Aortic Calcification Increases the Risk of Anastomotic Leakage After Ivor-Lewis Esophagectomy

Atherosclerotic calcification of the aorta is an independent risk factor for leakage of the intrathoracic anastomosis after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for cancer. The calcification scoring system may aid in patient selection and lead to earlier diagnosis of this potentially fatal complication.