Abstract
A variety of surgical procedures are used in the treatment of esophageal cancer. These procedures include transthoracic esophagectomy (Ivor Lewis procedure, McKeown procedure, left thoracoabdominal approach), transhiatal esophagectomy, and various forms of bypass surgery. Although meticulous surgical techniques and improved postoperative care have markedly reduced the complications associated with these techniques, esophageal resection is still associated with various intraoperative complications (hemorrhage, injury to the tracheobronchial tree, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury) and postoperative complications (anastomotic leak; mediastinitis; respiratory problems, including pleural effusion, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome; cardiac and functional complications). Postoperative tumor recurrence is not uncommon in patients undergoing curative resection for esophageal cancer and can be categorized as either locoregional (locoregional lymph node metastases, anastomotic recurrence) or distant (hematogenous metastases, pleural or peritoneal seeding). Hematogenous metastases most commonly involve the liver, lungs, and bones, followed by the adrenal glands, brain, and kidneys. Hematogenous metastases may also involve multiple organs simultaneously. The sophisticated surgical procedures used in esophagectomy can result in anatomic changes and confound image interpretation. The radiologist must understand how these procedures can affect imaging data and be familiar with the appearances of postoperative anatomic changes, complications, and tumor recurrence to ensure accurate evaluation of affected patients.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.