Anastomotic leakage and postoperative mortality in patients after esophageal cancer resection

OBJECTIVE: Esophagectomy is a high-risk surgical procedure with significant postoperative morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of cervical anastomotic leakage and postoperative mortality. METHODS: In this retrospective, observational study, we recruited 1010 patients with esophageal cancer. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting anastomotic leakage and postoperative mortality. After propensity score matching, the Kaplan–Meier curve was used to evaluate the effect of leakage on postoperative mortality. RESULTS: The number of patients with cervical anastomotic leakage, in-hospital mortality, 30-day postoperative mortality, and 60-day postoperative mortality was 194 (19.2%), 13 (1.3%), 12 (1.2%), and 16 (1.6%), respectively. The total length of hospital stay and hospital stay postoperatively were 29.7 ± 21.1 and 21.3 ± 20.3 days, respectively. Diabetes, stage IV, and an upper thoracic tumor were significant risk factors for leakage. Leakage and diabetes were significant risk factors for postoperative mortality. After propensity score matching, leakage also significantly affected postoperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with tumors in the upper thoracic segment of the esophagus may be more prone to developing anastomotic leakage compared with those with tumors in the middle or lower thoracic segment. Anastomotic leakage may prolong the length of hospital stay and increase postoperative mortality.