Patient and Peri-operative Predictors of Morbidity and Mortality After Esophagectomy: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP), 2005–2008

Purpose Our aim was to determine what specific patient and peri-operative factors contribute to major complications after esophagectomy. Methods Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, data for esophagectomies between the years 2005 and 2008 were extracted and analyzed. Thirty-day post-operative complications were classified into seven major groups: (1) wound infections, (2) respiratory complications (pneumonia, intubation), (3) cardiac complications, (4) deep venous thrombosis, (5) sepsis/septic shock, (6) re-operation, and (7) death. Univariate analysis and logistic regression modeling were performed to determine if a significant association existed between patient factors or peri-operative factors and these post-operative complications. Results One thousand thirty-two patients who underwent esophagectomy were identified. Diabetes was the strongest pre-operative independent predictor of death (odds ratio (OR) 10.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37–1.15, p