Extensive lymph node clearance for cancer of the esophagus or cardia: merits and limits in reference to 5-year absolute survival.

Abstract

Esophagectomy with extensive lymph node clearance is not feasible in 30% of the patients in whom it is attempted, and it does not prevent further neoplastic spread in one half of those in whom it is feasible. It is capable of curing 15 to 20% of those patients with locally advanced neoplasms and shelters 90% of the patients from local recurrence.