Preventing Pneumonia and Leaks Could Save Lives in Surgery

Postoperative complications significantly hinder recovery in oesophageal cancer surgeries. Pneumonia emerges as the top threat to survival, potentially leading to an 8.3% reduction in mortality if avoided. Anastomotic leaks drive reoperations and extended hospital stays, with impacts of 39.8% and 56.9%, respectively. Respiratory failure dominates 90-day mortality risks at 53.5%. Remarkably, long-term quality of life remains unaffected by these complications, highlighting opportunities for improving surgical outcomes through targeted prevention strategies.

Journal Article by Crnovrsanin N, Giring S (…) Nienhüser H et 7 al. in BJS Open

© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Foundation Ltd.

read the whole article in BJS Open

open it in PubMed