Resection of the thoracic esophagus for cancer

Review of published data from many nations shows that surgical therapy of carcinoma of the esophagus results in high postoperative mortality and low cure rates. This is true whether resection and restoration of continuity of the alimentary canal are performed at the same procedure or two stages. The experience of the Sklifosovsky Emergency Surgery Institute in Moscow is reviewed and is similarly disappointing. Most patients present themselves for treatment with advanced phases of the disease. Although the operative mortality is still high, it has been diminishing in the past 13 years, reaching 10% in the period from 1963 to 1965. Even among those who are suitable for resection and survive the procedure, long-term survival is uncommon.