# Risk factors and bacterial spectrum postoperative infections after esophageal tumor surgery in patients aged ≥60 years

## TL;DR

This study examines postoperative infections in elderly patients after esophageal tumor surgery, identifying risk factors and common bacteria involved.

## Contribution

The study identifies smoking, surgical duration, and hyperglycemia as modifiable risk factors for postoperative infections in elderly patients.

## Key findings

- The overall incidence of postoperative infections was 29.6% among patients aged ≥60 years.
- Smoking, prolonged surgery, and elevated blood glucose were independent risk factors for infection.
- Targeted prevention strategies could reduce infection rates in high-risk elderly patients.

## Abstract

Patients undergoing esophageal tumor surgery (ETS) are at increased risk of postoperative infections (PI), particularly those aged ≥60 years. To improve perioperative safety and outcomes in this population, this study aimed to investigate the bacterial spectrum and identify risk factors associated with PI following ETS.

A total of 747 patients who underwent radical esophagectomy between January and December 2021 were included in this retrospective analysis. Clinical data, including demographic characteristics, comorbidities, surgery-related variables, and laboratory indicators, were collected and analyzed.

Preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for PI were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The overall incidence of PI was 29.6% (221/747). Smoking, prolonged surgical duration, and elevated postoperative blood glucose levels were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative infection.

Elderly patients undergoing ETS are at considerable risk for PI, particularly those with modifiable risk factors such as smoking and hyperglycemia. Identification of high-risk individuals and implementation of targeted preventive strategies may reduce the incidence of postoperative infections and improve surgical outcomes.