Major coronary artery calcifications as predictors of postoperative complications in Ivor Lewis esophagectomies: a five-year retrospective analysis

This study aimed to determine the relationship between preoperative arterial calcifications and postoperative outcomes after Ivor Lewis esophagectomies.

This was a single-center retrospective review of Ivor Lewis esophagectomies from 2013 to 2018. Preoperative CT imaging was reviewed, and arterial calcifications were graded (absent, minor, or major) in various locations. The primary outcome included major complications (defined by the Clavien-Dindo classification III–V) and the secondary outcomes were 90-day reoperations, readmissions, and mortality. Significant associations (p < 0.05) between calcifications and outcomes on univariable analysis were evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression model (odds ratios, OR; 95% confidence intervals, CI).

One hundred patients underwent esophagectomies from 2013 to 2018 (79% male, 90% White, median age 68 years), and 85% were classified as ASA III. Ninety-four patients had accessible preoperative imaging. Arterial calcifications in specific areas were observed: 82 in coronary arteries (major in 33 patients), 54 in the aortic valve, 78 in supra-aortic arteries, 79 in the thoracic aorta, 82 in the abdominal aorta, and 71 in common iliac. Furthermore, 60 patients exhibited celiac axis calcifications, with 40 patients classified as major. Twenty-five patients experienced major complications. Anastomotic leak occurred in two patients, and graft necrosis occurred in one patient. Ninety-day readmission was 10%, reoperation was 12%, and mortality was 4%. On univariable analysis, major coronary artery calcifications were significantly associated with major complications (OR 4.04; 95% CI 1.34–12.16; p = 0.02) and 90-day readmissions (OR 8.20; 95% CI 1.01–68.47; p = 0.04). However, no significant associations were identified between 90-day reoperations or mortality and arterial calcifications.

This study demonstrated that preoperative coronary calcifications increase the risk of postoperative complications, as this may be a surrogate of overall health. Nonetheless, the correlation between splanchnic calcifications and postoperative outcomes needs further exploration.