The impact of body mass index on esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND

Surgeons are increasingly operating on patients who are overweight or obese. The influence of obesity on surgical and oncologic outcomes has only recently been addressed. We focus this review on obesity and its impact on esophageal cancer.

METHODS

Recent literature and our own institutional experience were reviewed to determine the impact of body mass index on the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer.

RESULTS

With few exceptions, no significant differences were seen in perioperative outcomes or survival in patients treated for esophageal cancer when stratified by body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

Although obesity poses increased operative challenges to the surgeon, surgical and oncologic outcomes remain unchanged in obese patients compared with patients who are not obese.