Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Esophageal Cancer Invading the Thoracic Aorta: a Questionnaire Survey Study

Background: Locally advanced esophageal cancer occasionally invades the aorta, and hemorrhage from the esophagoaortic fistula can cause sudden death. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) enables hemostasis in such cases, and prophylactic TEVAR can prevent fatal hemorrhagic events during treatment. However, its efficacy in Japan has not been evaluated. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of TEVAR in esophageal cancer patients.

Methods: The Japan Esophageal Society conducted a questionnaire survey targeting authorized or semi-authorized member institutes of the Authorized Institutes for Board Certified Esophageal Surgeons. Patients who underwent TEVAR for esophageal cancer were identified from 19 institutes. Data on patient demographics, treatment performed, and survival rate were obtained using the questionnaire. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and to compare differences in survival rates between those who underwent TEVAR for hemorrhage and those for preoperative prophylaxis.

Results: Of the 41 patients identified, 20 patients underwent TEVAR for hemorrhage or impending hemorrhage from the esophagoaortic fistula, while 21 patients underwent TEVAR as preoperative prophylaxis. The median survival time after TEVAR was 135 days in the hemorrhage or impending hemorrhage group and 378 days in the preoperative prophylaxis group. Eighteen patients underwent esophagectomy after TEVAR. No hemorrhagic event was observed during the perioperative period. The median survival time of the patients who underwent esophagectomy was 373 days. Some patients who achieved R0 resection obtained long-term survival.

Conclusion: TEVAR is an efficacious modality to control a life-threatening hemorrhage from esophagoaortic fistula and helps to prolong the survival of patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer invading the aorta.