ObjectiveTo compare the influence of intrathoracic and retrosternal esophagogastric anastomosis on pulmonary function in aged patients after esophagectomy. MethodsForty patients (older than 62 years) with upper or middle thoracic esophageal carcinoma (EC) who underwent esophagectomy in Fengtian Hospital of Shenyang Medical College between February 2009 and May 2011 were enrolled in this study. According to different surgical approach, all the patients were divided into an intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis (IEGA) group and a retrosternal esophagogastric anastomosis (REGA) group. There were 20 patients in IEGA group including 16 males and 4 females with their age of 62-79 (64.70±11.47) years, who received cervical anastomosis after EC resection and intrathoracic gastric tube reconstruction. There were 20 patients in REGA group including 17 males and 3 females with their age of 63-77 (65.90±12.72) years, who received cervical anastomosis after EC resection and retrosternal gastric tube reconstruction. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed preoperatively and on the 15th and 30th postoperative day, and compared between the 2 groups. ResultsThere was no statistical difference in preoperative PFT between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). PFT of IEGA group on the 15th and 30th postoperative day was significantly worse than preoperative PFT (P < 0.05). PFT of REGA group on the 15th and 30th postoperative day was not statistically different from preoperative PFT (P > 0.05). PFT of REGA group on the 15th and 30th postoperative day was significantly better than PFT of IEGA group (P < 0.05). In IEGA group, postoperative complications included anastomotic leak in 1 patient, anastomotic stenosis in 1 patient, pneumonia in 5 patients and atelectasis in 1 patient. In REGA group, postoperative complications included anastomotic leak in 1 patient, anastomotic stenosis in 1 patient, gastric outlet obstruction in 1 patient and pneumonia in 3 patients. All the patients were followed up for 1 year. There was no statistical difference between PFT at 1 year after discharge and PFT on the 30th postoperative day in either group. ConclusionsIEGA can significantly reduce postoperative PFT. REGA has less negative influence on postoperative PFT, is suitable for aged patients and patients with unsatisfactory preoperative PFT, can reduce postoperative complications and improve postoperative quality of life.