[Resection of thoracic esophageal carcinoma and replacement with stomach (author's transl)]

From 1961 to 1980 resection of the esophagus and replacement with stomach was carried out in 61 patients with esophageal carcinoma. Operative mortality was 36% in all cases; during the last 5 years it has been reduced to 21%. Postoperative staging according to the "International Union Against Cancer" was done in all patients. Patients with early tumour stage are very rarely presented. Survival rate depends on tumour stage. Radical operation resulted in a 2-year survival rate of 21% and in a 5-year survival rate of 10% including operation mortality. In cases of advanced carcinoma palliative operation does not prolong life, but increases the quality of life with normal ability to swallow.