Prevalence and risk factors of reflux after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

Reflux symptoms including various extra-esophageal manifestations are commonly reported after esophagectomy. However, the intensity and presentation of reflux are both diverse and variable by patients. In this study we assessed reflux symptoms using the reflux symptom index (RSI) questionnaire in patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer to order to identify the prevalence of significant reflux and its risk factors.

From April 2017 to July 2017, we investigated patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. The severity of reflux was evaluated with a self-administered nine-item outcomes instrument (score: 0 to 5). An RSI score ≥13 was considered significant reflux. Multivariable analysis was conducted to identify risk factors.

A total of 151 patients was included (mean age, 64.1±8.8 years; male, n=136, 90.1%). The median time after esophagectomy was 22.6 months. The question regarding heartburn, chest pain, indigestion, or acid coming up was most frequently responded (n=104, 68.9%) with 41 (27.2%) patients presenting significant reflux (mean RSI score, 19.9±6.3). Time after esophagectomy <2 years, vocal cord palsy, retrosternal route of reconstruction, and postoperative weight loss were identified as significant risk factors for RSI ≥13 in the multi-variable analysis.

Reflux related symptoms including extra-esophageal manifestations were common. Our study revealed that short duration after esophagectomy, vocal cord palsy, retrosternal route of reconstruction, and postoperative weight loss were significant associated factors for reflux symptom after esophagectomy.