ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and necessity of recurrent laryngeal lymph node resection by comparing the complications and prognosis of patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve injury receiving different recurrent laryngeal lymph node resections.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical data of 153 patients with stage T1N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent radical esophageal cancer surgery at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from June 2014 to May 2016. Among them, 125 were male and 28 were female, at an average age of 62 years. All patients underwent bilateral recurrent laryngeal nodes sampling. They were divided into 3 groups according to the dissection situation: patients with only one recurrent laryngeal lymph node resection on both sides during the operation were treated as a sampling group (n=49); patients with only one recurrent laryngeal lymph node resection on one side and more than one recurrent laryngeal lymph nodes resection on the other side were treated as a unilateral dissection group (n=49); patients with more than one recurrent laryngeal lymph nodes resection on both sides were treated as a bilateral dissection group (n=55). Follow-up was performed to compare the prognostic differences among the three groups. Seven days after the operation, the vocal cords of the patients were examined with an electronic laryngoscope and classified using the Clavien-Dindo system. The differences in complications related to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury among the three groups were compared.ResultsThe 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of the patients in the sampling group, unilateral dissection group and bilateral dissection group was 66.8%, 88.5%, 93.8%, respectively. There was statistical difference between the sampling group and the unilateral dissection group or the bilateral dissection group (P<0.05), and no statistical difference between the unilateral dissection group and the bilateral dissection group (P>0.05). The incidence of complications among the three groups was not statistically different (P>0.05).ConclusionFor patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma of stage T1N0M0, the lymph nodes of the bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves should be removed during the operation as many as possible, which will help improve the 5-year survival rate of the patients.
Abstract： Objective To investigate the indications， surgical techniques and postoperative complication management of transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy for patients with esophageal cancer. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 105 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between July 2002 and July 2010， including 28 patients who received video-assisted mediastinoscopy. There were 59 male patients and 46 female patients with their average age of 63 （48-81） years. There were 51 patients with upper thoracic esophageal cancer， 18 patients with middle thoracic esophageal cancer and 36 patients with lower thoracic esophageal cancer. Surgical outcomes and safety were evaluated. Results Mean operation time was 153 （140-210） minutes， mean intraoperative blood loss was 150 （100 to 250） ml， and mean hospital stay was 15 （10-35） days. There was no in-hospital death or residual tumor cells in esophagus stumps. Twenty-seven patients had postoperative complications， including 3 patients with anastomotic leakage at neck， 4 patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve injury， 5 patients with pleural effusion， 2 patients with pneumothorax， 3 patients with pneumonia， 3 patients with arrhythmia， 1 patient with chylothorax， 2 patients with incision infection， 2 patients with delayed gastric emptying， and 2 patients with anastomotic stenosis， who were all cured after treatment. Ninety-seven patients were followed up from 16 months to 5 years， and 8 patients were lost during follow-up. During follow-up， there were 94 patients who had lived for 1 year， 67 patients who had lived for 3 years， and 34 patients who had lived for 5 years postoperatively， and some patients needed further follow-up. Conclusion Transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy is a minimally traumatic procedure and can provide fast postoperative recovery. It is especially suitable for patients with stageⅡor earlier esophageal cancer who can’t tolerate or aren’t suitable for transthoracic esophagectomy.
ObjectiveTo investigate the distribution of uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) gene polymorphisms in esophageal carcinoma (EC) patients, and their relationship with adverse effects (delayed diarrhea and neutropenia) of Irinotecan. MethodsForty-eight patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma who were admitted to Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital between January and October 2012 were recruited in the study. There were 37 male and 11 female patients with their age of 56 (25-38) years. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples were collected from those EC patients and genomic DNA was extracted. UGT1A1 polymorphisms were detected by PCR and DNA sequencing. Three genetic loci were investigated including UGT1A1* 28 (TA6 > TA7), UGT1A1* 6 (211G > A) and UGT1A1* 93 (-3156G > A). Adverse effects (delayed diarrhea and neutropenia) of patients with different UGT1A1 polymorphisms after Irinotecan treatment were recorded. The relationship between UGT1A1 polymorphisms and Irinotecan-induced adverse effects was analyzed. ResultsUGT1A1 polymorphisms were detected in 10 out of 48 (20.8%) EC patients. UGT1A1* 93 (-3156G > A)polymorphisms were most common with the polymorphism rate of 16.7% (8/48), followed by GT1A1* 6 (211G > A) polymorphisms with the polymorphism rate of 4.2% (2/48). The incidences of grade 3~4 diarrhea and grade 3~4 neutropenia after Irinotecan treatment in the patients with UGT1A1 polymorphisms were 60.0% and 40.0% respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the patients with wild type UGT1A1 (21.1% and 15.8% respectively, P < 0.05). UGT1A1 polymorphism rates were 45.5% (5/11) in female patients and 13.5% (5/37) in male patients, which were significantly different (P < 0.05). ConclusionsIn EC patients, 2 polymorphism loci including UGT1A1* 93 (-3156G > A) and GT1A1* 6 (211G > A) can effectively predict adverse effects caused by Irinotecan treatment. UGT1A1 polymorphism rate of male patients is significantly lower than that of female patients.
