Surgical Treatment for Esophageal Cancer

Abstract

This study analyzes the results of surgical treatment for esophageal cancer at the Department of Abdominal and Pelvic Surgery, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA). Medical files were analyzed retrospectively for a total of 93 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy from January 1997 to December 2005 (the period in which the Esophageal Study Group was formed). The main target parameters in the study were length of hospitalization and percentages of operative morbidity and mortality. Mean age was 57 years (25-85), with 71 males and 22 females. Mean hospitalization time was 20 days. The surgical complications rate was 61%, and surgical mortality was 7%. We conclude that esophagectomy for esophageal cancer presents high surgical morbidity, but remains the standard treatment for patients with resectable disease and without clinical contraindications. The currently observed reduction in surgical mortality related to esophagectomy has resulted from better patient selection, in addition to greater specialization by the surgical team and improved peri- and post-operative care.