0.04).The treatment choice for patients with inoperable esophageal cancer should be between a SEMS or a non-stent treatment after consideration has been given to both patient and tumor characteristics and clinician and patient preferences.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnosis, management and outcome of patients with spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus in a single centre. Methods Between October 1993 and May 2007, 51 consecutive patients with spontaneous oesophageal rupture were evaluated with contrast radiology and flexible endoscopy. Patients with limited contamination who fulfilled specific criteria were managed by a non-operative approach, whereas the remainder underwent thoracotomy. Results The median time to diagnosis was 24 (range 4–604) h. Initial diagnosis was by contrast swallow in 18 of 24 patients, computed tomography in 15 of 17 and endoscopy in 18 of 18. There were no deaths among 17 patients who were managed non-operatively with targeted drainage, intravenous antimicrobials, nasogastric decompression and enteral nutrition. Of 31 patients who underwent primary thoracotomy and oesophageal repair (over a Τ tube in 29), 11 died in hospital. Three patients could not be resuscitated adequately and did not have surgical intervention. Conclusion Spontaneous oesophageal rupture represents a spectrum of disease. Accurate radiological and endoscopic evaluation can identify those suitable for radical non-operative treatment and those who require thoracotomy.

It may be difficult to value palliative health states using health state valuation methods such as the time trade-off (TTO) and standard gamble (SG) where health states are traditionally valued relative to perfect/good health and death. Chained methods have been developed to help in this context. However, few studies have compared the values produced by chained TTO and SG methods. To address this issue, a study was conducted to measure the health state values associated with oesophageal cancer using chained TTO and SG techniques. The methods were found to be acceptable amongst the sample respondents, who had previously been treated for oesophageal cancer. There were no significant differences between the health state values produced by the TTO and the SG methods. Within each method, however, there were significant differences between the health states valued. It is concluded that the use of health state valuation techniques such as the TTO and SG is feasible amongst people with a history of oesophageal cancer.

For many years indicators such as mortality rates, levels of morbidity and cure measured the success of treatments for esophageal cancer. However, it is now recognised that quality of life (QOL) is an important measure of outcome. This is especially so for esophageal cancer, where the therapeutic options include curative treatments or palliative care. A number of measures have been developed but few QOL studies have been conducted in esophageal cancer. A health economics approach to outcome measurement, that seeks to quantify individual preferences (or utilities), offers a number of advantages. However, it is important to recognize that these methods are still under development. Nevertheless, by seeking to measure the strength of individual preferences, utilities provide additional information for decisions regarding which treatments provide the most optimal outcomes.

Introduction: Peri-operative allogeneic blood transfusion may exert an immunomodulatory effect and has been associated with early recurrence and decreased survival following resection for several gastro-intestinal malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic influence of transfusion requirements following radical oesophagectomy for cancer. Methods: A consecutive series of 235 patients undergoing subtotal oesophagectomy with two-field lymphadenectomy in a single centre from April 1990 to June 1999 were studied. Results: The median age was 64 years (30–79) with a male to female ratio of 3:1. The predominant histological subtype was adenocarcinoma (n=154) compared to squamous carcinoma (n=81). To avoid the influence of surgical complications data were excluded from the 5.5% of patients suffering in-hospital mortality. In the remaining patients, median blood loss was 900 ml (200–5500) with 46% (103/222) requiring transfusion (median 3 units, range 2–21). Median survival of non-transfused patients was 36 months compared to only 19 months for those receiving transfusion (log-rank=4.44; 1 df, P=0.0352). Non-transfused patients had significantly higher 2 and 5-year survival rates of 62% and 41% respectively in contrast to only 40% and 25% in those receiving blood transfusion. Even after stratification of results according to disease stage or the presence of major complications, survival was significantly worse in those receiving transfusion. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that in addition to nodal status, >4 units transfusion was an independent prognostic indicator.Conclusion: Post-operative transfusion is associated with a significantly worse prognosis following radical oesophagectomy. Meticulous haemostasis and avoidance of unnecessary transfusion may prove oncologically beneficial.

Long-term survival post lung transplant is reduced significantly by Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome. It is suggested that extra-esophageal reflux disease is a risk factor for Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome and that antireflux surgery may be beneficial. However, practice between centers varies greatly. We suggest a need for improved evidence and standardization.

