Transhiatal surgical resection for adenocarcinoma of the cardia.

Aim of this study is to define feasibility and effectiveness of the transhiatal esophagogastric resection in cardia adenocarcinoma. From 1981 to 2001, we submitted to surgery 85 patients affected by cardia adenocarcinoma. Since 1994, 34 patients, in consideration of clinical, anatomosurgical (Siewert II-III) and pathologic (T1-3, cN mediastinal negative) findings, underwent transhiatal esophagogastric resection according to Pinotti's technique. This consisted in the midline opening of the central tendon of the diaphragm, ligature and section of the left inferior phrenic vessels, exposure and anterior retraction of the pericardium. The approach allowed in all cases a satisfactory esophageal mobilization and a good dissection of the inferior mediastinal structures avoiding thoracotomy. Postoperative complications were observed in 8 patients (24%). In 4 cases the complications were medical (11.8%) and in 4 cases surgical (11.8%). Death occurred in 4 cases (11.8%): in 3 patients (8.8%) for local complications (2 anastomotic leaks and 1 hemorrage) and in 1 (2.9%) for cardiac failure. The 26 non complicated cases had an uneventful postoperative course and were discharged 12 days after surgery. Middle and long term results were evaluated in terms of locoregional recurrence rate and actuarial survival. At 1 and 2 years locoregional recurrence occurred in 8.8% and 11.8% of cases respectively. Five-year overall survival was 22.5%. In selected cases (Siewert type II-III, T1-3 tumors with clinically negative mediastinal lymphnodes) the procedure in study appears technically feasible, it provides a satisfactory volume of esophageal exeresis and an adequate extension of mediastinal lymphadenectomy, representing a safe and effective alternative to thoracotomy in cardia cancer surgery.