Feasibility and efficacy of simultaneous off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and esophagectomy in elderly patients

INTRODUCTION: To analyze the outcomes of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) and esophagectomy simultaneously for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and coexisting esophageal cancer. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with CAD and coexisting esophageal cancer underwent combined surgical interventions were subjected to the study. OPCABG was performed first, followed by esophagectomy. All the corresponding data including clinicopathological characteristics and postoperative outcomes were all investigated. RESULTS: All the combined procedures were performed successfully. The average number of grafts was 2.36. Tumors were located at the middle third of the esophagus in 5 patients, at the lower third of the esophagus in 8 patients, at the esophageal gastric junction (EGJ) in 9 patients, respectively. The operations were carried out through a left lateral thoracotomy approach in 21 patients while a median sternotomy and left lateral thoracotomy approach was used in 1 patient for his condition rapidly worsened. Postoperatively, pneumonia occurred in 4 patients (18.2%). During the follow-up, three patients died of cancer metastasis /recurrence (6, 18, 37 months) and one died of pneumonia (1 month). The cumulative 5 years survival rate is 52.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The combined procedure of OPCABG and esophagectomy is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with severe CAD and esophageal cancer.