[Surgical therapy of cancer of the cervical esophagus]

Esophagectomy and reconstruction of the esophagus is the treatment of choice in carcinoma of the cervical esophagus. Although the type of resection is almost standardized, the methods of esophageal reconstruction, replacement by a gastric tube, a free intestinal or colonic graft are discussed controversial. Adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy did not improve long-term survival. Our experience with 19 patients is reported and discussed with other european results.