Oesophagectomy without thoracotomy: first 250 patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate morbidity, mortality and cure rate after transhiatal oesophagectomy for carcinoma of the oesophagus.


METHODS
Prospective audit.


METHODS
University hospital, India.


METHODS
From December 1986 to June 1993 a total of 250 consecutive patients underwent one stage transhiatal oesophagectomy with cervical oesophagogastrostomy for carcinoma of the oesophagus.


METHODS
Transhiatal oesophagectomy.


METHODS
Morbidity and mortality.


RESULTS
The mortality was 6% (14/250) and complications included recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (n = 35, 14%), anastomotic leak (n = 38, 15%), respiratory failure (n = 8, 3%), anastomotic stenosis (n = 44, 18%) and anastomotic recurrence (n = 3, 1%). The actuarial survival at one year was 45% and at five years was 5%.


CONCLUSIONS
Transhiatal oesophagectomy is safe and well tolerated for the treatment of carcinoma of the oesophagus when done with care. Avoidance of thoracotomy, adequate longitudinal clearance, cervical anastomosis, and a short operating time are its main advantages.
Gupta
N M
NM
Department of Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical, Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D013908:Thoracotomy