Weight loss and prolonged postoperative hospitalization after an abdominothoracic esophagectomy without anastomotic leakage in esophageal cancer – what are the possible risk factors?

Abstract

Background: The only curative solution for esophageal carcinoma is the resection of the tumor. The anastomotic leak is the main complication of the procedure. If this does not occur, other factors determine the further clinical course. Among these factors, both postoperative weight loss and length of postoperative hospital stay are very important. In particular, weight loss and the associated cachexia in tumor patients lead to death in an estimated 30%. [1] The aim of this project was to identify and potentially eliminate risk factors for significant weight loss resulting in an extension of the hospitalization.