A Standardized Clinical Pathway Approach to Esophageal Cancer

Clinical pathways associated with the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer patients represent an important development to maximize the opportunity for clinical and cost efficiency in patient care. The main goals implemented in standardized clinical pathways are a comprehensive preoperative workup and tumor board presentation; anesthesia management dedicated to enable enhanced recovery and standardized steps of postoperative recovery, including early mobilization; efficient removal of tubes, catheters, and lines; and early enteral feedings. Recent studies report a decreased length of hospital and intensive care unit stay and decreased costs associated with the routine application of these pathways. Some reports have also shown a decrease in postoperative morbidity and mortality related to the implementation and refinement of standardized clinical pathways. The present review is dedicated to all aspects of standardized clinical pathways for esophagectomy and aims to give an insight into key components of the clinical pathway, which have evolved over the last 20 years at our institution.   This review contains 3 figures, 8 tables, and 33 tables. Key words: clinical pathway, costs, enhanced recovery, esophageal cancer, esophagectomy, hospital stay, implementation, length of stay, outcome, standardized pathway