Preoperative prediction of the risk of pulmonary complications after esophagectomy for cancer

Changes in exercise capacity, muscle strength, and health-related quality of life in esophageal cancer patients undergoing esophagectomy

Background

Surgery for cancer of the thoracic esophagus is a challenging procedure associated with high morbidity and mortality. Perioperative rehabilitation has been introduced to promote early mobilization of the patients and to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the preoperative functional exercise capacity, muscle strength, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life (QOL) in patients with esophageal cancer, and to evaluate the impact of radical esophagectomy on these parameters.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 34 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed resectable esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy followed by postoperative rehabilitation from January to December 2014. Patients were tested for 6-min walk distance (6MWD), knee-extensor muscle strength, hand grip strength, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT) before and two weeks after the surgery. Before surgery, the pulmonary function test, and components of the MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Questionnaire for general health were assessed.

Results

The mean age was 67.3 ± 8.1 years. The patients were predominantly male (76.4 %), had high rates of smoking history (91.2 %), and squamous cell carcinoma (97.1 %). The predicted value for forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 94.0 ± 15.9 %, and 12 patients (35.3 %) had COPD. The clinical stage was 0-I in 12 patients, II in 4 patients, III in 16 patients, and IV in 2 patients. Thirty-one patients (91.2 %) underwent open surgery. At the baseline, components of the SF-36 scores significantly correlated with CAT and HADS scores, and the physical status was significantly poorer in patients with COPD than those without. Comparisons between the preoperative and postoperative values revealed significant decreases in 6MWD, hand grip strength, isometric knee extensor muscle strength, and a significant increase in CAT scores but not in HADS scores after surgery. In multiple regression analysis, decreases in 6MWD after the surgery significantly correlated with the preoperative physical component summary of SF-36.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that surgery remained detrimental to health outcomes at two weeks. Further research should investigate whether prehabilitation would improve the postoperative outcomes, QOL, and physical fitness.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13102-016-0060-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Preventive Effect on Post-Operative Pneumonia of Oral Health Care among Patients Who Undergo Esophageal Resection: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Post-operative pneumonia is a frequent and possibly fatal complication of esophagectomy and is likely caused by aspiration of oropharyngeal fluid that contains pathogenic micro-organisms. We conducted a multi-center retrospective study to investigate the preventive effect of oral health care on post-operative pneumonia among patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy.

METHODS

A total of 280 patients underwent esophagectomy at three university hospitals. These patients were divided retrospectively into those who received pre-operative oral care from dentists and dental hygienists (oral care group; n = 173) and those who did not receive such care (control group; n = 107). We evaluated the correlations between the occurrence of post-operative pneumonia and 18 predictive variables (patient factors, tumor factors, treatment factors, and pre-operative oral care) using the χ(2) test and logistic regression analysis. The differences of mean hospital days and mortality rate in both groups were analyzed by the Student t-test.

RESULTS

Age, post-operative dysphagia, and absence of pre-operative oral care were correlated significantly with post-operative pneumonia in the univariable analysis. Multivariable analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus, post-operative dysphagia, and the absence of pre-operative oral care were independent risk factors for post-operative pneumonia. The mean hospital stay and mortality rate did not differ between the oral care and control groups.

CONCLUSION

Pre-operative oral care may be an effective and easy method to prevent post-operative pneumonia in patients who are undergoing esophagectomy.

Treatment of esophageal anastomotic leakage with self-expanding metal stents: analysis of risk factors for treatment failure

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

The endoscopic placement of self-expandable metallic esophageal stents (SEMS) has become the preferred primary treatment for esophageal anastomotic leakage in many institutions. The aim of this study was to investigate possible risk factors for failure of SEMS-based therapy in patients with esophageal anastomotic leakage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Beginning in 2003, all patients with an esophageal leak were initially approached and assessed for temporary closure with a SEMS. Until 2014, all patients at the Karolinska University Hospital with a leak from an esophagogastric or esophagojejunal anastomosis were identified. Data regarding the characteristics of the patients and leaks and the treatment outcomes were compiled. Failure of the SEMS treatment strategy was defined as death due to the leak or a major change in management strategy. The risk factors for treatment failure were analyzed with simple and multivariable logistic regression statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 447 patients with an esophagogastric or esophagojejunal anastomosis were identified. Of these patients, 80 (18 %) had an anastomotic leak, of whom 46 (58 %) received a stent as first-line treatment. In 29 of these 46 patients, the leak healed without any major change in treatment strategy. Continuous leakage after the application of a stent, decreased physical performance preoperatively, and concomitant esophagotracheal fistula were identified as independent risk factors for failure with multivariable logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Stent treatment for esophageal anastomotic leakage is successful in the majority of cases. Continuous leakage after initial stent insertion, decreased physical performance preoperatively, and the development of an esophagotracheal fistula decrease the probability of successful treatment.

Comparison of thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis with McKeown esophagectomy for middle esophageal cancer

Background

In China, the middle esophageal squamous cell cancer is the most common tumor type, and Mckeown esophagectomy (ME) is preferably adopted by thoracic surgeon. But, the surgical trauma of ME is great. Thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy (TE) was developed to decrease the operative stress; however, the safety and efficacy were not defined. In this study, clinical outcomes were compared between patients who received ME and TE.

Methods

The data of 113 patients who suffered from middle-thoracic esophageal cancer during the same period were collected. Sixty-two patients received ME (ME group), and 51 patients received TE (TE group). Patients’ demographics and short-term clinicopathologic outcomes were comparable between the two groups. Survival rate was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and comparisons between groups were performed with log–rank test.

Results

Patients in TE group had lower body mass index (BMI). Preoperative tumor stage in TE group was much earlier. Both overall and thoracic operation time were longer in TE group. The blood loss during operation and postoperative day (POD) 1 was less in TE group, which contributed to the less blood transfusion. In TE group, postoperative incidence of pulmonary complications and atrial fibrillation (p = 0.035 and p = 0.033) was lower; the inflammatory response and incision pain were significantly alleviated; the ICU and in-hospital stay was shorter as well because of less surgical trauma. No statistically significant difference was found between two groups in terms of overall survival or disease-free survival.

