Esophagogastrostomy in the Treatment of Carcinoma of the Distal Two-Thirds of the Esophagus: Clinical Experience and Operative Methods

Between 1955 and 1971, esophagogastrostomy was used as the primary form of therapy for carcinoma of the distal two-thirds of the esophagus in 31 patients. The operation has provided effective palliation in this group of patients, most of whom were incurable at the time of operation. Postoperative mortality and morbidity were relatively low following this single-stage procedure, and dysphagia was completely relieved in all but 2 of the patients who survived operation. A modified technique for fixation of the gastric fundus within the chest and for construction of the esophagogastric anastomosis has consistently prevented gastroesophageal reflux.