Objective To study the molecular characteristics of RNA binding protein aldehyde dehydrogenase 18 family member A1 (ALDH18A1) in esophageal carcinoma cells (KYSE150 cells) and its effect on tumor growth. MethodsHuman esophageal squamous cell (KYSE150 cells) was cultured in vitro. At the same time, RNA co-immuno precipitation technology was used to study the binding of RNA and protein in the cell, and the corresponding RNA-protein complex was precipitated by the antibody of the target protein to separate and purify the captured RNA. The molecular characteristics of ALDH18A1 binding RNA were analyzed, and KyotoEncyclopedia of Genes and Genomes cluster analysis was performed for ALDH18A1 binding target genes. Results Protein immunoblotting experiments showed that the target protein was well enriched by antibodies. ALDH18A1 had extensive RNA binding activity, with significant enrichment in regions such as coding sequences, intron, and 5’untranslated region. ALDH18A1 mainly bound to the UGUAAUC motif of RNA. The cluster analysis showed that the RNA molecules bound to ALDH18A1 mainly participated in focal adhesion, central carbon metabolism in cancer, cell cycle, spliceosome, RNA transport, and ubiquitin mediated protein hydrolysis. Conclusion ALDH18A1 has the function of binding to RNA molecules and may play a role in the expression of esophageal cancer-related genes and related biological processes.
OBJECTIVE: To repair esophageal defects with an artificial prosthesis composed of biodegradable materials and nonbiodegradable materials, which is gradually replaced by host tissue. METHODS: The artificial esophagus was a two-layer tube consisting of a chitosan-collagen sponge and an inner polyurethane stent with a diameter of 20 mm and a length of 50 mm. We used the artificial esophagus to replace 5 cm esophageal defects in group I (five dogs) and in group II (ten dogs), and nutritional support was given after operation. The inner polyurethane stent was removed after 2 weeks in group I and after 4 weeks in group II endoscopically and epithelization of the regenerated esophagus was observed by histologic examination and transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: In group I, the polyurethane stent was removed after 2 weeks, and partial regeneration of esophageal epithelial was observed; and constriction of the regenerated esophagus progressed and the dogs became unable to swallow after 4 weeks. In group II, the polyurethane stent was removed after 4 weeks, highly regenerated esophageal tissue successfully replaced the defect and complete epithelization of the regenerated esophagus was observed. After 12 weeks, complete regeneration of esophageal mucosa structures, including mucosal smooth muscle and mucosal glands and partial regeneration of esophageal muscle tissue were observed. CONCLUSION: Esophageal high-order structures can be regenerated and provided a temporary stent and support by polyurethane stent and an adequate three-dimensional structure for 4 weeks by collagen-chitosan sponge.
ObjectiveTo investigate the high risk factors for perioperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and its effect on the postoperative short term outcome in esophageal carcinoma patients. MethodsSixty three patients with AF after esophagectomy (AF group) and 126 patients without AF after esophagectomy in control group were analyzed by χ 2, and logistic regression, and compare with patient the postoperative mortality and duration hospitalization in two groups.ResultsThe rates of age above 65 (χ 2=7.02, P lt;0.01), male sex (χ 2=4.06, P lt;0.05), history of cardiac disease (χ 2=6 03, P lt;0.05), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, χ 2=29.14, P lt;0 01), postoperative thoracic gastric dilatation ( P lt;0.01), and postoperative lower oxygen saturation ( P lt;0.01) in AF group were significantly higher than those in control group. No significant relevance was found between history of diabetes or hypertension, choice of operative approach, site of stoma and postoperative AF. 1 in 15 AF patients regain sinus rhythm after remove the pathological factors, and the others resumed after antiarrhythmic drug therapy. The postoperative hospitalization time was 10.65±0.87 d in patients developing AF group and 9.98±0.96 d in control group ( P gt;0.05). No difference was observed between two groups with regard to mortality ( P gt;0.05).ConclusionAF occurs more frequently after esophagectomy in aged and male sex. Other factors contributing to AF are history of cardiac disease, COPD and lower oxygen saturation. And in this study, early occurrence of AF after operation for esophageal carcinoma does not show any negative impact on mortality or on postoperative duration hospitalization.
Objective To investigate the clinical significance and expression of T helper cell secretory cytokines in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues, which provide theoretical basis of reasonable and effective therapy for patients with esophageal carcinoma. Methods Fifty-six specimens of patients who underwent esophageal carcinoma resection were divided into two groups. Group A (n=28) included grade Ⅰand Ⅱ specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, group B (n=28) included grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Control group included 6 specimens of esophagitis. The expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in all specimens were detected. Results The positive expression of TNF-α,TGF-β and IL-10 in group A and group B were significantly higher than those in control group(Plt;0.01); the positive expression of TNF-α in group A was higher than that in group B, while the positive expression of TGF-β and IL-10 were lower than those in group B (Plt; 0.01). There was negative correlation between the positive expression of TNF-α and IL-10, TGF-β(Plt;0.01), and positive correlation between TGF-β and IL-10 (Plt; 0.01). The positive expression of TNF-α in patients of survival period in 3 years was lower than that exceed 3 years(F=36.25 ,Plt;0.01),while the positive expression of IL-10 and TGF-β in the patients of survival period in 3 years were higher than those exceed 3 years(F=29.29,26.69;Plt;0.01). Conclusion By the way of changing the level of cytokines secretion from T helper cells, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues destroyed the balanced condition of patient’s immune system, which made esophageal carcinoma tissues escape the attack from the patient’s immune system and promote the invasion into surrounding tissues.