Conclusions

The efficacy and safety of TE were supported by the selected patients in this cohort study. Although it is lack of randomness in this research, some advantages of TE were gratifying such as lower postoperative complications and similar survival with ME. A multicenter prospective randomized study is now required.

Readmission predicts 90-day mortality after esophagectomy: Analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Registry linked to Medicare outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative readmission is an increasingly scrutinized quality metric that affects patient satisfaction and cost. Even more important is its implication for short-term prognosis. The purpose of this study is to characterize postesophagectomy readmissions and determine their relationship with subsequent 90-day mortality.

METHODS

Data were extracted for esophagectomy patients from the linked SEER-Medicare Registry (2000-2009), which provides longitudinal information about Medicare beneficiaries who have cancer. We assessed demographics, comorbidities, 30-day readmission, and 90-day mortality. Readmitting facility and diagnoses were identified. A hierarchic multivariable regression model clustered at the hospital level assessed the relationship between readmission within 30 days of discharge and 90-day mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 1543 patients discharged alive after esophagectomy. Among patients discharged alive, the readmission rate was 319 of 1543 (20.7%); 107 of 319 (33.5%) readmissions were to facilities that did not perform the index operation. Mortality rate at 90 days among patients discharged alive was 98 of 1543 (6.4%). Readmission was associated with a 4-fold increase in mortality (16.3% vs 3.8%, P < .001). Using multivariable regression, readmission was the strongest predictor of mortality (odds ratio 6.64, P < .001), with a stronger association than age, Charlson score, and index length of stay. Readmission diagnoses with the highest mortality rates were those associated with pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge after esophagectomy are at exceptionally high risk for early mortality. Early recognition of life-threatening readmission diagnoses is essential to providing optimal care.

Preoperative airway colonization prior to transthoracic esophagectomy predicts postoperative pulmonary complications

PURPOSE

Respiratory complications are responsible to a high degree for postoperative morbidity and mortality after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy. The etiology of respiratory failure is known to be multifactorial with preoperative impaired lung function being the most important one. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between preoperative airway colonization (PAC) and postoperative respiratory complications.

METHODS

In this observational study, 64 patients with esophageal cancer were included. All patients underwent Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with laparoscopic or open gastric mobilization. After induction of anesthesia and intubation with a double-lumen tube, bronchial exudate was collected by random endoluminal suction for further microbiological work-up. Length of postoperative mechanical ventilation (<24 h, 24-72 h, >72 h), re-intubation, and tracheostomy were recorded as primary and secondary study endpoints.

RESULTS

In 13 of 64 study patients (20.3 %), pathological colonization of the bronchial airways could be proved prior to esophagectomy. Haemophilus species was the most frequently identified pathogen. PAC was associated with a longer history of smoking (p = 0.025), a lower preoperative forced expiratory volume (FEV1, p = 0.009) or vital capacity (VC, p = 0.038), a prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001), and a higher frequency of re-intubation (p < 0.001) and tracheostomy (p = 0.017). In the multivariate analysis, PAC was identified as an independent predictor of respiratory failure (hazard ratio 11.4, 95 % confidence interval 2.6-54, p = 0.002). Mortality in the PAC group was 30.8 % compared to 0 % in patients without PAC (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

PAC is a significant risk factor for postoperative respiratory failure. A routine bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage as part of preoperative management prior to esophagectomy need to be discussed.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer - results of surgical therapy

Introduction

The indication for minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in esophageal cancer has an increasing tendency.

Aim

To present our cohort of patients operated on between 2006 and 2012.

Material and methods: A single centre study of 106 consecutive esophagectomies performed for esophageal cancer by a minimally invasive approach in 79 patients was performed. Transhiatal laparoscopic esophagectomy (THLE) was performed in 66 patients, transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) in 13 patients, with histological findings of squamous cell carcinoma in 28 and adenocarcinoma in 51 patients.

Results

The MIE was completed in 76 (96.2%) patients. In cases of TTE, the operation was converted to an open procedure in 3 cases. Operation time ranged from 225 to 370 min (average 256 min). The number of lymph nodes removed was 7–16 (11 on average). The postoperative course was without any complications in 54 (68.3%) patients. Respiratory complications were observed in 14 (17.7%) patients (9 following THLE, 5 following TTE). Other serious complications included acute myocardial infarction (1 patient) and necrosis of the gastroplasty (1 patient). Anastomotic dehiscence was observed in 8 patients, left recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis in 8 patients, intra-abdominal abscesses in 2 patients, and pleural empyema in 1 case. The overall morbidity of patients operated on by MIE was 31.6%. Thirty-day mortality was 10.1%.

Conclusions

The MIE belongs to the therapeutic portfolio of surgical procedures performed for esophageal cancer. Successful performance requires erudition of the surgical team in both minimally invasive procedures as well as in classical surgical treatment of esophageal cancer; therefore centralization of patients is imperative.

Anesthesia for esophagectomy

Esophagectomy is a high-risk operation with significant perioperative morbidity and mortality. Attention to detail in many areas of perioperative management should lead to an aggregation of marginal gains and improvement in postoperative outcome. This review addresses preoperative assessment and patient selection, perioperative care (focusing on pulmonary prehabilitation, ventilation strategies, goal-directed fluid therapy, analgesia, and cardiovascular complications), minimally invasive surgery, and current evidence for enhanced recovery in esophagectomy.

Outcomes in the management of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer rates have continued to rise in the Western World. Esophageal cancer will be responsible for an estimated 15,450 deaths in the United States in 2014 alone. Esophageal resection with or without preoperative therapy remains the mainstay of treatment. Advances in surgical technique and perioperative care have improved short-term outcomes considerably by decreasing operative mortality. Despite these advances though, esophagectomy remains a procedure associated with considerable morbidity from a wide range of complications. Prompt recognition and treatment of complications can lower overall morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, long-term outcomes remain poor as the vast majority of patients present with loco-regionally advanced or metastatic disease. Surgery by itself provides poor loco-regional control and fails to address micrometastatic disease. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiation provides a modest survival advantage compared to surgical resection alone. Future gains in understanding the molecular biology of esophageal cancer will hopefully lead to improved therapeutics and resultant outcomes.

