[Postoperative complications in esophageal surgery]

Apart from certain complications which may follow any surgical procedure, the authors sought to emphasise in particular the problems posed by fistulae occurring after oesophageal surgery. They draw a clear distinction between cervical fistulae which, draining adequately, do not affect the vital prognosis, merely prolonging the period of hospitalisation, and intrathoracic or sub-diaphragmatic fistulae, with a grave prognosis and which pose delicate problems of re-operation, drainage and intensive care. They feel that the possibility of prevention of these digestive fistulae must be stressed, combining the most meticulous surgical technique with appropriate pre- and postoperative care.