Carcinoma of the hypopharynx, esophagus and cardia

In a series of 230 patients with carcinoma of the hypopharynx, esophagus and cardia, 114 patients with squamous cell tumors and 86 patients with adenocarcinomas were resected (rate of restability, 87 per cent). Mortality at 30 days was 17.5 per cent. Over-all hospital mortality was 22.0 per cent. The one year survival rate was 40.0 per cent and the five year survival rate was 19.5 per cent. Reflux esophagitis occurred in 26 per cent of survivors, benign stricture in 9 per cent and local recurrence in 7 per cent. Eighty-two per cent of patients were permanently free of dysphagia postoperatively. Aggressive surgical procedures provide effective palliation and a worthwhile proportion of long term survivors.