Esophagus

Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy leak

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Q) After Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, on postoperative day 5 (POD 5), bile is seen in the chest tube.

The patient presents with a heart rate of 120 bpm, a temperature of 101°F, and blood pressure of 100/70 mmHg. What is the next appropriate step in management?

  • a) Stenting
  • b) Colonic replacement of gastric conduit
  • c) IV antibiotics
  • d) Conduit excision and esophageal diversion
Correct Answer: d) Conduit excision and esophageal diversion

In patients who develop a completely necrotic conduit post-esophagectomy, the risk of sepsis is high. These patients often require urgent surgical intervention. Upon confirming conduit necrosis, the conduit must be resected, and the patient should undergo diversion, which includes:

  • End esophagostomy
  • Venting gastrostomy
  • Feeding jejunostomy

It is crucial to maintain as much length of the remaining esophagus as possible to facilitate future reconstructive procedures.

Key Points:

  • Postoperative Day 5: Critical time for monitoring complications after esophagectomy.
  • Symptoms of Concern: Tachycardia, fever, and hypotension may indicate sepsis or other complications.
  • Surgical Intervention: Timely recognition and management are vital for patient outcomes.

For further reading, refer to Schakelford’s Surgical Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal Tract, page 477.

More on Esophagus ›

THE vs TTE

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Esophagus Surgery
Esophagus Mock Test 1
Q) Trans Hiatal Esophagectomy (THE) vs Trans Thoracic Esophagectomy (TTE) – which is not true?
(Question asked in all AIIMS and INI exams since 2017)
a) Leak rates are more with TTE
b) Pulmonary complication is more with TTE
c) Side to side stapler anastomosis has less leaks than open two layer suturing
d) THE can be done through minimally invasive surgery
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