[Cancer of the upper gastric pole--possibilities and limitations]

An analysis of the cases encountered over the last 5 years revealed a high frequency of gastric cancers located in the upper pole area of the stomach. These represented 23% of all gastric cancers. The low number of cases with this localization that could benefit from gastric resection (38,7%), in contrast with distal locations (65,4%) suggest either late detection or high invading potential of these cancers. Oeso-gastric resection - the only efficient curative or palliative treatment - was adapted according to site and extension of the tumour in both organs. In 6 cases partial resection of the thoracic oesophagus was necessary, and in another 4 cases total gastrectomy was performed. In 8 patients upper polar resection - including the oesophagus - was satisfactory from the oncologic viewpoint, and was well-tolerated by the patients.