Surgical Adjuncts During Esophagectomy

Abstract

Esophagectomy is a major operation whereby intraoperative technique and postoperative care must be optimal. Even in expert hands, the complication rate is as high as 59%. Here the authors discuss the role of surgical adjuncts, including enteral access, nasogastric decompression, pyloric drainage procedures, and anastomotic buttressing as adjuncts to esophagectomy and whether they reduce perioperative complications.

Keywords: Anastomotic buttressing; Enteral access; Esophagectomy complications; Feeding tube; Omentum; Pyloric drainage.