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Should esophageal resections for cancer be performed in high-volume centers only?

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Abstract

Esophageal resection remains the only curative option for esophageal cancer, and therefore, improving the outcome of surgery is the best method of reducing mortality. Several studies have evaluated the postoperative morbidity and mortality after esophageal resection, analyzing the relationship between volume or surgical experience and operative mortality. In this article, the evidence supporting the referral of esophageal surgery to centers with a greater experience (i.e., high-volume centers) is reviewed in order to establish the best practice.

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Abbreviations

AIRTUM:

Italian Network of Cancer Registries

CABG:

Coronary artery bypass graft

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Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, University of Ferrara and University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy

    Carlo V. Feo

  2. Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA

    Victoria M. Villaflor

  3. Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA

    Marco G. Patti

  4. Clinica Chirurgica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Corso Giovecca 203, 44121, Ferrara, Italy

    Carlo V. Feo

Authors
  1. Carlo V. Feo
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  2. Victoria M. Villaflor
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  3. Marco G. Patti
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Correspondence to Carlo V. Feo.

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Feo, C.V., Villaflor, V.M. & Patti, M.G. Should esophageal resections for cancer be performed in high-volume centers only?. Updates Surg 63, 147–150 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13304-011-0090-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13304-011-0090-7

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