Prophylactic digitalization fails to control dysrhythmia in thoracic esophageal operations

A prospective, controlled, randomized study of 80 patients undergoing esophageal operations was undertaken, in which one group of patients was given digoxin and the other was not. The incidence of cardiac dysrhythmia was compared in each group. Twenty-six patients underwent operation for benign disease. Equal numbers were digitalized or not and no dysrhythmias occurred. Fifty-four patients underwent operation for malignant disease. Of 26 in the group digitalized, 12 suffered dysrhythmia (46%). Of 28 not digitalized, 9 suffered dysrhythmia (32%). Overall, 39% of patients with malignant disease suffered a dysrhythmia compared with none with benign disease (p < 0.002 by chi 2).