Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus after partial gastrectomy

Twelve patients (10.4%) had a history of partial gastrectomy among the 115 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The clinical characteristics, nutritional parameters, and incidences of esophagitis of the resected specimens were investigated between 11 patients with esophageal carcinoma who had partial gastrectomy for peptic ulcer diseases (Group A) and 103 patients with esophageal carcinoma without any previous history of gastrectomy (Group B). Age, sex, tumor location, clinical stages, and cigarette and alcohol consumption were not different between the two groups. Hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin level in Group A were lower than those in Group B (p < 0.05). Serum zinc level in Group A was lower than that in Group B, but this difference was not significant. There was no difference in the incidences of esophagitis between the two groups. In conclusion, there is an association between partial gastrectomy and later development of squamous esophageal carcinoma. The role of malnutritional factors and gastroesophageal reflux, however, remain unclear. The long-term follow-up of patients after partial gastrectomy is warranted.