Prevention and treatment of postoperative pulmonary complications after esophagectomy in elderly patients with esophageal carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To explore the prevention and treatment measures of postoperative pulmonary complications after esophagectomy in elderly patients with esophageal carcinoma. Methods The clinical data of 41 elderly patients with esophageal carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed with respect to the general conditions, cardiopulmonary function, tumor grade and scheduled protocols of surgical intervention. Of the 41 patients, 29 underwent esophagogastrostomy(right chest, upper abdomen incision in 14; neck, chest and abdomen incision in 9; single left chest incision in 4; and left thoracoabdominal incision in 2). The other patients received esophagectomy and cervical esophageal externalization. Postoperative pulmonary complications were treated timely. Results One died of multiple system organ failure followed by pulmonary embolism. There were 2 cases of pulmonary infection, 2 cases of atelectasis and 3 cases of respiratory failure. Conclusions Cautious preoperative assessment, gastric tube reconstruction and respiratory management are crucial steps in prevention and treatment of postoperative pulmonary complications after esophagectomy in elderly patients with esophageal carcinoma. Key words: Elderly; Esophageal carcinoma; Pulmonary complications