A Retrospective Study on Nonmalignant Airway Erosion After Right Transthoracic Subtotal Esophagectomy: Incidence, Diagnosis, Therapy, and Risk Factors

Airway erosion is a fatal complication after subtotal esophagectomy. Preoperative radiotherapy dramatically increases the risk of developing airway erosion and reduces the probability of spontaneous healing. Aggressive treatment of alimentary leakage or necrosis and reconstruction through the anterior route help to decrease the risk of airway erosion, especially in high-risk patients.