Sleep disturbances greatly impact quality of life. We have previously shown that 80% percent of children with atopic dermatitis (AD) in our cohort suffered from sleep disturbances and 60% from sleep-related impairment. However, the broader influence of sleep issues in children with AD has not been explored. Validated patient-oriented questionnaires were completed at each visit by children >8 years old and parents (5-7 years old) in a cross-sectional observational study of 248 children with AD. AD severity was also assessed using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), SCORing AD (SCORAD), Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), and Patient oriented Eczema Measurement (POEM). Sleep-related impairment (SRI) and sleep disturbance (SD) were measured with Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS). No higher probability of severe SD in children with allergic rhinitis or asthma was noted. In children 5-7 years, parents-reported SD correlated with age and lower family income. SRI was reflected by a higher disease activity (EASI, SCORAD, POEM) and SDin children >8 years correlatedmoderately with disease activity from patient report (POEM (rho=0.58, p<0.001); SCORAD (rho=0.46 p<0.001)) and weakly with physician-reported severity (IGA/EASI/BSA (rho=0.35 p<0.001)). In both age groups SD prevalence, and in the younger age group also SRI, correlated with itch, pain, poorer mobility and poorer global health (rho=-0.35). More SRI as well as SD was associated with depression (rho=0.35) and anxiety (rho=0.44) (all p<0.001). A strong correlation of itch and pain was seen in both age groups, and also SD correlated with itch and pain (rho=0.80, p<0.001).During the observational period disease activity and with it sleep disturbances and psychosocial problems improved. Sleep disturbance and its daytime impairment both affect the physical and psychosocial health of children with AD, highlighting the need to document sleep impacts in holistic care.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa affects approximately 1% of the population. Objective: Highlighting the relevance of self-management-competency as a new therapeutic target. Method: 258 patients from the ‘Epidemiology and Care in Acne inversa (EpiCAi)’ project were included in the study. Disease burden was measured by patient-rated questionnaires in terms of disease activity, pain, quality of life, depression and insomnia and correlated with the domains of the health education impact questionnaire (heiQ) measuring self-management-competency. Results: 66 male (25.6%) and 192 female (74.4%) patients, with a mean age of 40.3 ± 10.24 years were included. Mean scores of pain on the numeric rating scale (NRS), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were 5.11 ± 2.68, 11.35 ± 7.79 and 13.71 ± 7.57, respectively. The Insomnia severity index (ISI) showed a mean of 9.58 ± 5.76. The HADS has the highest increased total risk across all heiQ domains. With respect to the heiQ domains, the highest exposure can be attributed to improving constructive attitudes and approaches as well as decreasing emotional distress. Conclusion: There is a clear association of self-management-competency with overall disease burden, which underlines the need for psychoeducational support. This study provides ideas to develop new possible strategies of care.

Abstract Background and aim A combined trans-hiatal and transcervical approach to perform esophagectomy has been described in the literature for patients who are not candidates for a transthoracic approach. In this context, the technical limitations of conventional laparoscopy might be overcome by the application of robotic systems such as the DaVinci Xi. We aimed at describing the technical details and the feasibility of our technique for the robotic-assisted trans-cervical esophagectomy (RACE) and a preliminary case series. Methods In the abdominal phase the DaVinci Xi is docked using the standard 5-trocar configuration used for Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy. After gastric mobilization, tubulization and D2 lymphadenectomy, the dissection is advanced trans-hiatally until the tracheal carina. Infra-tracheal lymph-node dissection is normally feasible from the abdomen. A left cervical incision and neck lymph node dissection are performed, the esophagus is encircled. The robot is docked at the neck using a gel port with a 3-trocar configuration and an assistant-trocar for suction. The upper mediastinal preparation starts by dissecting the esophagus from the mediastinal pleura bilaterally, the pars membranacea anteriorly and the aortic arch proceeding caudally. Dissection of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (l-RLN) lymph nodes can be achieved; care should be taken to avoid nerve injuries. Proceeding caudally, the tracheal dissection is advanced to the left bronchus. The azygos vein is encountered at the right tracheobronchial angle. Dissection of bronchial lymph nodes is performed bilaterally, the plane is connected to the previous abdominal plane. After retrieval of the specimen an end-to-side circular stapled anastomosis is performed at the neck. Results The procedure was completed in 4 patients with mid-esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who were not candidate for a trans-thoracic approach due to cardio-pulmonary comorbidities. Median hospital stay was 14 (9–18) days, median ICU stay was 4 (1–6) days. Left vocal cord palsy requiring rehabilitation therapy occurred in 2 patients (50%). No postoperative mortality was recorded. R0 resection was achieved in all patients with a median of 19 (15–22) retrieved lymph nodes. Conclusion RACE using the robotic system is feasible and provides an adequate surgical radicality. The procedure is safe, although the rate of RLN injury is higher.

