Esophageal resection for cancer in The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China (1982–2008)

Esophageal resection is a high-risk procedure. In the early 1980s, it carried a mortality of more than 20%. Through a concerted effort which include meticulous surgical technique, vigilant post-operative care, and a low threshold to correct respiratory problem, the mortality rate was reduced to almost 0%. Our single layer continuous anastomotic technique also dramatically reduced the anastomotic leakage rate.