A narrative review of anastomotic leak in the Ivor Lewis esophagectomy: expected, accepted, but preventable

Background and Objective: Anastomotic leak (AL) remains a common highly morbid complication after Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy. Leak is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, strictures even cancer recurrence. Unfortunately, despite advances in surgical technique perioperative care, the reported frequency of AL has remained largely unchanged.