Should esophageal resections for cancer be performed in high-volume centers only?

Esophageal resection remains the only curative option for esophageal cancer, and therefore, improving the outcome of surgery is the best method of reducing mortality. Several studies have evaluated the postoperative morbidity and mortality after esophageal resection, analyzing the relationship between volume or surgical experience and operative mortality. In this article, the evidence supporting the referral of esophageal surgery to centers with a greater experience (i.e., high-volume centers) is reviewed in order to establish the best practice.