Transition from a normal to a cancerous state is marked by alterations in the cytoskeletal structure of those cells involved. We have examined such changes to determine if these transitions are markers of disease progression. Cytokeratin (CK) protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were examined in malignant and benign breast tissues. Flow cytometric results demonstrated a significant correlation between cytokeratin protein expression detected by 5D3 antibody, specific for cytokeratins 8, 18, and 19 and axillary node metastasis (P = 0.01). A threshold of positivity of 338,000 molecules/cell was determined and reflected the wide range in cytokeratin levels expressed by normal or benign tissues. Examination of cytokeratins 8, 18, and 19 revealed a consistent pattern of expression with respect to tumor grade. Only cytokeratin 19 showed significant correlation with increasing tumor size (P = 0.006). mRNA expression for cytokeratin 8 was significantly higher in node-positive compared with node-negative disease (P = 0.02). Cytokeratin 18 mRNA levels were significantly lower in both node-negative (P = 0.03) and node-positive (P = 0.02) patients when compared with benign samples. Increased levels of cytokeratin 18 mRNA showed an inverse relationship with protein expression (P = 0.05). The results indicate that cytokeratin expression in breast cancer may be associated with tumor progression. Furthermore, the alteration in the expression of individual cytokeratins deserves further investigation to determine the consequences of these changes with respect to cellular function. Cytometry 32:301–308, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Barrett's metaplasia is a well-recognized risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is believed to develop in response to the injurious effects of gastroesophageal reflux. Following subtotal esophagectomy and reconstruction with a gastric conduit, many patients experience profound reflux into the remnant esophagus. Barrett's-like epithelium has been described in these patients, and they have been identified as a potential human model in which to study the early events in the development of metaplasia. This phenomenon also raises clinical concerns about the long-term fate of the esophageal remnant following surgery and the potential for further malignant change. This systematic review summarizes the literature on the prevalence and timing of Barrett's metaplasia occurring after esophagectomy, reviews the evidence regarding risk factors and malignant progression in such patients, and considers the implications for clinical practice.

Fissure-in-ano 226Haemorrhoids 228Fistula-in-ano 234Pilonidal sinus 238Rectal prolapse 240Acute anorectal infection (abscess) 244Appendicectomy 246Excision of Meckel's diverticulum 252Ileostomy 254Colostomy 260Bowel resection and anastomosis 264Right hemicolectomy 270Left hemicolectomy 274Transverse colectomy 280Sigmoid colectomy 282...

Fundoplication may improve survival after lung transplantation. Little is known about the effects of fundoplication on quality of life in these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of fundoplication in lung transplant recipients and its effects on quality of life. Between June 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010, a prospective study of lung transplant recipients undergoing fundoplication was undertaken. Quality of life was assessed before and after surgery. Body mass index (BMI) and pulmonary function were followed up. 16 patients, mean ± sd age 38 ± 11.9 yrs, underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. There was no peri-operative mortality or major complications. Mean ± SD hospital stay was 2.6 ± 0.9 days. 15 out of 16 patients were satisfied with the results of surgery post fundoplication. There was a significant improvement in reflux symptom index and DeMeester questionnaires and gastrointestinal quality of life index scores at 6 months. Mean BMI decreased significantly after fundoplication (p = 0.01). Patients operated on for deteriorating lung function had a statistically significant decrease in the rate of lung function decline after fundoplication (p = 0.008). Laparoscopic fundoplication is safe in selected lung transplant recipients. Patient benefit is suggested by improved symptoms and satisfaction. This procedure is acceptable, improves quality of life and may reduce deterioration of lung function.

Surgery has been the mainstay of treatment for spontaneous full-thickness rupture of the esophagus for the last 50 years. In an acute presentation with contamination of the mediastinal or pleural cavities, this remains the definitive course of action. However, the management when diagnosis has been delayed is more contentious. This is a description of a novel approach with a combined percutaneousendoscopic technique that was used in 2 such cases.

Preoperative staging for esophageal adenocarcinoma is suboptimal for predicting outcomes when compared with pathological data. The aim of this study was to assess if the quantitative values obtained by preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) are independent prognostic indicators for survival in patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the esophagus undergoing surgical treatment without neoadjuvant therapy. Patients were identified from a prospective database, survival analyses were undertaken using log rank and Cox method. The median follow-up was 44 months (range 18-61 months). Between November 2002 and November 2005, 45 consecutive patients underwent FDG-PET followed by surgery. The median age was 72 years (range 38-82 years). On univariate analysis of overall survival and disease-free survival, preoperative FDG-PET maximum standardized uptake value (SUV(max); P= 0.008 and P= 0.015, respectively) and postoperative pathological stage (P= 0.001 and P= 0.001, respectively) as well as postoperative histological grade (P= 0.001 and P= 0.001, respectively) were significantly associated with outcome. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the postoperative pathological variables were independent predictors of outcome (Wald 11.81, P= 0.001). Preoperative FDG-PET SUV(max) is associated with outcome after esophageal adenocarcinoma resection but remains less accurate than postoperative variables. A high FDG-PET SUV(max) could be used to identify a high-risk population who would benefit most from neoadjuvant therapies.

