Background: Esophageal cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy associated
with significant morbidity and mortality. Esophagectomy is an important radical
curative option for patients with esophageal cancer because it allows disease
control and improves long-term survival. On the other hand, esophagectomy has
potential postoperative complications that could affect the recovery and short-
term outcome. It is the goal of this study to estimated short-term complication
and progression after an esophagectomy.
Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 36 patients who underwent
radical surgical resection for esophageal cancer was analyzed. Patients were
divided into four groups based on the post-operative complication and oncologic
outcomes. Clinicopathological data, including age, tumor stage, and surgical
outcomes, were collected from patient records.
Results: The overall incidence of postoperative outcomes was as follows:
postoperative complications included anastomotic leakage in 22.2% of patients
and cardiopulmonary complications in 25%, while oncologic outcomes showed
local recurrence in 33.3% of patients and distant metastasis in 27.8%. Older age
was significantly associated with cardio-pulmonary complications (p = 0.032),
while advanced tumor stage (T3) correlated with both distant metastasis (p =
0.025) and cardio-pulmonary complications (p = 0.041). Positive lymph node
status was a significant factor in the occurrence of anastomotic leakage (p =
0.010).
Conclusion: This study identified a significant incidence of adverse outcomes
following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, with short-term postoperative
complications such as anastomotic leakage and cardiopulmonary issues, as well
as oncologic outcomes like local recurrence and distant metastasis, posing
substantial challenges to patient recovery and disease control. Advanced tumor
stage, older age, and lymph node involvement were key risk factors for these
complications. Improved perioperative management and careful surgical
planning may help mitigate these risks and improve patient outcomes.