Do Oral Hygiene Interventions Affect Surgical Outcomes After Esophagectomy

Advancements in esophageal cancer surgery have emphasized minimizing postoperative complications through perioperative optimization strategies, including minimally invasive techniques and ERAS programs. Despite these efforts, variability in patient outcomes persists, highlighting a need for protocol refinement. Specifically, aspiration pneumonia remains a significant risk, with oral hygiene interventions identified as a crucial preventive factor. To date, there is some evidence in the literature demonstrating that improved oral hygiene reduces postoperative pneumonia. Further evidence is needed regarding the reduction of other complications and the length of postoperative hospital stay.