Perioperative outcomes of esophagectomy preceded by the laparoscopic transhiatal approach for esophageal cancer

This study was designed to determine the efficacy of esophagectomy preceded by the laparoscopic transhiatal approach (LTHA) with regard to the perioperative outcomes of esophageal cancer. The esophageal hiatus was opened by hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery, and carbon dioxide was introduced into the mediastinum. Dissection of the distal esophagus was performed up to the level of the tracheal bifurcation. En bloc dissection of the posterior mediastinal lymph nodes was performed using LTHA. Next, cervical lymphadenectomy, reconstruction via a retrosternal route with a gastric tube and anastomosis from a cervical approach were performed. Finally, a small thoracotomy (around 10 cm in size) was made to extract the thoracic esophagus and allow upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy to be performed. The treatment outcomes of 27 esophageal cancer patients who underwent LTHA-preceding esophagectomy were compared with those of 33 patients who underwent the transthoracic approach preceding esophagectomy without LTHA (thoracotomy; around 20 cm in size). The intrathoracic operative time and operative bleeding were significantly decreased by LTHA. The total operative time did not differ between the two groups, suggesting that the abdominal procedure was longer in the LTHA group. The number of resected lymph nodes did not differ between the two groups. Postoperative respiratory complications occurred in 18.5% of patients treated with LTHA and 30.3% of those treated without it. The increase in the number of peripheral white blood cells and the duration of thoracic drainage were significantly decreased by this method. Our surgical procedure provides a good surgical view of the posterior mediastinum, markedly shortens the intrathoracic operative time, and decreases the operative bleeding without increasing major postoperative complications.

Mckeown esophagogastrectomy

Esophageal cancer is increasing in incidence faster than other cancers in the US. Outcomes after esophagectomy may be related to many factors, including the age of the patient, the stage of the tumor, the operative approach, and the incidence of postoperative morbidity. Pulmonary complications are the major source of morbidity and mortality following esophageal resection, and numerous studies have identified various factors associated with these complications. Various operative approaches have been applied to the management of esophageal cancer, with the goal of optimal oncologic results with the lowest possible morbidity and mortality. The McKeown esophagogastrectomy is applicable for most patients with esophageal cancer, and the technique and results are reviewed.

A new clinical scoring system to define pneumonia following esophagectomy for cancer

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia is a frequently observed complication following esophagectomy. The lack of a uniform definition of pneumonia leads to large variations of pneumonia rates in literature. This study was designed to develop a scoring system for diagnosing pneumonia following esophagectomy at the hospital ward.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study of esophagectomy patients, known risk factors for pneumonia, temperature, leukocyte count, pulmonary radiography and sputum culture added were evaluated. Primary outcome was defined as the decision to treat suspected pneumonia. Multivariate Cox regression analysis with backward selection was used to identify predictors of pneumonia treatment.

RESULTS

The majority of postoperative pneumonia treatments (88.2%) occurred at the hospital ward, where treatment was observed in 67 (36.2%) of 185 patients. Independent diagnostic determinants for pneumonia treatment were temperature (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.283, p = 0.073), leukocyte count (HR = 1.040, p = 0.078) and pulmonary radiography (HR >11.0, p = 0.000). Sputum culture did not influence the decision to treat pneumonia. These findings were used to develop a scoring system which includes temperature, leukocyte count and pulmonary radiography.

CONCLUSION

The decision to treat pneumonia is based on temperature, leukocyte count and pulmonary radiography findings. The proposed clinical scoring system for pneumonia following esophagectomy at the hospital ward has the potential to aid clinical practice and improve comparability of future research in esophageal cancer surgery.

Comparison of two preoperative inspiratory muscle training programs to prevent pulmonary complications in patients undergoing esophagectomy: a randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are the most commonly reported complications after esophagectomy. The aim of this study was to examine the effect and feasibility of preoperative inspiratory muscle training-high intensity (IMT-HI), and IMT-endurance (IMT-E) on the incidence of PPCs in patients following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer (EC).

METHOD

A single-blind, randomized, clinical pilot study was conducted between 2009 and 2012. Forty-five participants were assigned to either IMT-HI or IMT-E. Effectiveness was assessed by analyzing PPCs, length of hospital stay (LOS), duration of mechanical ventilation, stay on the intensive care unit, and number of reintubations. Maximal inspiratory pressure and lung function changes were recorded pre- and post-training. Feasibility was assessed by IMT-related adverse events, training compliance, and patients' satisfaction.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients could be analyzed, 20 patients in the IMT-HI arm and 19 patients in the IMT-E arm. The incidence of PPCs differed significantly between groups and was almost three times lower for the IMT-HI group (4 vs. 11 patients; p = 0.015). Other differences in favor of the IMT-HI group were LOS (13.5 vs. 18 days; p = 0.010) and number of reintubations (0 vs. 4 patients; p = 0.030). Both interventions proved to be equally feasible.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative IMT-HI showed to be a promising, effective, and feasible intervention to reduce PPCs in EC patients undergoing esophagectomy. Further research with a larger sample size is recommended.

