Category: Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Comparison of D2 lymphadenectomy vs. D2 lymphadenectomy + complete mesogastric excision in gastric cancer

Adding complete mesogastric excision to D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer improves 3-year disease-free survival without significant difference in overall survival rates. Recurrence rates were lower in the complete mesogastric excision group. This finding suggests potential benefits of the combined approach for better outcomes in advanced gastric cancer patients. Comparative Study by Xie D, Shen J […]

Diagnostic Role of Indocyanine Green in Gastric Cancer Surgery

In laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer, utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence for lymph node dissection significantly enhances metastasis detection, with a sensitivity of 75.86% and a high negative predictive value of 97%. The method effectively visualizes lymph nodes, aiding in clinically radical gastrectomy, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool in gastric cancer surgery. […]

Predicting Anastomotic Leakage After Esophagectomy: Role of Early Inflammatory Biomarkers

Early postoperative CRP levels are a key predictor of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy, with a cutoff value of < 222 mg/l on day 2 showing 81% sensitivity and 88% specificity. Other biomarkers like WBC counts and albumin levels had limited diagnostic accuracy. A NUN score >10 on day 4 was unreliable. CRP < 127 mg/l […]

Superior Clinical Outcomes of Esophagectomy in Elderly Esophageal Cancer Patients

In patients over 70 with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), surgical treatment yields better clinical outcomes compared to nonsurgical approaches. A retrospective study showed that the 3-year overall survival was 59% for the surgical group and 27% for the nonsurgical group. The median progression-free survival was also higher in the surgical group (38.3 months vs. […]

Improved Operative Outcomes in Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma Resected Cases Over Time

A single-center study on resected gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma showed improved operative outcomes over time, with type I tumors linked to poorer survival. Most patients received neoadjuvant therapy and underwent minimally invasive surgery, resulting in low mortality rates and decreased morbidity. Signet ring tumors were more common in type III cases, influencing overall survival. Pathologic features […]

Utilizing Mediastinal Drains Alone After Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Utilizing mediastinal drains alone post-esophageal cancer surgery is safe and reduces postoperative pain. It can potentially replace closed thoracic drains, showing comparable results in terms of hyperthermia, leukocytes, drainage, hospitalization, and pulmonary complications. Early detection of abnormal drainage fluid is a significant benefit, with no increase in anastomotic leakage incidence or mortality rates. Journal Article […]

Endoscopic Resection for Intermediate- or High-Risk Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Endoscopic resection is a safe and effective method for treating intermediate- or high-risk gastric small gastrointestinal stromal tumors, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 97.4%. Close follow-up is necessary for these patients, but there were no recurrences or metastases observed, even among those with R1 resections. This approach allows for a wait-and-see strategy before […]

Predictors of 1-year Mortality After Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

A scoring system based on seven significant independent prognostic factors, including age, comorbidity, gastrectomy type, complications, cancer stage, and resection status, was developed and validated to predict 1-year mortality in patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy. This system demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, aiding in selecting appropriate care planning strategies for these patients. Research Support, […]

Effectiveness of Esophageal Pull-Down Technique in Achalasia

Esophageal pull-down technique significantly improves outcomes in end-stage achalasia compared to classical laparoscopic Heller-Dor myotomy. Treatment failure rates were significantly lower in the pull-down technique group, confirming its efficacy in challenging cases. This technique shows promise in enhancing treatment success for difficult-to-treat achalasia patients with a sigmoid-shaped esophagus. Journal Article by Nezi G, Forattini F […]

Impact of Repeated EGD at Specialized Center on Surgical Strategy for Gastroesophageal Cancer

A multicenter retrospective study evaluated the benefits of repeating esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at specialized esophagogastric cancer (EGC) centers in Denmark before gastric and esophageal cancer surgery. Among 953 patients who underwent both initial EGD and EGD at referral to a specialized center, 644 cases (68%) lacked sufficient preoperative tumor information from the initial EGD, and 113 […]