title: Invited commentary.
authors.affiliation: Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 445, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. whofstetter@mdanderson.org
authors.forename: Wayne
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hofstetter
mesh_terms: D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000150:complications; D016629:Esophagectomy; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008480:Mediastinitis / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps