Abstract：Objective To investigate the main causes of postoperative arrhythmia and corresponding prevention measures for patients with esophageal cancer.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 473 cases with esophageal cancer, and observed the relationship between correlative factors and postoperative arrhythmia. Those factors included patients gender, age, preoperative ECG results, complicating diabetes/hypertension or not before operation, preoperative conditions of cardiopulmonary function, postoperative oxygen partial pressure (PO2), and the changes of blood electrolyte. Results Most of postoperative arrhythmia occurred in 1 or 2 days after operation, mainly sinus tachycardia. The incidence of postoperative arrhythmia increased significantly if the patient was over 65 years old, preoperative cardiac ejection fraction(EF)≤50%, preoperative FEV1/FVC≤70%, HCT≤42%, and preoperative electrolyte was disordered.Conclusion For patients with esophageal cancer, the occurrence of postoperative arrhythmia is caused by various factors and their interreaction. Preoperative preparation and continual ECG monitoring within 72 hours after operation is especially important for patients who satisfy the above correlative factors. Early prevention, early detection, and early treatment is the key to prevent postoperative arrhythmia for patients with esophageal cancer.
2014, Vol. 23 