Background Context Osteomyelitis secondary to perforation of the esophagus is a rare condition. Thoracic osteomyelitis after chronic esophageal perforation has never been described in the literature. Purpose We report a case of vertebral osteomyelitis resulting from a chronic esophageal perforation. Study Design/Setting Case report/University hospital. Methods A 52-year-old woman presented with dysphagia, severe mid back, and epigastric pain over a 6-week period. Endoscopic and radiological investigations revealed the presence of a paraspinal inflammatory mass protruding into the posterior esophageal wall. Two weeks after admission, the patient developed septic complications which required surgical intervention. This revealed the presence of an esophageal perforation and osteomyelitis of the T4–T5 and T7–T8 vertebrae. After T-tube closure of the esophageal perforation along with surgical debridement of the vertebrae and a 6-week course of antibiotics, the patient made a sound recovery. However, there was persistence of back pain with exaggerated thoracic spine kyphosis at T7–T8 which needed thoracic spine stabilization with pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion. Results This treatment led to complete recovery with no recurrence of symptoms at 8-months' follow-up. Conclusions To date this is the first case of thoracic osteomyelitis secondary to a chronic esophageal perforation to be reported in the literature. A high index of suspicion of this diagnosis is warranted in patients who present with similar clinical and radiological findings to enable prompt diagnosis and avoid the high mortality of esophageal perforation.

Lichen planus of the oesophagus is rare with a predilection for middle-aged to elderly women. There is a potential risk of malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus still accounts for 30-40% of oesophageal cancer cases in the west and is almost exclusively the disease still encountered in the rest of the world. An increased awareness of oesophageal lichen planus is suggested in patients with cutaneous, oral or vulval disease. Endoscopic investigation of patients with lichen planus, possibly initially limited to those with oesophageal symptoms, and consideration of surveillance in patients with proven oesophageal lichen planus, will aid understanding of natural history of lesions and may help detect early stage tumours. Squamous cell carcinoma still accounts for 30-40% of oesophageal cancer cases in the west and is almost exclusively the disease still encountered elsewhere. Lichen planus of the oesophagus is potentially a premalignant condition for squamous cell carcinoma that could be surveilled in order to detect early-stage tumours with a consequent greater chance of cure. Oesophageal lichen planus is, however, rare, frequently asymptomatic and although the majority of cases occur in conjunction with lichen planus in other sites, the oesophageal features may be subtle and easily missed by endoscopic assessment. Furthermore, the histological changes are difficult to interpret and there may be significant underreporting. As a consequence, the true prevalence of these lesions is hard to determine. The difficulties in detection may mean that we are underestimating the frequency of oesophageal lichen planus. Endoscopic detection may be aided by the use of magnification indigo carmine chromoendoscopy and this warrants further evaluation. The risk of malignant transformation is currently unknown but may parallel that of oral lesions at approximately 1-3%. An increased awareness of the condition can only help to identify more cases and increase our understanding of this interesting condition.

