Long-term outcomes following radical esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in elderly patients

This retrospective study was designed to identify the predictors of long-term survival outcomes after radical esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients aged 65 years or older. The clinical and follow-up data of 143 patients aged 65 years or older with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing radical esophagectomy were analyzed for prognostic factors of long-term survival outcomes. The median age was 71 years (range, 65-76 years). Of the total patient number, 44 had some form of comorbidity diagnosed preoperatively. Thirtyone patients presented with postoperative 30-day complications. The 5-year overall survival rate for this cohort was 46% (Figure 1). The 5-year overall survival rates after radical esophagectomy were 73%, 62%, and 29%, respectively, in pathologic stage I, pathologic stage II, and pathologic stage III. Advanced pathologic stage and medical comorbidities were significant independent predictors of shortened overall survival. Elderly patients with operable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in this study had a satisfactory long-term outcomes and low mortality rate.