Middle and lower esophagectomy preceded by hand-assisted laparoscopic transhiatal approach for distal esophageal cancer

Respiratory morbidity is the most frequent complication following an esophagectomy. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of middle and lower esophagectomies preceded by the hand-assisted laparoscopic transhiatal approach (LTHA) regarding the perioperative outcomes of distal esophageal cancer. The esophageal hiatus was opened and carbon dioxide was introduced into the mediastinum. Dissection of the distal esophagus was performed up to the level of the tracheal bifurcation. En bloc dissection of the posterior mediastinal lymph nodes was performed using the LTHA. Subsequently, a small thoracotomy (10 cm) was performed to divide the thoracic esophagus and allow middle mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Finally, reconstruction via the posterior mediastinal route with a gastric tube and anastomosis in the thoracic cavity were performed using a circular stapler. The treatment outcomes of 10 patients who underwent LTHA-preceded middle and lower esophagectomy were compared to those of 11 patients treated without prior LTHA (thoracotomy, 20 cm). The total operative time, the duration of one-lung ventilation and total operative blood loss were significantly decreased in the LTHA group. The number of resected lymph nodes did not differ significantly between the two groups. Postoperative respiratory complications occurred in 10.0% of patients treated with, and 36.3% of those treated without LTHA. The extubation time following surgery, the duration of thoracic drainage and postoperative hospital stay were significantly decreased by this method. In conclusion, middle and lower esophagectomies preceded by LTHA provides a good surgical view of the posterior mediastinum, markedly shortens the duration of one-lung ventilation and improves the perioperative outcome.

Assessment of morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy using a modified frailty index

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This retrospective study examined use of a modified frailty index as a potential predictor of morbidity and mortality in esophagectomy patients.

METHODS

National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Files were reviewed for 2005 through 2010. Patients undergoing esophagectomy were selected based on CPT codes. A modified frailty index with 11 variables was used to determine correlation between frailty and postesophagectomy morbidity and mortality. Data were analyzed using χ(2) test and logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 2,095 patients were included in the analysis. Higher frailty scores were associated with a statistically significant increase in morbidity and mortality. A frailty score of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 had associated morbidity rates of 17.9% (142 of 795 patients), 25.1% (178 of 710 patients), 31.4% (126 of 401 patients), 34.4% (48 of 140 patients), 44.4% (16 of 36 patients), and 61.5% (8 of 13 patients), respectively. A frailty score of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 had associated mortality rates of 1.8% (14 of 795 patients), 3.8% (27 of 710 patients), 4% (16 of 401 patients), 7.1% (10 of 140 patients), 8.3% (3 of 36 patients), and 23.1% (3 of 13 patients), respectively. When using multivariate logistic regression for mortality comparing age, functional status, prealbumin, emergency surgery, wound class, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and sex, only age and frailty were statistically significant. The odds ratio was 31.84 for frailty (p = 0.015) and 1.05 (p = 0.001) for age.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a large national database, a modified frailty index was shown to correlate with postesophagectomy morbidity and mortality. Such an index may be used to aid in improving risk assessment and patient selection for esophagectomy.

Postoperative complications in the oldest old gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND

With the aging of the population, the number of elderly patients with gastric cancer is anticipated to increase. This study evaluated the feasibility of gastrectomy for patients over 85 years old.

METHODS

A total of 176 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer were assigned into two groups: 75-84 years group (n = 152); and ≥85 years group (n = 24). Preoperative comorbidities, operative results, and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

In terms of concurrent illness, no significant differences were observed between groups. Preoperative lymphocyte (Lym) count, hemoglobin (Hb) level and serum albumin (Alb) levels were significantly lower in the ≥85 years group than in the 75-84 years group (Lym: 11.0 ± 2.2 × 10²/mm³ vs. 14.9 ± 3.2 × 10²/mm³, P = 0.0009; Hb: 11.2 ± 2.3 mg/dl vs. 12.4 ± 1.5 mg/dl, P = 0.038; Alb: 3.5 ± 0.5 mg/dl vs. 4.1 ± 0.3 mg/dl, P = 0.0006, respectively). Percent vital capacity was likewise lower in the ≥85 years group than in the 75-84 years group (86.2 ± 11.4% vs. 96.1 ± 12.2%, P = 0.04). Percentage forced expiratory volume in 1 s showed no significant difference. Incidence of postoperative pneumonia was higher in the ≥85 years group than in the 75-84 years group (P = 0.006). Time to first flatus and postoperative hospital stay were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients over 85 years old are more likely to suffer postoperative pneumonia after gastrectomy than younger old patients. Preoperative risk assessment is essential for the oldest old patients.

Vitamin D to prevent acute lung injury following oesophagectomy (VINDALOO): study protocol for a randomised placebo controlled trial

Background

Acute lung injury occurs in approximately 25% to 30% of subjects undergoing oesophagectomy. Experimental studies suggest that treatment with vitamin D may prevent the development of acute lung injury by decreasing inflammatory cytokine release, enhancing lung epithelial repair and protecting alveolar capillary barrier function.

Methods/Design

The ‘Vitamin D to prevent lung injury following oesophagectomy trial’ is a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The aim of the trial is to determine in patients undergoing elective transthoracic oesophagectomy, if pre-treatment with a single oral dose of vitamin D₃ (300,000 IU (7.5 mg) cholecalciferol in oily solution administered seven days pre-operatively) compared to placebo affects biomarkers of early acute lung injury and other clinical outcomes. The primary outcome will be change in extravascular lung water index measured by PiCCO® transpulmonary thermodilution catheter at the end of the oesophagectomy. The trial secondary outcomes are clinical markers indicative of lung injury: PaO₂:FiO₂ ratio, oxygenation index; development of acute lung injury to day 28; duration of ventilation and organ failure; survival; safety and tolerability of vitamin D supplementation; plasma indices of endothelial and alveolar epithelial function/injury, plasma inflammatory response and plasma vitamin D status. The study aims to recruit 80 patients from three UK centres.

