OGC P49 Case report: Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy requiring one lung ventilation in a patient with a previous laryngectomy
Authors: Willder Jennifer , Khan Khurram , Capek Adam , Macdonald Andrew , MacKay Colin 
Published: December 2022

Background

A 68 year old patient with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of lower oesophagus (T3N0M0) presented for Ivor Lewis oesopphagectomy (ILO) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Four years previously the patient had undergone total laryngectomy, radical right neck dissection with right pectoralis major flap and bilateral adjuvant radiotherapy for hypopharyngeal SCC (pT3N2bM0). A tracheal stoma was present with speaking valve in-situ. An ILO was planned requiring one lung ventilation (OLV) to facilitate surgical access. In our institution, OLV is routinely achieved via double lumen endotracheal tube (DLT), although endobronchial blocker through single lumen endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway and endobronchial intubation with a single lumen tube are potential options. Post laryngectomy the method used for lung isolation is limited and care must be taken not to traumatise the stoma site or surrounding tissue. Additionally, the angulation formed by the trachea and stoma mean a DLT is often not suitable while specific double lumen tracheostomy tubes may have too great a diameter for a small stoma. Surgically, close relations of the tumour to gastro-oesophageal junction, left diaphragmatic crus and descending thoracic aorta made suitability for resection uncertain, despite two negative staging laparoscopies. We describe the anaesthetic and surgical management of this interesting case.

Methods

General anaesthesia was delivered via an intravenous induction and maintenance was with sevoflurane. Airway management included bag mask ventilation with a neonatal facemask followed by placement of an 8mm reinforced endotracheal tube through the tracheal stoma. Prior to right thoracotomy a right sided 9Fr VivaSight endobronchial blocker (Ambu) was placed under direct vision using a single use Ambu aScope™ 4 Broncho Slim fibreoptic bronchoscope. OLV was successful using this method; SpO2 ≥96% (FiO2 0.6) and peak inspiratory pressure 18–20cmH2O-1. Analgesia comprised intrathecal morphine, right erector spinae plane local anaesthetic block and infusion catheter and morphine PCA. Abdominal phase was undertaken laparoscopically. The hiatus was noted to be fibrotic following chemoradiotherapy and a small capsular breach of the left lobe of liver occurred, controlled with Surgiflo (Ethicon). A right thoracotomy was performed through the 6th intercostal space. Right lung was deflated and surgical access was adequate. OrVil (Covidien – Medtronic) anastomosis was attempted but the anvil was unable to pass through the pharynx, therefore a purse string applicator was applied and OrVil staple used. The left pleura was also breached during dissection. One left and two right chest drains were placed.

Results

Postoperatively, analgesia was adequate and the patient did not require any cardiovascular or respiratory support. However, on first postoperative day it was noted that the speaking valve was not functioning causing significantly hoarse voice. A valve leak was detected and though hard to know the precise cause, it was assumed that it had become dislodged via either anaesthetic procedures, surgical handling or a combination. Despite some improvement in the symptoms over the first post-operative week, the patient also experienced airway soiling on commencing oral intake and after review by ENT a new valve was successfully sited and all symptoms resolved. Although a minor and easily rectifiable complication, the ‘loss of voice’ was very distressing for the patient.

The patient had an otherwise uneventful postoperative course and was discharged home on day-11. Clinic review at six weeks revealed the patient had made a complete recovery and had resumed all normal activities. Histology showed scattered small foci of moderately differentiated SCC infiltrating the muscularis propria (stage ypT2). Longitudinal margins were clear of both dysplasia and malignancy. There was no evidence of lymphatic, venous or perineural invasion. One of 12 lymph nodes showed metastatic SCC. Adjuvant course of Nivolumab immunotherapy is currently planned.

Conclusions

We have presented an unusual case of previous laryngectomy plus requirement for OLV for ILO. The use of an endobronchial blocker via a reinforced endotracheal tube has been shown to be a successful airway management strategy. Speaking valve displacement and/or malfunction is a potential complication in such cases and should form part of preoperative counselling.

Close liaison between surgical, anaesthetic and ENT teams is essential in the management of complex and unusual cases and, as we have demonstrated, strong teamwork leads to successful outcomes for patients.