Squamous cell carcinoma in esophageal remnant after 24 years: lessons learnt from esophageal bypass surgery

Cervical esophageal carcinoma has been a vexing problem because of the multicentric nature of the disease, the common advanced stage at presentation (with invasion of important adjacent structures, especially the trachea or larynx), and difficulty in satisfactorily reconstructing pharyngogastric continuity after extensive resection. In this case report, we highlight the complexity of managing squamous cell carcinoma of the cervical esophagus, which can reappear either as a new primary or recurrence, in a retained esophageal segment 24 years after esophageal bypass surgery. We strongly recommend total esophagectomy at the time of initial surgery and not 24 years later.