Editorial
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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 21, 2013; 19(39): 6509-6514
Published online Oct 21, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i39.6509
Strategies to reduce pulmonary complications after esophagectomy
Teus J Weijs, Jelle P Ruurda, Grard AP Nieuwenhuijzen, Richard van Hillegersberg, Misha DP Luyer
Teus J Weijs, Jelle P Ruurda, Richard van Hillegersberg, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
Grard AP Nieuwenhuijzen, Misha DP Luyer, Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, 5623 EJ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Author contributions: Weijs TJ searched literature and wrote the manuscript; Luyer MDP was closely involved and supervised drafting of the manuscript and the writing process; Ruurda JP, Nieuwenhuijzen GAP and van Hillegersberg R were equally involved in drafting the manuscript and proofreading; All authors approved the final manuscript.
Correspondence to: Misha DP Luyer, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, Michelangelolaan 2, 5623 EJ Eindhoven, The Netherlands. misha.luyer@catharinaziekenhuis.nl
Telephone: +31-40-2397155 Fax: +31-40-2443370
Received: June 29, 2013
Revised: August 23, 2013
Accepted: September 4, 2013
Published online: October 21, 2013
Core Tip

Core tip: Pulmonary complications following esophagectomy significantly contribute to postoperative morbidity and mortality. Over the years many strategies aimed at reducing pulmonary complications have been investigated. In the current article, we discuss these strategies, specifically minimally invasive surgical techniques; anti-inflammatory therapies and optimization of patient performance.