[Intrathoracic-extrapleural esophageal replacement with gastroplasty]

We carried out replacement of the oesophagus by transposing the stomach in 87 patients, 64 with carcinoma of the oesophagus. There is an immediate operative mortality of 20-30%, but this is followed by a relatively low morbidity, which is well demonstrated radiologically (stricture at the anastomosis, which can be mechanically dilated, about 22%; external fistula with a tendency to spontaneous closure about 25%; ectasia of the thoracic stomach, 15-25%). Average survival time is eight to ten months. There is a 24% risk of post-operative pulmonary oedema and daily chest x-rays are indicated.