Is esophagectomy the paradigm for volume-outcome relationships?
BACKGROUND
Esophagectomy is considered one of the most complicated, difficult to perform, and physiologically altering operations performed by surgeons.


CONCLUSIONS
Outcome, not only depends upon surgeon and hospital volume but also involves a "supporting cast" of health professionals, such as physical therapy and ICU. The complementary skill set of the surgeon may also influence esophagectomy outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Young surgeons can perform esophagectomy with low mortality while their volume increases if they engage and involve all of the components in this paradigm.
Louie
Brian E
BE
Section of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Swedish Cancer Institute and Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. brian.louie@swedish.org
D002983:Clinical Competence; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006761:Hospitals / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome