[Respiratory complications following resection and reconstruction of the esophagus]

Abstract

Esophageal resection remains a dreadfull surgical intervention accompanied by consistently higher morbidity and mortality when compared with other surgical procedures. The respiratory complications are the most important contributor to morbidity and mortality after this kind of surgery. Intimate knowledge on risk factors and physiopathology and careful treatment of these complications go with good postoperative results. This article discusses the factors affecting respiratory complications and strategies to reduce the incidence of these complications after esophagectomy