Transhiatal oesophagectomy compared with transthoracic resection and systematic lymphadenectomy for the treatment of oesophageal cancer.

Abstract

We have been unable to show that the oncologically more radical procedure (transthoracic resection with systematic two field en bloc lymphadenectomy) results in longer survival, but we have shown that it can be done with similar morbidity and short term mortality. Because it is possible to stage the disease exactly with a transthoracic resection, and because published reports from other centres have hinted at improved prognosis after it, we shall continue to do the operation for suitable patients.