Common post-operative complications of esophageal cancer and their management

  1, anastomotic fistula: cervical anastomotic fistula does not pose a threat to the patient’s life and can be healed by drainage; intrathoracic anastomotic fistula poses a great threat to the patient and has a high mortality rate, intrathoracic anastomotic fistula mostly occurs 5 to 10 days after surgery, the patient has respiratory distress and chest pain, liquid pneumothorax sign on X-ray, oral iodine can be seen in the contrast agent out of the esophageal cavity, closed chest drainage should be placed immediately, fasting, using effective antibiotics and supportive treatment; in patients with early fistula, surgical repair can be tried and strengthened by covering with large omentum or intercostal muscle flap.  Pulmonary complications: including pneumonia, pulmonary atelectasis, pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome, etc. Pulmonary infection is more common and should be given high priority; postoperatively, patients should be encouraged to cough and sputum, and respiratory management should be strengthened to reduce the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications.  3, celiac disease: caused by intraoperative thoracic duct injury, mostly occurs 2-10 days after surgery, the patient feels chest tightness, shortness of breath and panic. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, closed chest drainage should be placed and the flow of drainage should be closely observed, and those with less flow can be given a low-fat diet to maintain water-electrolyte balance and supplement nutrition, and some patients can heal. For patients with high celiac flow, the celiac duct should be ligated by dissecting the chest in time.  4, other complications: with hemothorax, pneumothorax and chest infection, according to the condition of the corresponding treatment.