The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Meta‐analysis of risk factors and complications associated with atrial fibrillation after oesophagectomy. BJS 2019; 106: 534-547.

Published: 25th March 2019

Authors: D. Schizas, M. Kosmopoulos, S. Giannopoulos, S. Giannopoulos, D. G. Kokkinidis, N. Karampetsou et al.

Background

Oesophagectomy is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. New‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent complication following oesophagectomy. Several studies have explored whether new‐onset AF is associated with adverse events after oesophagectomy.

Method

This review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were identified through a search of PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane CENTRAL databases up to 25 November 2018. A meta‐analysis was conducted with the use of random‐effects modelling. The I2 statistic was used to assess for heterogeneity.

Results

In total, 53 studies including 9087 patients were eligible for analysis. The overall incidence of postoperative AF was 16·5 per cent. Coronary artery disease and hypertension were associated with AF, whereas diabetes, smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were not. Patients with AF had a significantly higher risk of overall postoperative adverse events than those without fibrillation (odds ratio (OR) 5·50, 95 per cent c.i. 3·51 to 8·30), including 30‐day mortality (OR 2·49, 1·70 to 3·64), anastomotic leak (OR 2·65, 1·53 to 4·59) and pneumonia (OR 3·42, 2·39 to 4·90).

Conclusion

Postoperative AF is frequently observed in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for cancer. It is associated with an increased risk of death and postoperative complications.

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