Abstract Background and aim We evaluated causes and implications of conversion during minimally invasive (MI) esophagectomy and the feasibility of MI surgery in patients with ‘risk indications’ that would potentially prompt the referral to open surgery. Methods We analyzed 371 patients treated with esophagectomy for cancer, between January 2016 and April 2021. We identified three groups: (I) non-MI surgery group including patients with planned open/hybrid esophagectomy (n = 26); (II) the MI surgery group including patients with totally MI procedures, both thoracoscopic/laparoscopic and robotic esophagectomy (n = 335); (III) the MI converted group with patients who had unplanned conversion (n = 10). Pre- and postoperative data were compared. ‘Risk indications’ motivating open/hybrid surgery were evaluated to define two subgroups of high- and low-risk patients treated with MI surgery, and to compare the surgical outcomes between these 2 groups. Results Overall, 345 patients were approached via MI surgery: 335 had completed MI esophagectomy (RAMIE = 63.28%; MIE = 36.72%). The conversion-rate was 2.9% (n = 10): 6.1% in MIE, 0.9% in RAMIE (P = 0.008). Postoperative leakage was higher in converted patients compared to the non-MI and the totally MI groups (P < 0.001). Surgical radicality, readmission rate and mortality were comparable. Patients with and without ‘risk indication’ for open surgery showed a similar conversion rate and post-operative outcomes following MI esophagectomy. Conclusion Conversion does not significantly affect the oncological outcomes and short-term mortality after MI esophagectomy. A MI approach could be safely offered also to patients with ‘risk indications’ that would potentially lead the choice of an open surgery.

