Cardiac Arrhythmias in the Early Postoperative Period Following Esophagectomy

Abstract

Recent observations in our Intensive Care Unit suggested a high incidence of cardiac arrhythmias following esophagectomy. Cardiac rhythm disturbances may result in hemodynamic compromise and have been associated with increased perioperative risk in noncardiac surgery [1]. The incidence of arrhythmias in non-cardiac surgery has been reported to range from 1.2% to 32% [2]. However, the actual occurrence of arrhythmias may even be higher, since most investigators base their findings on standard 12-lead EKGs as opposed to more sensitive 24-h EKG recording. Therefore, the following study was designed to investigate the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in esophageal cancer patients prior to and following esophagectomy, using 24-h EKG monitoring. Thereby a potential perioperative risk factor might be identified.