Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
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<jats:title>Background</jats:title>
<jats:p>Esophageal and gastric cancers usually occur at a higher age, and patients often present significant comorbidities. In combination with the risk profile of esophageal and gastric cancer surgery, the preclinical condition is relevant for morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy and gastrectomy. We aimed with the current project to investigate if postoperative physical recovery is as well significantly affected by preclinical conditions of the patient, and whether the patients’ condition might be a surrogate for the need for extensive rehabilitation.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Methods</jats:title>
<jats:p>We conducted a retrospective study on 108 consecutive patients that underwent esophagectomy (n = 56) or gastrectomy (n = 52) between 2013 and 2017. We analysed the impact of patients’ condition, BMI, age, tumor stage and complications on ICU time, respirator time, physical recovery in hospital and discharge conditions.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Results</jats:title>
<jats:p>Median age of the predominant male population (80%/65%) was 65 respectively 72 years for esophagectomy and gastrectomy. Preoperative risk was assessed as normal/increased/high risk using the Cologne Risk Score in 2%/36%/63% respectively 6%/41%/53% of cases, and ASA score was 2/3/4 in 20%/73%/7% respectively 19%/71%/10%. Preoperative patients` conditions (determined by ASA and Cologne Risk Score) also inclundig BMI, age, neoadjuvant therapy, tumor stage and tumor entity (squamous cell carcinoma versus adenocarcinoma) had no impact on postoperative ICU stay, respirator time, physical recovery and discharge condition. However, postoperative complications (determined by Clavien Dindo Score) negatively affect both discharge condition and physical recovery (P < 0.005), whereas age negatively affects discharge conditions (P < 0.005).</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title>
<jats:p>Preoperative patients’ condition seem to have no significant impact on recovery after both esophagectomy and gastrectomy. However, complications affect recovery negatively.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Disclosure</jats:title>
<jats:p>All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.</jats:p>
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