Pedunculated gastric tube with distal partial gastrectomy for esophageal reconstruction in synchronous or metachronous esophagectomy.

Abstract

While the stomach is commonly used as an esophageal substitute after esophagectomy, it may not be a viable option in some cases. One alternative for esophageal reconstruction is a pedunculated gastric tube with distal partial gastrectomy (PGT-DPG). However, no studies have comprehensively analyzed its efficacy. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients who underwent PGT-DPG between 2011 and 2023, and reviewed previously published studies on the surgical outcomes of PGT-DPG. Among the nine patients in the current study, seven underwent PGT-DPG for gastric cancer; of which, five were performed concurrently with esophagectomy, while two were conducted following prior esophagectomy. Additionally, PGT-DPG was performed in two cases with benign gastric lesions. The major postoperative complications included pneumonia (two cases), anastomotic leakage (two cases), and recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (one case). No graft necrosis or mortality was observed. Our review of these cases, along with previously reported cases, indicated that PGT-DPG showed efficacy due to its availability for antral early gastric cancer, avoidance of bowel reconstruction, simplified technique, and improved cervical elevation. PGT-DPG is a valuable rescue option in cases in which gastric tube reconstruction is challenging. Therefore, esophageal surgeons should be well acquainted with this technique.