697 ESOPHAGECTOMY ANASTOMOTIC LEAKS DECREASE LONG TERM SURVIVAL AFTER SURGERY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: MOVING FROM RESCUE TO PREVENTION. (17th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cheang, Catherine; Patil, Pradeep
• Is Part Of: Diseases of the esophagus. Volume 34(2021)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2021-09-17
• Subjects: Esophagus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.32
• DOI: 10.1093/dote/doab052.697
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1120-8694

Abstract

Abstract: : Multimodal therapy including esophagectomy is the standard of care for esophageal cancer with a view to achieve long-term survival. Leaks from esophageal anastomoses are associated with major short-term morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyse our anastomotic leaks following esophagectomy for cancer, their effect on short-term mortality and any effect on long term survival. Methods: All patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer over 10 years from 2011 to 2020 in our centre were selected for this study from a prospectively maintained database. Patients with leaks were identified by reviewing their case records, electronic records, endoscopy and radiological results. All leaks including non-clinical radiological leaks were included in the study. Overall survival was calculated from date of surgery to death or otherwise censored. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS. Results: 104 consecutive patients were identified of whom 10 patients (9.6%) had anastomotic leaks. 8 of these patients (80%) were rescued and were well enough to be discharged home. The median survival of patients with leaks was 11.6 months compared to 52.9 months for patients without leaks. The 3-year survival was 30% in patients with leaks compared to 59.9% (p = 0.23, Fisher's exact) in patients without leaks. The Kaplan Meier survival analysis curves are shown here and the difference in survival was very close to being statistically significant with p = 0.089 (Log Rank) and p = 0.056 (Breslow). Conclusion: Esophageal anastomotic leak rates are still exceedingly high at 10%. The rescue rate of 80% is significantly better compared to previous decades. Despite the high rescue rate, these patients have extremely poor long-term survival rates. The future should aim for innovative technology and strategies to eliminate esophageal anastomotic leaks for optimal short- and long-term outcomes.