Effect of Thoracic Surgery Regionalization on 1- and 3-Year Survival after Cancer Esophagectomy.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether our previously reported improvements in short-term cancer esophagectomy outcomes after large-scale regionalization in the U.S. translated to longer-term survival benefit. BACKGROUND Regionalization is associated with better early postoperative outcomes following cancer esophagectomy; however, data regarding its effect on long-term survival is mixed. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 461 patients undergoing cancer esophagectomy before (2009-2013, N = 272) and after (2014-2016, N = 189) regionalization. Kaplan-Meier curves and χ2 tests were used to describe 1- and 3-year survival in each era. Hierarchical logistic regression models examined the adjusted effect of regionalization on mortality. RESULTS Compared to pre-regionalization patients, post-regionalization patients had significantly higher 1-year survival (83.1% versus 73.9%, p = 0.02) but not 3-year survival (52.9% versus 58.2%, p = 0.26).Subgroup analysis by cancer stage revealed that 1-year survival benefit was only significant among mid-stage (IIB-IIIB) patients, whereas differences in 3-year survival only approached significance among early-stage (IA-IIA) patients.In multivariable analysis, only regionalization was a predictor of lower mortality at 1 year (OR 0.54, 95%CI:0.29,1.00), and only thoracic specialty at 3 years (OR 0.62, 95%CI:0.38,0.99). Older age, more advanced stage, and complications were associated with higher 1- and 3-year mortality. Comorbidity, minimally invasive approach, surgeon volume, facility volume, and neoadjuvant treatment were not significant in this model. CONCLUSIONS Regionalization was associated with improved 1-year survival after cancer esophagectomy, independent of factors such as morbidity or volume in our adjusted models. This survival benefit did not persist at 3 years, likely due to the aggressive nature of the disease.