Objectives To compare whether treatment with self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) is more cost-effective than treatment with conventional modalities in patients with inoperable oesophageal cancer. Quality of life effects were also considered. Design A multicentre pragmatic, randomised controlled trial with health economic analysis. Setting Seven NHS hospitals selected to represent a cross-section of UK hospitals in terms of facilities and staffing. Participants All patients attending the centres with oesophageal cancer deemed unsuitable for surgery were assessed for inclusion in the main trial; 217 patients were randomised. A health state utilities substudy was also performed in 71 patients who had previously received curative surgery for oesophageal cancer. Interventions Eligible patients were randomised to one of four treatment groups within two study arms. Assessments were performed at enrolment, 1 week following treatment and thereafter at 6-weekly intervals until death, with prospective data collection on complications and survival. Structured interviews to elicit patient preferences to health states and treatments were performed in a substudy. Main outcome measures Dysphagia grade and quality of life were examined at 6 weeks. Survival, resources consumed from randomisation to death and quality-adjusted life-years were also considered. Results There was no difference in cost or effectiveness between SEMS and non-SEMS therapies, and 18-mm SEMS had equal effectiveness to, but less associated pain than, 24-mm SEMS. Rigid intubation was associated with a worse quality of swallowing and increased late morbidity. Bipolar electrocoagulation and ethanol tumour necrosis were poor in primary palliation. A survival advantage was found for non-stent therapies, but there was a significant delay to treatment. The length of stay accounts for the majority of the cost to the NHS. Patients were found to have distinct individual treatment preferences. Conclusions It was suggested that rigid tubes and 24-mm SEMS should no longer be recommended and bipolar electrocoagulation and ethanol tumour necrosis should not be used for primary palliation. The choice in palliation would between non-stent and 18-mm SEMS treatments, with non-stent therapies being made more available and accessible to reduce delay. A multidisciplinary team approach to palliation is also suggested. A randomised controlled clinical trial of 18-mm SEMS versus non-stent therapies with survival and quality of life end-points would be helpful, as would an audit of palliative patient admissions to determine the reasons and need for inpatient hospital care, with a view to implementing cycle-associated change to reduce inpatient stay. A study of delays in palliative radiotherapy treatment is also suggested, with a view to implementing cycle-associated change to reduce waiting time.

Aims Despite increasingly radical surgery for oesophageal cancer many patients continue to represent with recurrent disease. This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of failure following attempted curative oesophagectomy with mediastinal and upper abdominal lymphadenectomy. Methods Some 212 consecutive patients undergoing R0 resection for malignancy between 1 April 1990 and 1 April 1999 were followed up for evidence of recurrence. Clinical evaluation was supported by ultrasonography, computed tomography, isotope scan, endoscopy and laparotomy with biopsy assessment if appropriate. Patients were excluded if recurrence was diagnosed on clinical grounds alone. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2 and log rank tests. Results Some 142 patients with adenocarcinoma and 70 with squamous carcinoma (SCC) were followed up for a median of 14 (range 1–108) months. Sex and age distribution were similar for both histological subtypes (men: women 3: 1; median age 64 (30–79) years). Twenty patients died from non-cancer related causes, including 11 (5 per cent) from postoperative complications. Some 89 patients (42 per cent) developed proven recurrent disease of which seven are alive and 82 dead. The median time to recurrence was 11 (2–40) months with a median time to death thereafter of 3 (1–21) months. The pattern of recurrence was locoregional in 23 per cent (oesophageal bed 15 per cent, upper abdominal 3 per cent, upper mediastinal 3 per cent, cervical 2 per cent) and haematogenous in 18 per cent (comprising liver 8 per cent, bone 4 per cent, cerebral 3 per cent, lung 2 per cent, skin 1 per cent) with peritoneal dissemination in 1 per cent. While there was no difference in the overall pattern of dissemination for each histological subtype, the incidence of cervical and upper mediastinal recurrence was significantly higher for adenocarcinoma compared with SCC (χ2 = 5·9, 1 d.f., P < 0·02). The timing of recurrence was similar for both histological subtypes: 60 per cent of all recurrence occurred within 12 months of surgery, with distant and locoregional recurrence occurring at a median of 10 (2–40) and 11 (2–32) months respectively. Conclusions The low incidence of upper mediastinal and cervical recurrence suggests that more extensive lymphadenectomy is unlikely to impact upon survival. Improved staging modalities are required to identify the significant number of patients who develop early recurrence in the first year following surgery in order to offer them multimodality therapies of non-surgical palliation.

Transition from a normal to a cancerous state is marked by alterations in the cytoskeletal structure of those cells involved. We have examined such changes to determine if these transitions are markers of disease progression. Cytokeratin (CK) protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were examined in malignant and benign breast tissues. Flow cytometric results demonstrated a significant correlation between cytokeratin protein expression detected by 5D3 antibody, specific for cytokeratins 8, 18, and 19 and axillary node metastasis (P = 0.01). A threshold of positivity of 338,000 molecules/cell was determined and reflected the wide range in cytokeratin levels expressed by normal or benign tissues. Examination of cytokeratins 8, 18, and 19 revealed a consistent pattern of expression with respect to tumor grade. Only cytokeratin 19 showed significant correlation with increasing tumor size (P = 0.006). mRNA expression for cytokeratin 8 was significantly higher in node-positive compared with node-negative disease (P = 0.02). Cytokeratin 18 mRNA levels were significantly lower in both node-negative (P = 0.03) and node-positive (P = 0.02) patients when compared with benign samples. Increased levels of cytokeratin 18 mRNA showed an inverse relationship with protein expression (P = 0.05). The results indicate that cytokeratin expression in breast cancer may be associated with tumor progression. Furthermore, the alteration in the expression of individual cytokeratins deserves further investigation to determine the consequences of these changes with respect to cellular function.

