[Extirpation of the thoracic part of the esophagus using left lateral thoracoabdominal and cervical approach].

From 1988 to 1994 year extirpation of thoracic part of the esophagus with the use of left lateral thoracoabdominal and cervical approach was carried out in 81 patients with cancer of middle (27) and lower (25) thirds of the esophagus and cardia (29). Tumor was removed en bloc with regional lymph nodes, dissected stomach was fixed to the esophageal stump and transferred to the neck, where esophago-gastral anastomosis was created by uninterrupted one-layer suture. 5 patients (6.2%) died after the operation, insufficiency of sutures of the anastomosis was detected in 5 (6.2%) patients, the fistula being spontaneously closed up. Mean duration of the operation made up 309 +/- 48 min, hospitalization 18.4 + 10.9 days. Cumulative actuarial survival rate made up: 1- years--58.9 +/- 5.7%, 3 years--26.9 +/- 6.3%, 5 years-- 20.8 +/- 6.2%. Mean duration of life after the operation was 27.8 +/- 3.4 months.