[Esophagectomy without thoracotomy in cancer of the esophagus. Apropos of 10 cases]

Abstract

Esophagectomy without thoracotomy was performed in 10 cases of cancer of the esophagus, whatever its site of origin. Advantages of this procedure include the absence of a third right thoracic approach and of secondary hemostatis, complications, the cervical anastomosis, and the ascension of the gastroplasty into the esophageal bed. Though less carcinolytic than excision through a thoracic approach, this technique provides identical survival with a lower mortality and a very reduced morbidity. This therapeutic strategy could represent progress for patients who usually have generalized spread of the disease at the time of diagnosis.