A NSQIP comparison of modern multicenter results for transhiatial versus transthoracic esophagectomy.

Abstract

68 Background: The surgical approach to esophageal cancer continues to be controversial. A transthoracic approach is often advocated for better oncologic staging and improved survival. A transhiatal approach is often preferred due to a perceived decreased operative morbidity and mortality. Methods: Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) participant-use file, patients were identified who underwent esophagectomy for cancer at the 240 participating hospitals from 2005-2011. Demographic, clinical, intra-operative variables and 30-day morbidity and mortality were collected. Results: Of the 1108 patients that had esophagectomy, 649 (58.5%) had a transhiatal (TH) resection and 459 (41.4%) had a transthoracic (TT) resection. There were no significant differences in age, gender, comorbid conditions, preoperative chemotherapy or radiation, or ASA class. Operative time was greater in the TT group (360.4 vs. 298.4min, p=0.0001). Thirty day overall mortality (TH=3.4%, TT=4.5%, p=0.3) and mean hospital length of stay(TH=15.25, TT=16.76, p=0.08) were not significantly different. The TH group had a significantly higher superficial wound infection rate (13% vs. 7.4%, p=0.002). The TT group had significantly higher rate of perioperative transfusion (9% vs. 5.1%, p=0.023) and septic shock (12.2% vs. 7.1%, p=0.004). On multivariate analysis, history of congestive heart failure and pneumonia were significant predictors of 30 day mortality. Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and COPD were predictors of morbidity. There were no differences in the rates of pneumonia, need for reintubation, ventilator requirements, or need for reoperation in both groups. Conclusions: In this modern series of patients, utilizing standardized national data collection tools, there was no significant difference in mortality of esophagectomy between transthoracic and transhiatal approaches. However, morbidity rates do vary with an increased rate of substantial morbidity in the transthoracic group including septic shock.