Abstract Background The ideal extent of lymphadenectomy (LAD) in esophageal oncological surgery is debated. There is no evidence for improved survival after standardized paratracheal lymph node resection performing oncological esophagectomy. Lymph nodes from the lower paratracheal station are not standardly resected during 2-field Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of lower paratracheal lymph node (LPL) resection on perioperative outcome during esophagectomy for cancer and analyze its relevance. Methods Retrospectively, we identified 200 consecutive patients operated in our center for esophageal cancer from January 2017 – December 2019. Patients with and without lower paratracheal LAD were compared regarding demographic data, tumor characteristics, operative details, postoperative complications, tumor recurrence and overall survival. Results 103 out of 200 patients received lower paratracheal lymph node resection. On average, five lymph nodes were resected in the paratracheal region and cancer infiltration was found in two patients. Those two patients suffered from neuroendocrine carcinoma and melanoma respectively. Cases with lower paratracheal lymph node yield had significantly less overall complicated procedures (p = 0.026). Regarding overall survival and recurrence rate no significant difference could be detected between both groups (p = 0.168 and 0.371 respectively). Conclusion The resection of lower paratracheal lymph nodes during esophagectomy remains debatable for distal squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Tumor infiltration was only found in rare cancer entities. Since resection can be performed safely, we recommend LPL resection on demand.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the impact of lower paratracheal lymph node resection on oncological radicality and complication rate during esophagectomy for cancer. Backround The ideal extend of lymphadenectomy (LAD) in esophageal surgery is debated. Until today, there has been no proof for improved survival after standardized paratracheal lymph node resection performing oncological esophagectomy. Methods Lymph nodes from the lower paratracheal station are not standardly resected during 2-field Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Retrospectively, we identified 200 patients operated in our center for esophageal cancer from January 2017—December 2019. Histopathologically, 143 patients suffered from adenocarcinoma, 53 patients from squamous cell carcinoma, two patients from neuroendocrine carcinoma, and one from melanoma of the esophagus. Patients with and without lower paratracheal LAD were compared to patients regarding demographic data, tumor characteristics, operative details, postoperative complications, tumor recurrence and overall survival. Results 103 of 200 patients received lower paratracheal lymph node resection. On average, six lymph nodes were resected in the paratracheal region with histopathological cancer positivity in two patients. Those two patients suffered from neuroendocrine carcinoma and melanoma, none of the AC or SCC patients were positive. There was no significant difference between both groups regarding age, gender, BMI, or comorbidity. Harvesting of lower paratracheal lymph nodes was associated with less postoperative overall complications (p-value 0,029). Regarding overall survival and recurrence rate no difference could be detected between both groups (p-value 0,168, respectively 0,371). Conclusion The resection of lower paratracheal lymph nodes during esophagectomy seems not mandatory for distal squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. It may be necessary in NEC, Melanoma of the esophagus or on demand if suspicious LN are detected in the CT scan. No increase of morbidity was caused by paratracheal dissection.

We describe the case of a 67-year-old female patient who presented with an unclear swelling on the right supraclavicular neck, two years after resection of a mucinous carcinoma on the right mastoid. Two pathological reports from separate universities diagnosed the primary mastoid skin lesion as a metastatic adenocarcinoma. Strikingly, GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) and mammaglobin, both immunomarkers found in breast cancer, were positive. An urgent search for the primary tumor most likely in the breast was commenced. However, as no other primary tumor could be detected at that time, a Primary Mucinous Carcinoma of the Skin (PMCS) was also debated. Two years later neck node enlargement was suspicious for lymph node metastasis during ultrasound examination and conservative neck dissection was performed. Immunohistochemistry revealed again GATA 3, Mammaglobin, estrogen, and progesterone receptor positive tissue. Using a variety of other markers, we were unable to detect neither significant morphological nor immunohistochemical characteristics that distinguished the lesion from a mucinous carcinoma of mammary origin. Following a detailed review of the clinical context, we concluded the lesion to be consistent with a late metastasis of a PMCS. This report demonstrates the limitations of currently used histopathological and immunohistochemical differentiation in metastatic mucinous carcinoma.

Background Surgical esophagectomy plays a crucial role in the curative and palliative treatment of esophageal cancer. Thereby, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is increasingly applied all over the world. Combining minimal invasiveness with improved possibilities for meticulous dissection, robot-assisted minimal invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) has been implemented in many centers. Purpose This review focuses on the development of MIE as well as RAMIE and their value based on evidence in current literature. Conclusion Although MIE and RAMIE are highly complex procedures, they can be performed safely with improved postoperative outcome and equal oncological results compared with open esophagectomy (OE). RAMIE offers additional advantages regarding surgical dissection, lymphadenectomy, and extended indications for advanced tumors.