Discussion

This study will ascertain whether vitamin D replacement alters biomarkers of lung damage following oesophagectomy.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN27673620

Effectiveness of non-cardiac preoperative testing in non-cardiac elective surgery: a systematic review

Elective surgery is usually preceded by preoperative diagnostics to minimize risk. The results are assumed to elicit preventive measures or even cancellation of surgery. Moreover, physicians perform preoperative tests as a baseline to detect subsequent changes. This systematic review aims to explore whether preoperative testing leads to changes in management or reduces perioperative mortality or morbidity in unselected patients undergoing elective, non-cardiac surgery. We systematically searched all relevant databases from January 2001 to February 2011 for studies investigating the relationship between preoperative diagnostics and perioperative outcome. Our methodology was based on the manual of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Health Technology Assessment, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) handbook, and the PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews. One hundred and one of the 25 281 publications retrieved met our inclusion criteria. Three test grid studies used a randomized controlled design and 98 studies used an observational design. The test grid studies show that in cataract surgery and ambulatory surgery, there are no significant differences between patients with indicated preoperative testing and no testing regarding perioperative outcome. The observational studies do not provide valid evidence that preoperative testing is beneficial in healthy adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery. There is no evidence derived from high-quality studies that supports routine preoperative testing in healthy adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Testing according to pathological findings in a patient's medical history or physical examination seems justified, although the evidence is scarce. High-quality studies, especially large randomized controlled trials, are needed to explore the effectiveness of indicated preoperative testing.

Preventive effect of ulinastatin on postoperative complications, immunosuppression, and recurrence in esophagectomy patients

Background

To evaluate the potential efficacy of preventive effect of ulinastatin in esophagectomy patients.

Methods

Eighty patients with esophageal cancer were preoperatively allocated at random into two equal groups. Ulinastatin was administered to the treatment group (U) whereas the control group (C) received a placebo. The arterial oxygen tension and carbon dioxide tension were measured and the respiratory index (RI) was calculated. Plasma levels of circulating T lymphocyte subsets and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured and clinical courses of patients in the two groups were compared.

Results

RI in the U group was significantly lower than that in the C group. The rate of postoperative complications and the duration of ICU stay were significantly lower in the U group. Ulinastatin significantly increased the rate of CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ cells, and ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺, but decreased the rate of CD8⁺ cells and release of IL-6 compared to the C group on postoperative days 1 and 3. Patients within the C group showed worse recurrence free survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that ulinastatin administration significantly decreased the incidence of recurrence.

Conclusions

Ulinastatin had a preventive effect on postoperative complications and immunosuppression in esophagectomy patients, thereby prolongingrecurrence free survival.

Management of complications of radical esophagectomy

The aim of this article is to describe management of complications of radical esophagectomy and to present outcome analysis of prospective study done on patients who underwent radical esophagectomy with 3FLND in our institution. The data analysis and results of our study and its comparison with current literature suggests that improvement in anaesthesia delivery, proper patient selection, refinements in surgical techniques and improved perioperative care are associated with decreased complication rates, morbidity and mortality thereby improving outcome in terms of overall survival with decreased rate of loco regional recurrence.

Prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications through intensive preoperative respiratory rehabilitation in patients with esophageal cancer

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after esophagectomy have been reported to occur in 15.9-30% of patients and lead to increased postoperative morbidity and mortality, prolonged duration of hospital stay, and additional medical costs. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the possible prevention of PPCs by intensive preoperative respiratory rehabilitation in esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy. The subjects included 100 patients (87 males and 13 females with mean age 66.5 ± 8.6 years) who underwent esophagectomy. They were divided into two groups: 63 patients (53 males and 10 females with mean age 67.4 ± 9.0 years) in the preoperative rehabilitation (PR) group and 37 patients (34 males and 3 females with mean age 65.0 ± 7.8 years) in the non-PR (NPR) group. The PR group received sufficient preoperative respiratory rehabilitation for >7 days, and the NPR group insufficiently received preoperative respiratory rehabilitation or none at all. The results of the logistic regression analysis and multivariate analysis to correct for all considerable confounding factors revealed the rates of PPCs of 6.4% and 24.3% in the PR group and NPR group, respectively. The PR group demonstrated a significantly less incidence rate of PPCs than the NPR group (odds ratio: 0.14, 95% confidential interval: 0.02~0.64). [Correction added after online publication 25 June 2012: confidence interval has been changed from -1.86~ -0.22] This study showed that the intensive preoperative respiratory rehabilitation reduced PPCs in esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy.

Does obesity affect outcomes in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer? A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The incidence of esophageal carcinoma and the global prevalence of obesity are both increasing. As a result, there is an increased number of esophagectomies being performed on obese patients. The identification of specific complications in obese patients undergoing esophagectomy may allow improved risk assessment and postoperative management to reduce morbidity and mortality. This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether obese patients are at increased risk of postoperative complications, mortality, and compromised survival compared to non-obese patients following esophageal resection.

METHODS

A Medline, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane database search was performed on all articles between January 1980 and January 2012 comparing post-esophagectomy outcomes between obese and non-obese patients. This study was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration and the Quality of Reporting of Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between obese and non-obese patients with respect to extent of tumor resection, cardiorespiratory complications, anastomotic leakage, reoperation rates, wound infection, or postoperative mortality. Meta-regression analysis showed that diabetes in obese patients was associated with a significant impact on the risk of anastomotic leakage (coefficient = -7.94 [-15.24-0.65, P = 0.03) and atrial fibrillation (coefficient = -6.94 [-12.79-1.10], P = 0.02). Overall, obese patients had significantly better long-term survival than non-obese patients (Hazard Ratio = 0.78 [0.64-0.96], P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who are eligible for surgery, obesity alone does not increase risk of postoperative complications or mortality and should not be an independent contraindication for esophagectomy. However, the presence of diabetes mellitus in conjunction with obesity may be associated with increased risk of anastomotic leakage and atrial fibrillation. Because of the adverse physiological remodeling in obesity, surgeons should maintain a low threshold for the investigation and management of complications and ensure meticulous management of co-morbidities. Obesity may also improve long-term postoperative survival after esophageal surgery, although further studies with higher levels of evidence are necessary to fully determine any advantageous effects of obesity following oncological esophageal surgery.

Patient optimization for gastrointestinal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Although surgical resection remains the central element in curative treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, increasing emphasis and resource has been focused on neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. Developments in these modalities have improved outcomes, but far less attention has been paid to improving oncological outcomes through optimization of perioperative care.

METHODS

A narrative review is presented based on available and updated literature in English and the authors' experience with enhanced recovery research.

