Risk factors and long-term postoperative outcomes in patients with postoperative dysphagia after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

Abstract

Aim: Dysphagia is one of the most common complications after esophagectomy. However, no study has investigated the long-term postoperative outcomes in patients with postoperative dysphagia. Here, we aimed to identify risk factors for postoperative dysphagia and to investigate long-term postoperative outcomes in such patients. Methods: This study included 304 consecutive patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent curative esophagectomy. They were diagnosed with postoperative dysphagia through a contrast videofluoroscopic swallowing study, and postoperative outcomes were compared based on swallowing function. Results: In total, 112 patients (37%) were diagnosed with postoperative dysphagia. Older age, low BMI, and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative dysphagia. In the dysphagia group, a significantly larger number of patients developed in-hospital pneumonia, and hospital stays were also significantly extended. After discharge, 37 (33%) patients with postoperative dysphagia developed pneumonia. Even more than 1 year after esophagectomy, a significantly larger number of patients (24 patients, 21%) with postoperative dysphagia developed pneumonia compared to those without postoperative dysphagia. Postoperative dysphagia was identified as an independent risk factor for out-of-hospital pneumonia. Regarding nutritional status, there was no difference in weight loss 1 year after esophagectomy, but significant weight loss was observed 2 years after esophagectomy in the dysphagia group. Conclusion: Postoperative dysphagia was associated with both preoperative patient factors and surgical factors. Moreover, patients with postoperative dysphagia had long-term and short-term pneumonia risk. The personalization of long-term follow-up through more aggressive rehabilitation and nutritional guidance is required for patients with postoperative dysphagia.