A laparoscopic vagus-preserving Merendino procedure for early esophageal adenocarcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic vagal preserving oesophagectomy is a recognised treatment option for high-grade dysplasia of the oesophagus. A jejunal interposition, as described by Alvin Merendino in 1955, aims to substitute the lower oesophageal sphincter, thereby treating physiological disorders such as reflux oesophagitis.


METHODS
We aimed to combine these procedures in the treatment of an otherwise healthy patient, who presented with high-grade dysplasia on surveillance endoscopy, with particular reference to technical feasibility and to Quality of Life as assessed by the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI).


RESULTS
We performed a laparoscopic vagus preserving Merendino procedure with sentinel lymph node biopsy. The patient made an entirely uncomplicated recovery and was discharged on day 7. His pathological specimen reported intramucosal carcinoma and high-grade dysplasia within Barrett's oesophagus. 0/4 lymph nodes were involved. His GIQLI scores preoperatively, at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively, were 111, 98 and 105, respectively. His weight at the corresponding times was 69.8, 63.2 and 62.7 kg.


CONCLUSIONS
A laparoscopic vagal preserving Merendino procedure is technically feasible. It also offers a physiologically advantageous procedure for the patient.
Pring
Chris
C
St James University Hospital, Upper GI Surgery, Leeds Institute for Minimally Invasive Therapy, 6th Floor, Wellcome Wing, Leeds, UK. c_pring@yahoo.com
Dexter
Simon
S
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001706:Biopsy; D000075202:Contraindications; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000379:methods*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000294:innervation* / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014628:Vagotomy; D014630:Vagus Nerve