Physiologic consequences of pneumonectomy: Consequences on the esophageal function

Esophageal and upper gastrointestinal dysmotility occur after both pneumonectomy without pulmonary replacement and recipient pneumonectomy for thoracic organ transplantation. After pneumonectomy without pulmonary replacement, there is a shift of the esophagus to the side of pneumonectomy and disturbance of esophageal peristalsis. After recipient pneumonectomy for thoracic organ transplantation, esophageal dysmotility and delayed gastric emptying are common. Injury of the vagal nerves, local ischemia, postoperative scarring of the esophagus and mediastinum, and disturbance of the autonomic nervous systems are the major causes of the abnormality. To reduce the incidence of esophageal dysmotility after pneumonectomy, every effort should be made during surgery to prevent direct injury of the esophagus or the vagal nerves.