Category: Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Active Surveillance for Complete Responders in Oesophageal SCC: Better Progression-Free Survival

Patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent active surveillance after chemoradiotherapy showed comparable overall survival but better progression-free survival than those who had planned surgery. The two groups had similar overall recurrence rates, with locoregional recurrence more common in the active surveillance group and systemic recurrence more common in the surgery group. Active surveillance […]

Does Laparoscopic Gastric Ischemic Preconditioning Reduce Anastomotic Stricture Rate After Esophagectomy?

According to the study, laparoscopic gastric ischemic preconditioning (LGIP) may decrease the rate and severity of anastomotic strictures following esophagectomy. Of the patients who underwent LGIP, only 7.1% developed anastomotic strictures compared to 19.9% in the control group. While controlling for confounders, the difference was no longer significant. There was also a trend towards less […]

Intraoperative Leak Testing Reduces Anastomotic Leakage in Gastric Cancer Surgery

Intraoperative leak testing (IOLT) significantly reduced postoperative anastomotic leakage (PAL) incidence compared to no intraoperative leak testing (NIOLT) in gastric cancer surgery. IOLT was associated with lower rates of anastomotic-related complications and reoperations. These findings suggest that IOLT is a promising tool to improve postoperative outcomes in gastric cancer surgery, emphasizing the need for further […]

Tumor Volume Fails to Predict Pathologic Response in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Researchers analyzed 287 esophageal cancer patients to assess if initial tumor volume on CT scans correlated with histomorphological regression after neoadjuvant therapy. Despite measuring tumor volumes and assessing regression grades, no significant relationship was found. The study concludes that tumor volume does not predict histopathological response in esophageal adenocarcinoma patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment, highlighting the […]

Sizing Protocol Does Not Impact Outcomes of Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation

Sizing protocol (pop+2 vs pop+3) in magnetic sphincter augmentation did not impact outcomes like dysphagia, ph normalization, or need for dilation or removal. Upsizing did benefit patients with poor peristalsis or hypercontractile esophagus. Device size increase correlated with demographic and preoperative characteristics, suggesting it is a surrogate for esophageal circumference. Journal Article by Sarici IS, […]

Key Advances in Multimodality Management of Gastroesophageal Cancers

Recent studies have confirmed the long-term safety and efficacy of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy compared to open gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer. Ongoing trials are evaluating perioperative immunotherapy for resectable gastric cancers. Key trials like dante, gercor neonipiga, keynote-859, and spotlight are exploring targeted therapies for unresectable or metastatic gastroesophageal cancers, incorporating immune checkpoint inhibitors […]

Optimal Extent of Lymph Node Dissection for High-Risk Gastric Cancer

High-risk gastric cancer patients may benefit from limited lymph node dissection (LND), while standard LND improves relapse-free survival in low-risk patients. Limited LND reduces postoperative complications in low-risk patients, without affecting outcomes in high-risk patients. Pancreatic fistula was not observed in the limited dissection group, suggesting it may be the optimal treatment for high surgical […]

Octreotide does not improve outcomes in adult patients with post-esophagectomy chylothorax

Octreotide’s efficacy in managing intrathoracic chyle leak post-esophagectomy in adults was investigated in a cohort study. Among 74 patients, 27 received octreotide, but there was no significant difference in chest tube duration, hospital length of stay, or overall survival compared to non-octreotide group. Multivariable analysis confirmed that octreotide did not affect clinical outcomes. The study […]

Prognostic value of tumour response and nodal status in oesophageal adenocarcinoma

Researchers found that higher Mandard score and residual nodal disease were associated with increased recurrence rates and worse overall survival in patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Patients with better tumour response (trg1) had lower recurrence rates and longer overall survival compared to those with poorer response (trg>1). Residual nodal disease had a more negative impact on […]

Identification of Promising Prediction Models for Morbidity and Mortality After Esophagectomy

A systematic review identified 33 prediction models for morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy, with 18 newly developed. Prognostic accuracy ranged from 0.51 to 0.85, with some models showing promise for further development. Performance status emerged as a potential modifiable risk factor, but none of the models are ready for clinical implementation. Two models for mortality […]