Is tissue oxygen tension during esophagectomy a predictor of esophagogastric anastomotic healing?

PURPOSE: The genesis of anastomotic leakage and late stenosis of esophagogastrostomy is still unknown, although minimal blood flow and tissue hypoxia of the gastric tube are discussed as main reasons. However, the changes in tissue oxygen tension (PtO2) on esophagogastric anastomoses have not yet been evaluated in the perioperative course.
METHODS: Submucosal tissue oxygen tension (PtO2) was measured in 33 patients with cervical esophagogastrostomy during resection of esophageal carcinoma and reconstruction by a gastric tube. Measurements were taken close to the projected resection line and latter anastomosis using a Clark-type oxygen electrode.
RESULTS: Mean baseline PtO2 was 55.1 +/- 10.4 mmHg. Following the ligature of the vasa gastricae brevis and the left gastroepiploic artery (46.1 +/- 9.7 mmHg), the left gastric artery (34.8 +/- 9.8 mmHg), and the pull up of the gastric tube, PtO2 decreased to 25.8 +/- 9.4 mmHg. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 6 patients and late stenosis in 10 patients. During the operation there was no significant evidence of decreased PtO2 levels in these two groups. Postoperative PtO2 levels showed a significant increase in patients with anastomotic leakage.
CONCLUSION: A disorder in oxygen consumption may cause a significant increase of PtO2 in anastomotic tissue, which is associated with anastomotic leakage.