[Significance of computer tomography for operative tactics in esophageal cancer]

In patients with tumor stage T1-CT is useful in the detection of enlarged lymph nodes. In 93% of the cases with tumor stage T2-CT gives exact information about tumor extension and infiltration. In addition 70% of the patients with positive lymph nodes can be evaluated. In T3 tumor infiltration in nearby organs can be demonstrated in 94% and lymph node metastases in 79% of the cases. The therapeutic consequences are: In tumor stage T2 and T3 subtotal esophagectomy with retrosternal stomach replacement by cervical anastomosis should be aspired for reasons of postoperative irradation of the esophageal bed.