[Significance and cause of pulmonary complications following esophageal resection].

Pulmonary complications are among the key factors responsible for the postoperative morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy. The thoracotomy by itself as well as the duration of the operation do not seem to increase the frequency of pulmonary complications. Preoperative poor respiratory function and especially a high perioperative blood loss significantly increase the risk for postoperative pneumonia. The postoperative pulmonary risk after esophagectomy seems to be closely correlated to the AaDO2 quotient in the early postoperative period.