Microvascular grafting to enhance perfusion in colonic long-segment oesophageal reconstruction

Oesophagectomy with long-segment colon reconstruction is the first-line treatment when the stomach is not available. Supercharging of the newly formed conduit can improve vascular function utilizing intraoperative perfusion imaging system, following thoracoscopic oesophagectomy for distal-oesophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer. The purpose of this study is to examine the safety and efficacy of microvascular augmentation of left colonic interposition following oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer.

A retrospective analysis of 156 consecutive oesophagectomies between January 2016 and July 2018 was performed. All oesophagectomies involving left colon interposition with microvascular augmentation were included in the study. In all cases, oesophageal mobilization was performed thoracoscopically in prone position and the left colon was used as neo-oesophagus in an isoperistaltic fashion. Conduit perfusion was assessed with the Spy system and neck supercharging was performed using microsurgical technique.

A total of n = 5 (3.2%) patients were identified. Two cases had delayed and 3 had immediate reconstruction. The conduit was microsurgically augmented in 3 cases with both venous and arterial anastomoses (supercharging) and in 2 cases with venous anastomosis only (superdrainage). No anastomotic leak was identified. One case developed left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy with associated aspiration pneumonia.

Supercharged colonic interposition is a safe way of oesophageal reconstruction when long-segment interposition graft is needed. In oesophageal cancer and in the absence of a viable stomach with intact gastroepiploic arcade, it should be considered a feasible option with favourable outcomes, when the expertise and facilities are available. Use of intraoperative perfusion imaging reveals improved conduit blood supply post-supercharging.