Analysis of Cervical Esophagogastric Anastomotic Leaks After Transhiatal Esophagectomy: Risk Factors, Presentation, and Detection

Higher number of preoperative comorbidities, advanced pathologic stage, postoperative arrhythmia, an increased number of prior esophagogastric surgeries, and active smoking history are risk factors for developing CEGAL, and a side-to-side stapled cervical esophagogastric anastomosis is protective. Screening barium swallow identifies few postoperative complications, but provides quality control.