Abstract Background Iatrogenic bronchial injury during an esophageal surgery is a severe complication. Hence, immediate treatment is necessary to avoid further pulmonary complications and death. We present a case of an intraoperative bronchial injury caused by a bronchial tube cuff during a full robotic-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (RAMIE). Case report A 64-year old patient with adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus was planned for a RAMIE after completing neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Before beginning the thoracic phase, the anesthesist reported an airway leakage during the ventilation. During the transthoracic robotic assisted esophagectomy a perforation of the left main bronchus caused by the cuff of the double-lumen tube was found. Due to the diameter of the defect (1/2 inch) direct suturing was not possible. Therefore, we used a stalked pericardial patch to robotically oversew the perforation. The precise agility using the robotic DaVinci system was very useful treating this perforation minimally- invasively during the RAMIE without conversion. The rest of the surgery including the gastric pull-up and intrathoracic anastomosis was carried out without further complication. The patient had a normal postoperative course and showed no signs of any pulmonary restrictions or any other morbidity. The patient was discharged fully enteralised and in good conditions at the 9th postoperative day. The histopathological stage was ypT3, N2(4/21), L0, V0, Pn0, R0 (stage IIIB in 7th UICC). Conclusion This case report points out the great possibilities of robotic surgery dealing with unexpected complications during complex operations. Robot-assisted complex suturing is a great advantage in robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, especially during sewing a pericardium-flap onto the left bronchus perforation during an esophagectomy.

Ösophagotracheale bzw. -bronchiale Fisteln sind pathologische Verbindungen zwischen dem Verdauungstrakt und dem Atemwegssystem. Aufgrund häufiger pulmonaler Komplikationen gehen sie mit einer erheblichen Mortalität einher. Therapeutisch steht zunächst die Endoskopie im Vordergrund, bei Versagen ist eine chirurgische Sanierung obligat. Retrospektiv wurden Patienten mit ösophagotrachealer bzw. -bronchialer Fistel in unserer Klinik über einen Zeitraum von 10 Jahren erfasst. Die chirurgisch behandelten Patienten wurden bezüglich Fistelursache, Management, insbesondere Operationsverfahren, Komplikationen und Outcome analysiert. Zwischen 2009 und 2019 wurden 15 Patienten mit ösophagotrachealer bzw. -bronchialer Fistel in unserer Klinik therapiert. Zwölf dieser Patienten wurden primär endoskopisch behandelt, davon 5 erfolgreich. Insgesamt wurden 8 Patienten operiert. Bei 6 der 8 chirurgisch behandelten Patienten heilte die Fistel aus, 1 Patient konnte nach postoperativem Fistelrezidiv erfolgreich endoskopisch therapiert werden. Ein Patient verstarb. Die Behandlung ösophagotrachealer bzw. -bronchialer Fisteln stellt eine große Herausforderung dar. Die alleinige primäre endoskopische Intervention verläuft in ca. 50 % erfolgreich. Ein operatives Vorgehen sollte bei erfolgloser endoskopischer Therapie oder – seltener – bereits initial bei ungünstiger Konstellation für eine endoskopische Therapiemöglichkeit erfolgen. Neben dem primären Verschluss mit resorbierbarem Nahtmaterial stehen plastische Deckungen mit alloplastischen oder allogenen Materialien zur Verfügung. Bei größeren oder hochproximalen ösophagotrachealen Fisteln spielen lokale Schwenklappenplastiken oder freie Lappenplastiken eine große Rolle. Beim operativen Verschluss hochthorakaler oder zervikaler Fisteln kann das intraoperative Neuromonitoring nützlich sein, um Nervenschäden zu verhindern.

Eine Assoziation zwischen bösartigen Tumorerkrankungen und systemischer Sarkoidose wurde bisher vielfach in der Literatur beschrieben. Die genaue Ursache dieses Zusammenhangs wird weiterhin kontrovers diskutiert. Epitheloidzellige Granulome in den drainierenden Lymphknoten, mit oder ohne Metastasen eines malignen (Primär-)Tumors, werden als sog. Sarkoid-ähnliche Reaktionen bezeichnet. Solche Granulome können histologisch jedoch von einer systemischen Sarkoidose unterschieden werden und werden als T-Zell-gesteuerte Immunantwort gegenüber einer Tumorantigenexposition gewertet. Das Auftreten von Sarkoidose, bzw. Sarkoid-ähnlichen Reaktionen bei Patienten mit malignem Melanom wurde bisher meist als Nebeneffekt einer Chemo- bzw. Immuntherapie gesehen.