Anastomotic Leakage after Esophagectomy for Cancer: A Mortality-Free Experience

Abstract

After Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, leakage was from the actual anastomosis in two-thirds of patients or from the gastric conduit in the remaining one-third. Prompt reoperation is recommended for early postoperative leakage. Most patients with leakage after day 5 can be treated nonoperatively.