Yuan Tian
Qiankun Shao
Wei Peng
Rui Ren
Yongyou Wu- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
Background: Due to its nutritional advantages over total gastrectomy, proximal gastrectomy (PG) with anti-reflux techniques has gained significant attention in East Asian countries in recent years. The double flap technique (DFT) and modified side overlap and fundoplication by Yamashita (mSOFY) are two promising anti-reflux interventions following PG. However, anastomotic stenosis after DFT and gastroesophageal reflux after mSOFY have been reported in several patients. To address these concerns, a hybrid reconstruction procedure was designed, namely, right-sided overlap with single flap valvulopasty (ROSF), for proximal gastrectomy, with the aim of reducing anastomotic stricture and reflux. Among the 38 patients who underwent ROSF at our hospital, one developed Stooler grade II anastomotic stenosis. Herein, we present the successful management of this patient through endoscopic stricturotomy (ES).
Case summary: A 72-year-old female complaining of “epigastric pain and discomfort for more than 1 month” was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (Siewert type II). She underwent laparoscopic-assisted PG and ROSF procedures at our hospital and recovered well after surgery. However, she started experiencing progressive difficulty in eating and vomiting approximately 3 weeks after the intervention. Endoscopy revealed Stooler grade II esophagogastric anastomotic stenosis. ES with insulated tip (IT) Knife nano was eventually performed, and the patient was able to resume a normal diet without experiencing any discomfort during the 5-month follow-up period.
Conclusion: Endoscopic stricturotomy using IT Knife nano successfully treated anastomotic stenosis following ROSF with no associated complications. Thus, ES to treat anastomotic stenosis after PG with valvulopasty can be considered a safe option and should be performed in centers with the required expertise.
Introduction
For Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG), proximal gastrectomy (PG) with esophagogastrostomy and anti-reflux techniques are gaining widespread popularity in East Asian countries. Notably, double flap technique (DFT) and modified side overlap and fundoplication by Yamashita (mSOFY) are two representative reconstruction methods. However, anastomotic stenosis and esophageal reflux following DFT and mSOFY interventions have been reported in certain populations. Herein, we proposed a novel anti-reflux esophagogastrostomy method called right-sided overlap with single flap valvulopasty (ROSF). A right-opening single seromuscular flap and ROSF were conducted to improve blood supply to the flaps and reduce anastomotic stenosis as well as esophageal reflux (Table 1). Since March 1, 2021, we have performed the ROSF procedure in 38 cases without anastomotic leakage or symptomatic reflux esophagitis, with only one patient (2.6%) developing anastomotic stricture. In patients with postoperative anastomotic stenosis after DFT or mSOFY, balloon dilation (BD) is usually employed. However, BD may not always be effective for severe fibrotic stricture, necessitating repeated dilations in some instances.
Table 1. Comparison of anastomotic complications of ROSF and other esophagogastrostomies.
In our case, we successfully performed endoscopic stricturotomy (ES) using the insulated tip (IT) Knife nano. Consequently, we present this case to discuss the rationale and potential application of ES in the treatment of anastomotic stenosis after esophagogastrostomy procedures with valvulopasty, such as DFT, mSOFY, and ROSF.
Case presentation
A 72-year-old female who presented with “epigastric pain and discomfort for more than 1 month” as the chief complaint was diagnosed with AEG (Siewert type II). Subsequently, the patient was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) and gastroscopy confirmed AEG with the involvement of small perigastric lymph nodes (Figure 1A). The initial TNM staging was cT2N0-1M0. A laparoscopic PG with ROSF was thus performed. The patient experienced a smooth postoperative recovery and was discharged on the 8th day following surgery. One week after discharge, she resumed a normal diet without any issues. However, approximately 2 weeks later, she started experiencing progressive difficulty in eating accompanied by vomiting. Notably, she experienced no discomfort when switching to a liquid diet (Stooler grade II). As a result, she was readmitted for further management due to dysphagia 6 weeks following ROSF. Anastomotic stenosis was revealed through endoscopy (Figure 1B).
Figure 1. Preoperative findings. (A) Contrast-enhanced CT scan showed that the cardiac wall was thickened and enhanced. Small lymph node involvement was detected. (B) Gastroscopy confirmed the presence of a narrow anastomotic orifice between the esophagus and stomach, while the mucosa near the anastomotic orifice appeared smooth and intact. The diameter of the stenosis was about 3 mm. (C,D) Intraoperative pictures of ROSF surgery (side overlap anastomosis with linear stapler and muscle flap suture). (E,F) Schematic diagram illustrating the key steps of ROSF. CT, computed tomography; ROSF, right-sided overlap with single flap valvulopasty.
Generally, during the ROSF procedure, the overlap length between the esophagus and gastric mucosal is around 3 cm, providing enough room for conducting anastomosis. Therefore, the exact mechanism of stricture development in our patient is unclear. We surmised that staple line adhesion could have caused the anastomotic stenosis. Given that attempts at dilation using a gastroscope proved unsuccessful due to the presence of fibrotic scar tissue, ES with IT Knife nano was attempted. The posterior wall of the anastomosis was chosen as a safe area for incision, as it was located behind the posterior wall adjacent to the pseudo-gastric fundus. To prevent reflux, an incision of approximately 1 cm was made on the left lateral-posterior side of the anastomosis, ensuring a spacious opening for gastroscope insertion. Following the intervention, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was administered for 2 weeks, and the patient recovered well. During the 5-month follow-up period, no symptoms of dysphagia or reflux were reported. A gastroscopy re-examination revealed no evidence of stricture, esophagitis, or inflammation at the anastomotic site. Additionally, the patient's body weight increased following the ES procedure, and laboratory tests showed that nutritional parameters were within the normal range.
