Beneficial effect of prostaglandin E1 on blood flow to the gastric tube after esophagectomy

Background. A prospective study on the vasodilatory effect of prostaglandin E-1 on blood now to the gastric tube after esophagectomy is reported. Methods. Twelve patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy were enrolled in this study. In all patients, the esophagogastrostomy was performed in the cervical region, and the stomach was used for reconstruction. Immediately after the creation of the gastric tube, baseline blood now was measured at the oral end, in the center, and at the pyloric ring of the gastric tube using a laser Doppler flowmeter. The prostaglandin E1 group (n = 6) was then infused with prostaglandin E-1 until postoperative day 2; the control group (n = 6) received saline. At +5 minutes and +40 minutes after administration, blood flow was again measured at the same three sites. Results. The control group did not show a significant increase of blood flow to any site over time. For the prostaglandin E-1 group, blood flow at +40 minutes increased from the baseline measurements significantly at a rate of 63%, 39%, and 36%, respectively. Conclusions. Prostaglandin E-1 has a characteristic vasodilating effect on the area of impaired microcirculation of the gastric tube, thereby increasing blood flow to the affected area. (Ann Thorac Surg 1999;67:908-10) (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.