Endoscopic Mucosal Ischemic Index for Predicting Anastomotic Complications after Esophagectomy: a Prospective Cohort Study

Postoperative complications related to gastric conduit reconstruction are still common issues after McKeown esophagectomy. A novel endoscopic mucosal ischemic index is desired to predict anastomotic complications after McKeown esophagectomy. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic examinations of the anastomotic region in the acute period after esophagectomy. Endoscopic examinations were performed on postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 8. The severity of ischemia was prospectively validated according to the endoscopic mucosal ischemic index (EMII). A total of 58 patients were included after evaluating the safety and feasibility of the endoscopic examination on POD 1 in 10 patients. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 6 patients. Stricture occurred in 13 patients. A greater than 67