Is esophagectomy the paradigm for volume-outcome relationships?

J Gastrointest Surg. 2010 Feb:14 Suppl 1:S115-20. doi: 10.1007/s11605-009-1030-4. Epub 2009 Sep 24.

Abstract

Introduction: Esophagectomy is considered one of the most complicated, difficult to perform, and physiologically altering operations performed by surgeons.

Discussion: Outcome, not only depends upon surgeon and hospital volume but also involves a "supporting cast" of health professionals, such as physical therapy and ICU. The complementary skill set of the surgeon may also influence esophagectomy outcomes.

Conclusions: Young surgeons can perform esophagectomy with low mortality while their volume increases if they engage and involve all of the components in this paradigm.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence
  • Esophagectomy / mortality
  • Esophagectomy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hospitals / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Team
  • Physicians / statistics & numerical data
  • Treatment Outcome