Introduction
Postoperative complications have long been regarded as a significant hurdle in the management of esophageal cancer. Historically, surgical morbidity—ranging from anastomotic leaks to severe pulmonary infections—was thought not only to increase immediate mortality but also to compromise long-term oncological outcomes. However, the landscape of esophageal cancer treatment has shifted dramatically with the introduction of intensive neoadjuvant therapies and minimally invasive surgical techniques. This article examines the exploratory analysis of the JCOG1109 trial, which investigates whether this historical correlation between complications and poor prognosis still holds true in the era of modern multidisciplinary care.