RESULTS

A range of perioperative factors (such as lifestyle, co-morbidity, anaemia, sarcopenia, medications, regional analgesia and minimal access surgery) are modifiable, and can be optimized to reduce short- and long-term morbidity and mortality, improve functional capacity and quality of life, and possibly improve oncological outcome. The effect on cancer-free and overall survival may be of equal magnitude to that achieved by many adjuvant oncological regimens. Modulation of core factors, such as nutritional status, systemic inflammation, and surgical and disease-mediated stress, probably influences the host's immune surveillance and defence status both directly and through reduced postoperative morbidity.

CONCLUSION

A wider view on long-term effects of expanded or targeted enhanced recovery protocols is warranted.

Medical evaluation of patients preparing for an esophagectomy

Despite important improvements in the multimodal treatment of upper gastrointestinal tumors in recent years, surgery is still the standard of care and the best way to cure and palliate patients with esophageal cancer. There has been significant improvement in both clinical oncologic staging and functional preoperative evaluation of patients in the last few decades. Despite improvements, esophagectomy is still associated with high operative risk. Diligent perioperative evaluation and risk stratification lead to better outcomes.

Early outcomes of surgery for oesophageal cancer in a thoracic regional unit. Can we maintain training without compromising results?

OBJECTIVES

Meaningful exposure to oesophageal cancer surgery during general thoracic surgical training is restricted to few centres in the United Kingdom. Our Regional Tertiary Unit remains a rare 'large-volume' oesophagectomy centre. We aimed to determine the proportion of patients operated by trainees and their perioperative outcomes.

METHODS

From January 2004 to September 2009, 323 patients (229 male and 94 female, median age of 69 (range 40-92) years) underwent oesophagectomy for carcinoma in our Thoracic Surgical Unit. Data were complete and obtained from a prospective departmental database. The preoperative characteristics, operative data and postoperative results were compared between the 120 patients (37%) operated by a trainee (group T) and the remainder 203 patients operated by a consultant (group C).

RESULTS

The overall incidence of mortality, anastomotic leak and chylothorax were 6.5%, 5.3% and 2.2%, respectively. There were no differences in terms of age, gender, tumour location, tumour staging, preoperative spirometry or use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the consultant group and the trainee group in the following key outcome measures: postoperative mortality (8% vs 4%), incidence of respiratory complications (30% vs 25%), hospital stay (14 days vs 13 days) and number of lymph nodes excised (median of 16 vs 14).

CONCLUSIONS

Training in oesophageal cancer surgery can be provided in a large-volume thoracic surgical unit. It does not seem to compromise outcomes or use of resources.

Esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma--surgical complications and treatment

AIM

To describe our experience with esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and, the development and treatment of complications arising from the surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From 2007 to 8/2010, esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma was performed in 75 patients at the 1(st) Surgical Clinic. Primary esophagectomy was indicated in 20 patients with T1N0 stage or in cases where neoadjuvant treatment was contraindicated. 55 patients with T2,3N0,1 stages received neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Esophagectomy was performed via an abdominal approach (transhiatal laparoscopy in 44 patients, laparotomy in 3 patients) and a thoracic approach (thoracoscopy in 10 patients, thoracotomy in 18 patients).

RESULTS

In 18 cases, one or both pleural cavities were opened by means of dissection of the mediastinal pleura during the transhiatal laparoscopic esophagectomy. The morbidity was 26.6% and the following complications were encountered: pulmonary (15 patients), anastomosis dehiscence (5), postoperative bleeding in the mediastinum (1), fistula between trachea and transposition (1), paresis of the left recurrent nerve (8), infectious complications in the abdominal cavity (2), thoracic cavity (1), and early complications (2). The sixty-day mortality was 8% and this was mostly due to pulmonary complications (4 patients) but included coronary thrombosis (1) and transposition necrosis (1).

CONCLUSION

The dominating complications of esophagectomy were pulmonary (20 %). The remaining serious complications cannot be completely eliminated but if diagnosed in time and treated in a correct algorithm they do not have to imminently threaten the lives of patients.

Risk factors for postoperative respiratory complications following esophageal cancer resection

The development of surgical and postoperative management techniques has improved the treatment outcomes of esophageal cancer resection. However, respiratory morbidity is still the most frequent complication after esophagectomy. The objective of the present study was to identify risk factors for respiratory complications following resection for esophageal cancer. This study included 96 patients with esophageal cancer who had undergone esophagectomy with lymph node dissection. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence (20 patients, 17 had pneumonia and 3 had acute respiratory distress syndrome) or absence (76 patients) of postoperative respiratory complications (PRC). The two groups were compared with respect to their preoperative clinical variables, such as age, body mass index, smoking history, serum albumin, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), number of lymphocytes, %VC, FEV1.0% and FEV1.0. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analyses were used to estimate relative risk factors for respiratory complications. Results of the univariate analysis showed that smoking history (+/-, patients with PRC, 19/1 and without PRC, 53/23), serum CRP (≥1.0 mg/dl/<1.0 mg/dl, patients with PRC, 6/14 and without PRC, 6/70) and FEV1.0% (≥60%/<60%, patients with PRC, 16/4 and without PRC, 73/3) were significantly different between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that FEV1.0% was the strongest predictor of PRC. FEV1.0%, serum CRP and smoking history are reliable predictors of the risk of respiratory complications following esophageal cancer resection. For patients with these factors, perioperative management for the prevention of postoperative respiratory complications should be considered.

Long-term outcomes of extended proximal gastrectomy for oesophagogastric junctional tumours

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the optimum approach for resection of oesophagogastric junctional (OGJ) tumours. We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of transabdominal radical extended proximal gastrectomy with oesophagogastric anastomosis (EPGOG) for selected tumours of the OGJ.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2007, 66 selected consecutive patients with tumours of the OGJ underwent successful EPGOG. Selection was limited to tumours where the maximal proximal extent was 36 cm ab oral. Pre-, peri-, and postoperative outcomes together with long-term survival data for these patients were prospectively collected.

