[The role of laparoscopy in assessing the resectability of cancer of the esophagus and proximal stomach].

Laparoscopic findings obtained in patients with cancer of the thoracic part of the esophagus (321) and proximal part of the stomach (383) were analysed. As a result of laparoscopy, unjustified surgery was withheld in 14.9 and 19.3% of cases, respectively. Tumor resectability in the laparoscopy negative group was 92.8 and 84.5% for cancer of the lower and mid-third of the esophagus, respectively, and 76.2% for cancer of the proximal part of the stomach. Laparoscopy yielded false-negative results in 1.9% of cases and failed to be instrumental in diagnosis-in 4.5%.