Clinical Outcome of Middle Thoracic Esophageal Cancer with Intrathoracic or Cervical Anastomosis

Abstract

Backgrounds What is the optimal way for the middle esophageal cancer? It is still controversial. In this study, the clinical outcome of middle thoracic esophageal cancer with either intrathoracic or cervical anastomosis was analyzed in our department.

Patients and Methods A total of 205 patients who suffered from middle thoracic esophageal cancer were divided into two groups. In group A, 91 patients received intrathoracic anastomosis above aortic arch after esophageal resection via single left thoracotomy, and in group B, 114 patients received cervical anastomosis after esophageal resection via right thoracotomy and median laparotomy. Data of these patients were collected, and morbidity and mortality were analyzed retrospectively. Survival rate was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and comparisons between groups were performed with log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox model to look for independent predictors of survival.

Results Postoperative complications occurred more frequently in group B, such as hemorrhage (p = 0.011), wound infection (p = 0.032), and temporary paresis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (p = 0.001). Morbidity of anastomotic leak was higher in group B (8.8 vs. 2.2%; p = 0.048), but the associated mortality was not increased. The extent of radical esophagectomy and lymphadenectomy was much greater in group B; therefore, longer esophagus was resected that reduced the cancer residual rate, and more positive lymph nodes were detected that enhanced the accuracy of clinical staging. Fortunately, more patients received adjuvant therapy after operation in group B, and the 5-year survival rate was improved.

Conclusion Anastomotic leak rate was higher in cervical anastomosis but with lower mortality. The 5-year survival rate was improved in cervical anastomosis group. The present data support the assumption that cervical anastomosis is a safer and more beneficial procedure for patients with middle thoracic esophageal cancer.

Keywords

esophageal cancer - esophagectomy - cervical anastomosis - intrathoracic anastomosis

Authors' Contributions

Chong-Jun Zhong is the main author of this article. He is responsible for its content. Hai-Tao Huang has made substantial contributions to the acquisition of the data, analysis, and interpretation of data and has been involved in drafting the manuscript and revising it critically for important intellectual content. Liang Shen and Fei Wang have made substantial contributions to the conception and design of this article. Chun-Qiu Xia and Chen-Xi Lu have given final approval of the version to be published. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

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