Objective To investigate the risk factors of anastomotic fistula after esophageal cancer surgery.

Methods The clinical data of 107 patients with esophageal cancer surgery were retrospectively analyzed, among whom 21 patients with anastomotic fistula after surgery were included in observation group, and 86 patients without anastomotic fistula after surgery were included in control group. The risk factors of anastomotic fistula after esophageal cancer surgery were identified by univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis.

Results Univariate analysis showed that age, hypoproteinemia, history of diabetes, preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, and anastomotic site were associated with anastomotic fistula after esophageal cancer surgery (P < 0.05); multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative neoadjuvant therapy was an independent risk factor for postoperative anastomotic fistula in patients with esophageal cancer (OR=5.392; 95%CI, 1.335 to 30.382; P=0.020).

Conclusion Preoperative neoadjuvant therapy is an independent risk factor for postoperative anastomotic fistula in patients with esophageal cancer. For patients with preoperative comorbid diseases, especially diabetes and hypoproteinemia, adequate preoperative preparation should be made.