Open AccessAnastomotic Complications after Esophagectomy
Author(s) -
Toni Lerut,
Willy Coosemans,
G. A. G. Decker,
Paul De Leyn,
P. Nafteux,
Dirk Van Raemdonck
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
digestive surgery
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.762
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1421-9883
pISSN - 0253-4886
DOI - 10.1159/000052018
Subject(s) - medicine , anastomosis , esophagectomy , surgery , stenosis , perioperative , incidence (geometry) , swallowing , general surgery , endoscopy , esophageal cancer , radiology , cancer , physics , optics
Anastomotic complications after esophagectomy continue to be a burden jeopardizing the quality of life and of swallowing. However, incidence, mortality and morbidity of anastomotic complications have substantially decreased in recent years. It seems that this is not so much related to the use of a particular conduit, approach or route for reconstruction, but rather related to refinement in anastomotic techniques and perhaps even more to progress in modern perioperative management. Knowledge of surgical anatomy and meticulous technique are of paramount importance and obviously related to individual expertise. As to the management, most leaks can be treated by conservative measures and reintervention surgery today is rather exceptional. Early endoscopy and dilatation seem to decrease the incidence and severity of anastomotic stenosis.