Follow up pattern for post oesophagectomy patients at a single centre: association with peri-operative variables

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Though the operative mortality for resection of oesophageal malignancy has fallen significantly over time, the overall postoperative survival has remained fairly constant irrespective of surgical techniques, preoperative disease spread being the main independent prognostic indicator of survival. AIM: This is a five year prospective review, from 2001 to 2006, of post oesophagectomy patients, evaluating follow up and associated variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and seven patients were included into the study. Peri-operative and post discharge data were recorded. Data analysis reviewed the follow up pattern and the relationship to selected variables. RESULTS: The one, three and five year follow up rates were 30%, 5% and 3% respectively. Although a trend of shorter follow up was noted for the presence of preoperative overweight,(< 25Kg/m2), postoperative anastomotic leak and signs of nodal spread of disease, only low preoperative serum protein and albumin levels were significantly associated with a shortened follow up. Seven patients in this series developed recurrent signs of malignant disease. CONCLUSION: The trends of association of peri-operative variables and postoperative follow up were similar to the international literature on the postoperative survival pattern. Even though this study failed to achieve statistical significance associating disease spread with shortened follow up, improved preoperative staging remains an important goal for better post operative follow up in this region.