RESULTS

Median theatre time was 242 min (range = 120-480), with a median blood loss of 300 ml (range = 50-1720). Eighty-nine percent of patients were extubated in theatre; major complications occurred in 9 (14%) patients, with an overall in-hospital mortality rate of 8%. Thirty-five (53%) patients had nodal disease and the median lymph node yield was 13 (range = 4-36), with an R0 resection rate of 80%. In terms of long-term outcomes, the 2- and 5-year actuarial survival rates were 54 ± 6% and 41 ± 6%.

CONCLUSION

Extended radical proximal gastrectomy with oesophagogastric anastomosis for selected junctional tumours is a feasible technique which does not compromise oncological principles as evidenced by an excellent long-term survival rate.

Impact of the surgical technique on pulmonary morbidity after esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary complications occur frequently after esophagectomy. Although multifactorial, these complications could be influenced by surgical technique. We sought to compare the respiratory complications of patients undergoing esophagectomy through different approaches, and identify technical risk factors.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive esophagectomies performed at 2 institutions from January 2002 to January 2009. Primary outcome measures included postoperative ventilatory requirements, pneumonia, effusion requiring intervention, length of stay, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 220 esophagectomies were performed through 6 different approaches: 79 minimally invasive (MIE) with neck anastomosis, 20 MIE with chest anastomosis, 37 transhiatal, 33 McKeown, 36 Ivor Lewis, and 15 left thoracoabdominal. Patients who underwent MIE were more likely to be extubated in the operating room (p<0.01) and had fewer pleural effusions (p<0.01). A thoracotomy was associated with a higher incidence of tracheostomy (p=0.02) and pleural effusions (p=0.02). Neck anastomoses were negatively associated with early extubation (p=0.04) and predicted recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (p=0.04), but were not associated with pneumonia or other pulmonary complications. Multivariate analysis showed that pneumonia was independently associated with advancing age (p=0.02), lack of a pyloric drainage procedure (p=0.03), and less significantly with MIE (p=0.06, fewer events). Surgical approach was not a significant predictor of length of stay or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing MIE are less likely to remain intubated. Omission of a pyloric drainage procedure or performance of thoracic or neck incisions appear to be important determinants of respiratory complications. Technical aspects of the procedure in addition to the surgical approach influence important respiratory outcomes.

Preoperative physical activity levels and postoperative pulmonary complications post-esophagectomy

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after esophagectomy have been reported to occur in 15-30% of patients and are the most common causes of major morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for the development of PPCs include impairment in lung function, cardiac reserve, aerobic capacity, and body composition. Physical activity is associated with these factors but has not been examined in relation to the risk of developing a PPC. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate if there was a difference in physical activity levels, lung function, and body composition in patients who developed a PPC post-esphagectomy compared with those who did not. Consecutive patients were studied preoperatively: (i) lung function with a portable micro-medical spirometer; (ii) body composition analysis using a Tanita BC 418 machine (Tanita Corp., Tokyo, Japan); and (iii) physical activity with an accelerometer (RT3, (StayHealthy, Monrovia, CA, USA)). Thirty-seven patients were studied, mean age 61 ± 9 years. PPCs developed in 10 patients (27%). Smoking status, lung function, and body composition were similar in both groups. For physical activity, there were significant differences in the time spent sedentary (20.0 ± 1.5 h/day [PPC], 18.4 ± 2.1 h/day [non-PPC]; P < 0.05) and in moderate activity (20 ± 13.7 min/day [PPC], 36 ± 20.7 min/day [non PPC]; P < 0.01). Patients who developed a PPC engaged in less physical activity than those who did not; hence, targeting physical activity preoperatively may result in less PPCs.

Assessment of a scoring system for predicting complications after esophagectomy

Complications occur frequently after esophagectomy. Identifying the risk of complications preoperatively may help in patient selection and postoperative management. We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent esophagectomy between 1980 and 2009. A previously reported scoring system was used to estimate risk, and its ability to predict complications was assessed. A total of 514 patients (382 men; 74%) with a mean age of 59.0 ± 12.5 years underwent esophagectomy for cancer (398; 77%) or benign disease. Minor complications occurred in 224 patients (44%) and severe complications occurred in 134 patients (26%). The calculated risk score was based on weighted values for age, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, type of operation, and forced expiratory volume in the first second expressed as a percent of predicted (FEV1%). Increasing risk score was associated with a linear increase in the incidence of complications (P < 0.001 for either severe complications or any complications). The scoring system predicted severe complications with an accuracy of 65.3% (P < 0.001). Score groups identified an incremental risk of severe complications (0 to 6 = 12%; 7 to 13 = 18%; 14 to 20 = 28%; 21 to 27 = 36%; >27 = 52%; P < 0.001). Complications are frequent after esophagectomy and can be predicted using a previously reported scoring system. This scoring system may assist in patient selection for esophagectomy and in providing appropriate resources for postoperative management of higher risk patients.

Is there any benefit to incorporating a laparoscopic procedure into minimally invasive esophagectomy? The impact on perioperative results in patients with esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

The benefit of using the laparoscopic approach in minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has not been established. We therefore compared the outcome of esophagectomy for patients with esophageal cancer performed with open surgery, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)/laparotomy (hybrid MIE), and VATS/ laparoscopy (total MIE).

METHODS

Patients with esophageal cancer undergoing tri-incisional esophagectomy with three different approaches between 2005 and 2009 were analyzed from a prospective database.

RESULTS

Three groups of patients underwent esophagectomy by open surgery (n = 64), hybrid MIE (n = 44), and total MIE (n = 30). The total MIE group had significantly longer operative times but had shorter postoperative ventilator usage times postoperative hospital stay, and they began jejunostomy feeding sooner (P < 0.05, compared with the other groups). There was a significant trend toward a decrease in postoperative pulmonary complications and anastomotic leakage in parallel to the proportion of minimally invasive procedures for esophagectomy (P < 0.05 for the trend test), with a significant difference between the open surgery and total MIE groups (30% vs. 6.7%, and 28% vs. 6.7%, respectively; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a laparoscopic procedure in MIE for patients with esophageal cancer might provide benefit by facilitating postoperative recovery and reducing the rates of post-esophagectomy pulmonary complications and anastomotic leakage.

