title: The role of surgery in the palliative management of oesophageal cancer.
abstract: Cure of oesophageal cancer is unlikely in the majority of patients with this disease, so that the first aim of treatment is the effective palliation of dysphagia. Surgery is the most certain method of restoring normal swallowing, but should not be undertaken unless it is likely to be safe and effective. Appropriate therapy for the individual patient can only be selected after careful pre-operative assessment of the level, length and extent of the tumour and of the patient's general condition. The indications and techniques for oesophagectomy and oesophageal bypass are discussed.
mesh_terms: D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D010166:Palliative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care