Introduction The Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) commenced in England in 2006 using the Hemoccult guaiac faecal occult blood test (FOBt). The study aimed to evaluate if significant numbers of upper GI cancers were being diagnosed in patients with a positive FOBt in the absence of colonic pathology. Methods A quantitative data analysis of all BCSP patients with a negative colonoscopy cross referenced with all patients within screening age (60yrs > ) diagnosed with upper GI cancer in the North East of England, comprising of South of Tyne, North of Tyne, Teesside, Durham and Darlington. Results Collectively the North East Bowel Cancer Screening centres carried out 5176 colonoscopies from 2008–2011, resulting in 1108 (21.4%) normal investigations. In the same time period 589 patients were diagnosed with upper GI cancer. 243 were invited to participate in BCSP and 109 (45%) took part. 33/109 (30%) patients were diagnosed with upper GI cancer prior to submitting FOBt, leaving 76 (70%) presumably undiagnosed. 72/76 (94.8%) returned a negative FOBt, 2 (2.6%) returned an unclear subsequently followed by 2 negative FOBt kits according to BCSP practise, leaving 2 (2.6%) patients with a positive FOBt who subsequently had a normal colonoscopy. At the time of screening both patients were symptomatic with upper GI symptoms, and diagnosed with upper GI cancer within 3 months of screening. Conclusion These data suggest that carrying out an upper GI investigation in FOBt positive and colonoscopy negative patients is not justified. Consideration to investigate maybe given in the presence of upper GI symptoms; however, further work is needed to evaluate the prevalence of upper GI symptoms in this population. Disclosure of Interest None Declared.

Introduction Obesity is on the increase in the UK and is a known risk factor for adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. It is recognised that oesophagectomy in obese patients is more difficult with concerns that radicality of resection is reduced. The aims of this study were to evaluate body mass index (BMI) in patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma who underwent subtotal oesophagectomy with radical lymphadenectomy and to evaluate the effect of obesity on lymph node (LN) dissection and survival. Methods All patients who underwent subtotal oesophagectomy for adenocarcinoma between January 2000 and December 2010 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. All other histological types were excluded. Patients were categorised according to BMI using the WHO criteria: underweight (2), normal (18.5–24.99 kg/m 2 ), overweight (25-29.99 kg/m 2 ) and obese (≥30 kg/m 2 ). Demographics, presence of Barrett9s oesophagus or reflux disease, operative time, R0 resections, complications, LN resection and positivity were analysed. Long-term and disease free survival were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results 413 patients were identified. 23 had no BMI recorded and were excluded leaving 390 patients: eight underweight; 117 normal BMI; 172 overweight; 93 obese. BMI significantly increased over time (mean BMI 26.0 in 2000–2001, 27.8 in 2010, p=0.041). Obese patients were younger compared to normal BMI patients (mean age 60.1 and 64.4 respectively, p=0.003). The incidence of Barrett9s oesophagus and reflux disease were not significantly different between groups. Operating time was significantly longer for obese patients (p=0.018). R0 resections were similar between groups (normal patients 96.4% and obese 95.5%). The mean number of LNs resected (33 for both normal BMI and obese groups) and the LN ratio did not differ significantly between groups. Obese patients had significantly lower disease stages (32.3% stage 1 obese patients vs 16.2% stage 1 normal BMI patients, p=0.006). Overall survival was longer for obese patients compared with those of normal BMI (81 months vs 55 months, p=0.004). When matched for stage, this difference did not reach significance (p=0.236). Disease free survival did not differ between groups. The overall complication rate was similar between groups (70.1% for normal BMI, 66.3% for obese). Conclusion This is the first study to evaluate BMI in a homogenous group of patients with adenocarcinoma undergoing subtotal oesophagectomy with a standardised radical lymphadenectomy. BMI and obesity among these patients increased with time. The radicality of surgery, in terms of LN yields and R0 resections, did not reduce in the obesity group and this is further supported by equivalent stage-matched long-term survival. Competing interests None declared.