Prediction of major pulmonary complications after esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary complications are the most frequent morbid event after esophagectomy. Understanding factors that are associated with pulmonary complications may help in patient selection and postoperative management.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent esophagectomy between 1980 and 2009. Univariate analysis was used to identify potential covariates for the development of major pulmonary complications. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of complications. A scoring system was developed, and its ability to predict complications was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 516 patients (382 men [74%]) with a mean age of 59.0±12.5 years underwent esophagectomy for cancer (398 [77%]) or benign disease. Major pulmonary complications occurred in 197 patients (38%) and were associated with a 10-fold increase in operative mortality (2.5% vs 28%; p<0.001). Independent predictors included patient age, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (% predicted), diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (% predicted), performance status, serum creatinine, current cigarette use, and transthoracic resection. The scoring system (based on weighted scores for the first 4 covariates listed above) predicted pulmonary complications with an accuracy of 70.8% (p<0.001). Score groups identified an incremental risk of complications of 0 to 2, 12%; 3 to 4, 18%; 5 to 6, 46%; 7 to 8, 52%; and 9 to 13, 60% (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Major pulmonary complications are frequent after esophagectomy and can be predicted using commonly available clinical information. A scoring system identifying the risk of such complications may assist in patient selection and in providing appropriate resources for postoperative management of higher-risk patients.

Atrial fibrillation after esophagectomy: an indicator of postoperative morbidity

PURPOSE

The relevance of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after esophagectomy remains poorly defined. This study's primary goal is to better define the incidence, clinical patterns, and outcomes associated with the development of AF after esophagectomy.

METHODS

The study is a retrospective review of patients undergoing esophagectomy at a single academic center between May 1996 and December 2007. Patients with new-onset AF were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses for risk factors associated with AF onset and outcomes.

RESULTS

New-onset AF was noted in 32 of 156 (20.5%) patients after esophagectomy. Most (16/32, 50%) developed AF within 48 h, and 28 of 32 (87.5%) developed new AF within 72 h of surgery. Pulmonary complications were more frequent in patients with AF than those without AF (59.4% vs. 15.3%, P < 0.01) and usually immediately preceded or occurred concurrently with AF. Anastomotic leaks were significantly more common in patients with AF than those without (28.1% vs. 6.45%, P < 0.01) and were identified, on average, 4.2 days after the onset of AF. In the multivariate analysis, anastomotic leaks, pulmonary complications, and number of complications were significantly associated with AF. Although 60-day survival was worse for patients developing AF (P < 0.01), multivariate analysis suggests that non-AF complications were the independent predictor of mortality.

CONCLUSION

New-onset AF after esophagectomy is associated with anastomotic leaks, pulmonary complications, and decreased 60-day survival. Although pulmonary complications typically occurred coincident with the onset of AF, anastomotic leaks were usually diagnosed 4 days after AF onset. New postesophagectomy AF should prompt vigilance for the presence of other concurrent complications.

Factors associated with postoperative pulmonary morbidity after esophagectomy for cancer

BACKGROUND

Most studies analyzing risk factors for pulmonary morbidity date from the early 1990s. Changes in technology and treatment such as minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) and neoadjuvant treatment mandate analysis of more contemporary cohorts.

METHODS

Predictive factors for overall and specific pulmonary morbidity in 858 patients undergoing esophagectomy between 1998 and 2008 in five Australian university hospitals were analyzed by logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 394 patients underwent open esophagectomy, and 464 patients underwent MIE. A total of 259 patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, 139 preoperative chemotherapy alone, and 2 preoperative radiotherapy alone. In-hospital mortality was 3.5%. Smoking and the number of comorbidities were risk factors for overall pulmonary morbidity (odds ratio [OR] 1.47, P = 0.016; OR 1.35, P = 0.001) and pneumonia (OR 2.29, P = 0.002; 1.56, P = 0.005). The risk of respiratory failure was higher in patients with more comorbidities (OR 1.4, P = 0.035). Respiratory comorbidities (OR 3.81, P = 0.017) were strongly predictive of postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS (4.51, P = 0.032) or respiratory failure (OR 8.7, P < 0.001), but not anastomotic leak (OR 2.22, P = 0.074), were independent risk factors for death. MIE (OR 0.11, P < 0.001) and thoracic epidural analgesia (OR 0.12, P = 0.003) decreased the risk of respiratory failure. Neoadjuvant treatment was not associated with an increased risk of pulmonary complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative comorbidity and smoking were risk factors for respiratory complications, whereas neoadjuvant treatment was not. MIE and the use of thoracic epidural analgesia decreased the risk of respiratory failure. Respiratory failure and ARDS were the only independent factors associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death, whereas anastomotic leakage was not.

Risk quantification for pulmonary complications after lung cancer surgery

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications and to develop a scoring system to predict the surgical outcomes in lung cancer patients.

METHODS

Clinical data were collected from January 1990 to March 2007 for 1713 patients who underwent lung cancer surgery at Chiba University Hospital. Between January 1990 and December 2000, 1032 evaluation subjects' data were used to identify risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (PC). These factors were subclassified into grades to develop a scoring system to predict surgical outcomes. This scoring system was applied to 681 test patients between January 2001 and March 2007.

RESULTS

Postoperative PC were present in 115 (11.1%) evaluation subjects. Multivariate analyses revealed six risk factors associated with postoperative PC: male, advanced age, preoperative interstitial pneumonia, high smoking index, combined resection, and vascular and/or bronchial reconstruction. Each risk factor was scored from 0 to 2 or 3, based on the frequency of the PC. The sum of these scores provided a total risk index (TRI: Sekine score). There was a significant correlation between the frequency of PC and the TRI (R (2) = 0.957, P < 0.0001). Fifty-one of the test subjects had PC (7.5%). They also showed a significant correlation between the PC and TRI (R (2) = 0.946, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The TRI was a valuable scoring system for predicting postoperative pulmonary complications.