Preoperative hypoalbuminemia increases mortality and complications post-esophagectomy.

Preoperative hypoalbuminemia is linked to higher 30-day mortality and complications after esophagectomy. In a study involving 803 patients with hypoalbuminemia compared to 7046 controls, matched analyses revealed mortality rates of 4.48% for those with low albumin versus 3.00% for those without. Findings suggest that recognizing and addressing preoperative hypoalbuminemia may be a cost-effective risk stratification tool, potentially reducing adverse postoperative outcomes in esophagectomy patients.