Aim Anastomotic leaks remain a major complication following oesophagectomy, accounting for high morbidity and mortality. Recently, gastric ischaemic conditioning (GIC) has been proposed to improve anastomotic integrity through neovascularisation of the gastric conduit. This systematic review aims to determine the impact of GIC on postoperative outcomes after oesophagectomy. Background & Methods A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies reporting GIC for any indication of oesophageal resection. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for main outcomes. Results Nineteen studies were included reporting GIC, of which 13 were comparative studies. GIC were performed through ligation in 13 studies and embolisation in six studies. GIC did not appear reduce anastomotic leakages (OR 0.80, CI95: 0.51 - 1.24, p=0.3), anastomotic strictures (OR 0.75, CI95: 0.35 - 1.60, p=0.5), overall complications (OR 1.02, CI95: 0.48 - 2.16, p=0.9), major complications (OR 1.06, CI95: 0.53 - 2.11, p=0.9), or in-hospital mortality (OR 0.70, CI95: 0.32 - 1.53, p=0.4). However, preconditioning reduced the rates of conduit necrosis (OR 0.30, CI95: 0.11 - 0.77, p=0.013). Conclusion Gastric preconditioning through does not appear to reduce overall rates of anastomotic leakage after oesophagectomy but seems to reduce severity of leakages. More in depth studies are recommended.

Aims This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluates the evidence for the techniques for oesophagogastric (OG) anastomosis and their impact on perioperative outcomes. Background Current evidence on the benefits of different anastomotic techniques (hand-sewn (HS), circular stapled (CS), triangular stapler (TS) or linear stapler/semi-mechanical (LSSM) techniques after oesophagectomy is conflicting. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted to identify randomised and non-randomised studies reporting techniques for the OG anastomosis. Network meta-analysis of postoperative anastomotic leaks and strictures was performed. Results This study included 15 randomised and 22 non-randomised studies (n=8,618). LSSM (OR: 0.49, CI95%: 0.33 - 0.74, p=0.001) and CS (OR: 0.68, CI95%: 0.48 - 0.95, p=0.027) and anastomoses were associated with lower anastomotic leak rates than HS anastomosis. LSSM anastomosis was found to be superior to CS (OR: 0.15, CI95%: 0.08 - 0.28, p <0.001), TS (OR: 0.32, CI95%: 0.19 - 0.54, p <0.001) and HS (OR: 0.15, CI95%: 0.05 - 0.46, p=0.001) anastomoses respectively in anastomotic stricture rates. LSSM was ranked the best technique with high probability for anastomotic leaks and strictures. Conclusions Stapled anastomoses, specifically LSSM were associated with lower anastomotic leaks and strictures rates following oesophagectomy. Therefore, current evidence suggests superiority of the LSSM technique for OG anastomosis.