[Partial esophagectomy and cervical esophagogastrostomy via the esophageal bed]

Partial esophagectomy through left thoracotomy and cervical esophagogastrostomy via the esophageal bed was done in 250 patients with esophageal cancer of the upper and middle-third segment and with cicatrical esophageal stenosis. Two patients (0.8%) had cervical anastomotic leakage and 3 (1.2%) had cardiopulmonary complications. There was no operative death. This procedure is effective in keeping the position of intrathoracic organs normal, reducing the tension at the site of esophagogastrostomy, preventing the heart and lungs from being compressed by the distension of thoracic stomach, and reducing the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage and cardiopulmonary complications.