Objective To summarize the clinical experience of surgical treatment for cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer (the distance between the upper margin of tumor and the inlet of chest is/or less than 3cm), so as to enhance the surgery curative effect and reduce the occurrence of complications. Methods Clinical material of 142 patients with esophageal carcinoma in the neck and upper thorax in this hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Radical excision were taken for 122 patients, palliative excision were taken for 15 patients and exploration were taken for 5 patients, total excision rate was 96.5%. The main type of surgical reconstruction technique includes: simple replacement of esophagus with stomach, colon replacement of esophagus technique, jejunum replacement of esophagus, pectoral major muscleskin flap reconstruction; the right chestupper abdomenneck three incisions for the stomach replacement of esophagus technique, an entire throat excision+stomach replacement of esophagus, a tube stomach replacement of esophagus, left chestneck two incisions, stomach replacement of esophagus technique. Results There were 5 postoperative deaths, two of which died of pulmonary infection, one died of serious infection due to colon necrosis, one died of pulmonary infection due to esophagealtracheal fistula after palliative excision, one died of suffocation due to massive regurgitations. Tumor cells were discovered on the cancer edge of esophagus by pathology in 9 patients. Eight patients with carcinoma of the cervical and 21 patients with carcinoma of the upper thoracic esophagus were suffered from one or more kind of postoperative complications. Mainly complications consisted of the jejunum necrosis, the colon necrosis, the recurrent nerve damage, the lungs infection, the swallow function barrier, esophageal regurgitation. The total of 117(85.4%) survivals were followed up from 1 to 5 years, 20 patients were missed followup. The 1, 3, 5 years survival rate after surgical treatment were 72%,48% and 31% respectively. The 5 year survival rate of the patients in Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳa stage were 82.3%, 61.2%, 25.0% and 5.0% respectively. Conclusion Further studies about operation mode, excision area, prevention for postoperative complication, preservation and reconstruction of normal function for patients suffering from the cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer (the distance between the upper margin of tumor and the inlet of chest is/or less than 3cm) is still expected.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) versus endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy (EVS) for acute esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods We searched CBMdisc (1979 to 2006), CNKI (1994 to 2006) and VIP for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing EVL and EVS for acute esophageal variceal bleeding patients with liver cirrhosis. The methodogical quality of included trials was critically assessed and the data were extracted by two reviewers, working independently. The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2.7 software was used for meta-analysis. Results Nine RCTs involving a total of 1371 patients were included: 688 in EVL group and 683 in EVS. The meta-analyses showed a significant reduction for mortality [RR 0.60, 95%CI (0.36, 0.98)], and non-significant reductions in complications, rebleeding and emergency hemostasis in the EVL group compared to the EVS group. EVS was non-significantly better than EVL for the rate of eradication varices and recurrent varices. Conclusions For acute esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis, EVL has better effect and fewer complications than EVS. However, because the quality of included RCTs was poor, the strength of our conclusions was limited. Further high-quality RCTs are required.
Abstract： Objective To explore the value of serum Dickkopf-related protein 1 （DKK1）for the early diagnosis of esophageal cancer， and provide theoretical evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer. Methods A total of 145 patients who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University between October 2009 and April 2011 were included in this study and divided into four groups. There were 72 patients in the esophageal cancer group （54 males and 18 females with their median age of 60.4 years），13 patients in the precancerosis group （9 males and 4 females with their median age of 58.6 years），30 patients in the benign esophageal lesion group （23 males and 7 females with their median age of 56.4 years），and 30 healthy people in the volunteer group （19 males and 11 females with their median age of 58.6 years）. Serum DKK1 protein concentration was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Receiver operating characteristics （ROC） curve was drawn to determine the cutoff level with optimal diagnostic accuracy. Results?Serum DKK1 protein levels were significantly higher in the esophageal cancer group and precancerosis group than those in the volunteer group and benign esophageal lesion group ［（37.5±2.8） μg/L， （19.7±2.7） μg/L vs. （5.7±0.8） μg/L， （6.5±0.8） μg/L，t=47.391， P＜0.05］. There was no statistical difference in serum DKK1 protein level between the volunteer group and benign esophageal lesion group ［（6.5±0.8） μg/L vs. （5.7±0.8） μg/L， t=4.215，P=0.374］. When the level of serum DKK1 protein was 13.4 μg/L， the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of esophageal cancer were 74.1% and 96.7%， respectively. Conclusion Overexpression of serum DKK1 protein could be related to the pathogenesis and progression of esophageal cancer. DKK1 protein may be a potential serologic biomarker for the early diagnosis of esophageal cancer.