TP6.2.18 Initial experience with routine postoperative nasal high-flow oxygen as part of enhanced recovery following oesophagectomy for cancer

Introduction Pulmonary complications occur in up to 38% of patients undergoing oesophagectomy and are associated with significant risk of mortality. Nasal high-flow oxygen (NHFO) has previously been shown to reduce respiratory complications following major abdominal surgery, however, its use in oesophagectomy has not previously been assessed. We report our results using NHFO routinely as part of our enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) in consecutive patients undergoing oesophagectomy for cancer at a single tertiary referral centre. Methods We recently incorporated routine postoperative NHFO following oesophagectomy as part of our ERP at Royal Stoke University Hospital. We conducted a prospective study of patients undergoing surgery between November 2019 and September 2020. The primary outcome measure was complications related to delivery of NHFO. Secondary endpoints included rates of pulmonary complications and mortality within 30 days of surgery. Results Fifty patients underwent oesophagectomy during the study period. The median age was 66 years (range 43-78 years) and male to female ratio was 4:1.Majority (49/50) of patients underwent 2-stage oesophagectomy while one underwent 3-stage oesophagectomy. All patients received postoperative NHFO. There were no complications related to NHFO. The 30-day overall pulmonary complication rate was 30%.Of these, 28% developed pneumonia,4% pulmonary embolism,and 2% pleural effusions requiring drainage. There were no deaths within 30 days of surgery. Conclusion Routine postoperative NHFO in consecutive patients undergoing oesophagectomy is safe and feasible with lower pulmonary complication rates than previously reported, leading to better overall outcomes. The value of NHFO in oesophagectomy requires further evaluation in a randomized clinical trial.