Neoadjuvant Radiation and Pulmonary Complications in Esophagectomy: Impact only in Pre-existing Pulmonary Disease

Patients undergoing esophagectomy for malignancy often experience post-operative pulmonary complications (POPC), and this study aimed to investigate if neoadjuvant radiation therapy contributes to their incidence. The analysis of database files revealed no consistent association between neoadjuvant radiation and POPC in all patients. However, in those with pre-existing pulmonary disease (PEPD), neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy resulted in a higher incidence of POPC, particularly pneumonia. Clinicians should consider the risk of POPC when deciding on neoadjuvant treatment in esophageal cancer patients with PEPD.