[Retrosternal esophagocoloplasty as current means of surgery for esophageal carcinoma]

The authors present an account of their experience with retrosternal oesophagocoloplasty as a palliative by pas in inoperable carcinoma of the oesophagus. They differentiate secondary and primary indications. So far they used this operation in 27 patients. The total lethality is 33%, the mean survival period is 8 months. Some patients with the unilateral paresis of the left recurrent nerve have laryngoesophageal dysfunction with the danger of aspiration during swallowing. The shape, position and function of the paretic vocal cord can be favourable influenced by the administration of hydrophile gel into the vocal cord by the endoscopic route.