[Causes of death after an early gastric cancer operation]

From April, 1972 to December, 1984, 329 early gastric cancer case were operated on by this department. Results of these operations have revealed the following statistics: The 5-year survival rate of those with an m-cancer was 97.6% and for those with an sm-cancer, 92.6% and, the 10-year survival rate of m-cancer was 91.6% and sm-cancer, 89.9%, respectively. Twenty-nine postoperative deaths were recognized in this series, and the causes of death in each case have been analysed. Prophylactic measures to prevent postoperative death also are discussed.