Esophageal intubation for carcinoma of the esophagus

Over 2500 cases of esophageal carcinoma were studied, the large majority having incurable disease. Most palliative measures have proved unsatisfactory to date, especially in patients unfit for “active” palliation such as surgery or radiotherapy. The most effective palliation achieved in the cases studied was by means of the Procter‐Livingstone endoesophageal tube, which achieves immediate palliation and can be inserted by a simple technique, almost as an outpatient procedure. The prosthesis is safe and quick to insert, in most cases by esophagoscopy. The results have been most satisfactory under the circumstances, with a low operative mortality rate and almost no morbidity. The technique has been especially useful with fistulae. The commonest complication has been proximal displacement of the tube. A newer design is now used which effectively prevents this. Other complications have been the same as those that accompany esophagoscopy itself. This method of intubation should not be regarded as a favorable alternative to surgery where this is possible. Compared to 18 other prostheses described in the literature, the one that we have used is much safer, quicker, and easier to insert.