[Correction of failed primary surgical interventions in benign lesions of the esophagus]

In an retrospective analysis of documentation and printed paper in period between 1964-1998 168 patients required reoperations in benign esophageal lesions. Failed initial interventions were found in 66 (39.28%) pts. operated in our clinic and 102 (60.71%) pts operated in other institutions in our country. The corrective procedure was possible in 140 (83.33%) pts and impossible in 11 (6.54%). Post-operative mortality was 7.73% so the definitive failed corrections were 14.27%. The main cause of failure were: Defective operative technique, wrong preoperative diagnosis and indications including inadequate initial procedure. Among the 168 pts undergoing corrective surgery, more than a half of pts had obstructive lesions requiring resections and reconstructions. Dilatation of the stricture was possible in 16% followed by total diversion, particularly in previous gastric surgery. Malignant degeneration of benign lesions were found in 10.71%. Only 4 pts (2.3%) refused suggested operations. Satisfactory long-term results especially in patients undergoing esophageal corrective reconstructions for benign diseases were good to excellent in regular yearly postoperative routine control examination.