Piriformostomy in the treatment of malignant tumors obstructing the esophagus

Experience with tube feeding through the piriform sinus in 13 patients with malignant disease of the esophagus and/or cardia of the stomach, who were unable to swallow, is presented. The procedure ws found to be superior to gastrostomy tube feeding; the patient is spared a laparotomy and is able to swallow the saliva around the plastic tube. The discomfort and complications associated with this procedure are negligible.