Predicting complications after esophageal cancer surgery using endoscopic evaluation

Prediction of Anastomotic Complications and Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury Based on Postoperative Early Endoscopic Evaluation: a Prospective, Observational, Non-interventional Study

Observational Shanghai Chest Hospital · NCT06348381

This study is testing if looking at the esophagus through a camera can help predict complications after surgery for esophageal cancer and track recovery from voice problems.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorShanghai Chest Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai)
Trial IDNCT06348381 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to analyze the relationship between anatomical conformity observed through endoscopic examination and the occurrence of postoperative complications such as anastomotic leaks and stenosis in patients with esophageal cancer. It seeks to establish a classification system for anastomotic complications and develop a predictive model that incorporates perioperative indicators for better risk assessment. Additionally, the study will track the recovery of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury by monitoring vocal cord movement and hoarseness symptoms, identifying risk factors that may delay recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who have undergone radical resection at the participating hospital.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of other malignant tumors or those who have undergone combined surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved risk assessment and management strategies for patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored postoperative complications in esophageal surgery, this specific predictive approach using endoscopic evaluation is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma;
2. 18 - 80 years old;
3. ECOG PS 0-1;
4. Thoracic esophageal cancer (20-40cm from the incisors);
5. Received radical resection of esophageal cancer in our hospital from April 2024 to July 2024;
6. Received the McKeown procedure in our hospital's single treatment group;
7. Received gastric reconstruction and cervical anastomosis with a side-to-side anastomotic device;
8. Complete clinical materials.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of other malignant tumors;
2. Incomplete or missing clinical materials;
3. Received combined surgery (total laryngectomy + esophagectomy, esophagectomy + lung resection, esophagectomy + aorta, etc.);
4. Gastric reconstruction or cervical anastomosis with a side-to-side anastomotic device was not performed;
5. Patients who underwent 3-field lymph node dissection;
6. Patients with clear intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve section;
7. Highly suspected anastomotic fistula before the first endoscopic evaluation (abnormal secretion at the cervical anastomotic site, abnormal drainage fluid in the chest tube, and high fever that other reasons cannot explain);
8. Lost to follow-up.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Esophageal NeoplasmAnastomotic LeakRecurrent Laryngeal Nerve InjuriesAnastomotic StenosisEndoscopic Evaluation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.