Management of intrathoracic leaks following esophagectomy.

Mortality from esophageal anastomotic leaks has declined dramatically in contemporary practice, which seems to be caused by a management strategy that includes observation of contained, asymptomatic leaks, operation on uncontained leaks using muscle flaps to reinforce the leak repair, and percutaneous drainage of contained, symptomatic leaks. With further advances in surgical technique, critical care, and multimodality treatment, this trend is likely to continue.