Internal medicine

Sociology

Esophagectomy

Modalities

Social science

Cancer

Macroeconomics

Surgery

Intensive care medicine

Economics

Leakage (economics)

Esophageal cancer

Perioperative

General surgery

Therapeutic modalities

Medicine

Anastomosis

Diseases of the Esophagus

Summary Anastomotic leakage is one of the most severe complications after esophagectomy and is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. Several projects ranging from small retrospective studies to large collaborations have aimed to identify potential pre- and perioperative risk factors and to improve the diagnostic processes and management. Despite the increase in available literature, many aspects of anastomotic leakage are still debated, without the existence of widely accepted guidelines. The purpose of this review is to provide a cutting edge overview of the recent literature regarding the definition and classification of anastomotic leakage, risk factors, novel diagnostic modalities, and emerging therapeutic options for treatment and prevention of anastomotic leakage following esophagectomy.

Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: definitions, diagnostics, and treatment