Background Subjects over 75 years old constitute an increasing proportion of the general population and hitherto the management of most malignant diseases in this elderly group has been predominantly palliative. The aim of this study was to assess the mode of presentation, management and outcome of treatment in patients aged over 75 years presenting with oesophageal malignancy. Methods Data were collected prospectively from all patients aged over 75 years at presentation who were diagnosed at or referred to a single centre between October 1989 and May 1998. All patients underwent a full protocol of staging investigations and assessment of co-morbid disease. The main modality of therapy and its outcome were analysed, as was the overall survival. Statistical analysis was with the χ2, Mann–Whitney and log rank tests. Results Eighty patients were studied (41 men). The median age at presentation was 82 (range 75–97) years. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological subtype (46, 58 per cent) compared with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; 34, 42 per cent). Most patients were referred by a gastroenterologist (34 patients) or general practitioner (25). Dysphagia and weight loss were the commonest presenting symptoms (67 patients), with dyspepsia a significantly more frequent symptom for adenocarcinoma (22 of 46 versus six of 34; P < 0·05). Patients with adenocarcinoma had more often received acid suppressing medication (20 of 46 versus seven of 34; P < 0·05). The median duration of symptoms was 5 months and was significantly longer for adenocarcinoma than SCC (7 versus 4 months; P < 0·05). Twenty-nine (26 per cent) of 80 patients were unfit for surgery mainly because of co-morbid cardiorespiratory disease, despite being staged as suitable for resection. A further 37 (46 per cent) were staged as having irresectable local disease or distant metastases and could not be offered surgery. Three patients declined surgery and two with high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus remain under surveillance. Thirty-nine patients (49 per cent) were palliated with external beam and endoluminal radiotherapy, twenty-eight (35 per cent) had oesophageal dilatation and endoprosthesis insertion, two patients had no intervention and a further two had laser therapy. Nine (11 per cent) underwent Ivor–Lewis subtotal oesophagectomy with two-tier lymphadenectomy. The overall median survival for all modalities of therapy was 183 (95 per cent confidence interval 143–223) days. There was a significant survival benefit for those undergoing surgery compared with other options (402 versus 171 days; P = 0·0204). Survival following palliative measures was significantly better for radiotherapy than for dilatation and endoprosthesis insertion (214 versus 80 days; P = 0·0006). Conclusion While surgical resection in selected patients offers the only chance of long-term survival, the advanced nature of oesophageal malignancy at presentation coupled with the high incidence of significant co-morbid disease precludes its use in most elderly patients. Thorough staging and careful assessment of overall fitness are crucial in identifying those suitable for surgery as well as establishing which palliative measures are most appropriate.

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved,appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.

Aims Spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus (SRO) is a rare and often fatal event. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presentation, management and outcome of SRO in a single unit. Methods Data were collected on all patients presenting with SRO over a 5-year period with respect to presenting features, diagnostic investigations and subsequent management. Statistical analysis was by Student's t test, χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. Results Fourteen patients were identified, 12 men and two women with a median age of 64 (range 18–78) years; eight were tertiary referrals. Thirteen of 14 patients presented with chest or upper abdominal pain following vomiting or retching and 13 had an abnormal initial chest radiograph; only one presented with Mackler's triad of pain, vomiting and surgical emphysema. The median delay to diagnosis was 21 (range 1–84) h; this delay did not significantly affect outcome (P = 0·16). An endoscopic assessment and contrast swallow were performed in all patients. Nine of ten patients with a demonstrable leak and full-thickness tear were managed surgically and the four patients with no leak were managed conservatively (P = 0·005); surgical management consisted of thoracotomy, lavage, repair of the perforation and a feeding jejunostomy. Seven patients had a repair over a T tube and two had a primary repair. All conservatively managed patients had contained, controlled or intramural perforations and two also required a feeding jejunostomy. Patients requiring surgery had a longer hospital stay (mean(s.d.) 57·9(34·8) versus 22·2(30·7) days; P = 0·081) and a significantly longer intensive care unit stay (P = 0·044). The overall mortality rate from SRO was 14 per cent (two patients); no deaths occurred in the conservatively managed group. Conclusions SRO continues to be diagnosed late despite a classical history and/or abnormal chest radiograph. Endoscopic assessment of perforations is safe and in combination with a contrast swallow can confidently predict patients with contained or controlled rupture in whom non-operative management is successful.