Treatment
The treatment procedure is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Endoscopic incision procedure and gastroscopy images (2 months after ES). (A,B) IT Knife nano was used to make an incision along the anastomotic staple line from the stenosis to the left side, gradually extending the stenosis. (C,D) Upon retracting the gastroscope, the relaxation and contraction of the cardia were observed, indicating good movement without any obstruction hindering re-entry of the gastroscope. (E) No anastomotic stenosis was seen on gastroscopy. (F) Anatomical structures of the cardia, such as the pseudo-gastric fundus and mucosal folds, could be seen after the gastroscope passed through the anastomosis. ES, endoscopic stricturotomy.
Outcome and follow-up
The nutritional parameters during follow-up are shown in Table 2, and the gastroscopy images reviewed 2 months after ES are shown in Figures 2E,F. The patient resumed normal diet without discomfort until January 2023.
Table 2. Nutritional parameters.
Discussion
Esophagogastric anastomotic stenosis is a relatively common complication after PG, and its management is challenging. Endoscopic intervention is typically the standard approach, encompassing balloon dilation, incision, and stent placement, with or without glucocorticosteroid injection to reduce the inflammatory response and prevent restenosis (27). Endoscopic balloon dilation is typically preferred since it is less invasive, safer, and associated with fewer complications, albeit with the potential for recurrence and the need for multiple dilation sessions. On the other hand, endoscopic incision (including ES) is more suitable for patients with severe stenosis or complex refractory stenosis (27, 28). Studies reported no significant difference between its efficacy and balloon dilation in terms of first-time outcome (28, 29). Nevertheless, the risk of postoperative complications may be slightly increased (28). Based on the characteristics of ROSF, we sought to explore an endoscopic incision technique capable of alleviating stenosis in a single treatment. In cases of anastomotic stenosis in side-to-side anastomoses between the esophagus and the anterior wall of the stomach using a linear stapler, a lateral incision along the staple line on the left side of the anastomosis is the best approach. Incision toward the posterior wall of the esophagus is also safe but may result in a diminished anti-reflux effect. Anastomotic stenosis after esophagogastrostomy with valvulopasty, including DFT, mSOFY, and ROSF procedures, can be managed by ES, but the site, direction, and size of the incision should be meticulously planned by taking into account the specific details of the previous valvulopasty procedure.
Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between the occurrence of esophagogastric anastomotic stenosis and scar formation at the anastomosis site, with connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) playing significant roles in tissue scar formation (30). Importantly, factors such as gastric acid stimulation and postoperative fasting may exacerbate anastomotic fibroplasia and stenosis formation. In addition to the endoscopic injection of hormones, the use of PPI has been shown to effectively reduce gastric acid irritation and fibrotic scar formation. Notably, diet is also an important factor in preventing esophagogastric anastomotic stenosis. Given the favorable safety profile of ROSF, we recommend a quick transition from a liquid diet to a normal diet postoperatively. Firm-textured foods naturally exert a dilating effect on the anastomosis, which helps prevent stenosis formation. Nonetheless, patients should still adhere to a balanced diet to avoid restenosis after undergoing ES. Of note, an excessively conservative approach to diet transition may instead contribute to stenosis. The utilization of diet as a physical dilation method, similar to balloon dilation, thus warrants further exploration and study.
Conclusion
Endoscopic stricturotomy using IT Knife nano successfully treated anastomotic stenosis following ROSF with no associated complications. Therefore, utilizing ES to treat anastomotic stenosis after PG with valvulopasty can be considered a safe option and should be performed in centers with the required expertise.
Data availability statement
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding authors.
Ethics statement
The studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Hospital of Soochow University. The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study. Written informed consent was obtained from the individual(s) for the publication of any potentially identifiable images or data included in this article.
Author contributions
Conception and design: YT, QS, and YW. Administrative support: YW. Provision of study materials or patients: all authors. Collection and assembly of data: YT. Data analysis and interpretation: YT and QS. Manuscript writing: YT, QS, and YW. Final approval of the manuscript: all authors. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.
Funding
This study was supported by Suzhou Medical Expert Team Introduction Project (Grant no. SZYJTD201804) and Suzhou Science and Technology Development Program (Grant no. SYSD2020111).
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher's note
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Abbreviations
TG, total gastrectomy; PG, proximal gastrectomy; DFT, double flap technique; mSOFY, modified side overlap and fundoplication by Yamashita; ROSF, right-sided overlap with single flap valvulopasty; ES, endoscopic stricturotomy; AEG, adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction; BD, balloon dilation; PPI, proton pump inhibitor; CT, computed tomography; IT Knife, insulated tip Knife.
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Keywords: case report, adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG), esophagogastric anastomotic stenosis, endoscopic stricturotomy, single flap technique
Citation: Tian Y, Shao Q, Chen Q, Peng W, Ren R, Gong W, Liu T, Zhu J and Wu Y (2023) Anastomotic stenosis following proximal gastrectomy with single flap valvulopasty successfully managed with endoscopic stricturotomy: a case report. Front. Surg. 10:1190301. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1190301
Received: 20 March 2023; Accepted: 5 June 2023;
Published: 20 June 2023.
Edited by:
Zhibo Yan, Shandong University, ChinaReviewed by:
Ioannis I. Lazaridis, University Hospital of Basel, SwitzerlandAman Xu, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China
© 2023 Tian, Shao, Chen, Peng, Ren, Gong, Liu, Zhu and Wu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Yongyou Wu d3V5b25neW91NzJAMTI2LmNvbQ== Jianhong Zhu emh1amlhbmhvbmcxOTgwQHNpbmEuY29t