[Cancer of the cardia: value of total gastrectomy with partial esophagectomy by laparotomy-right thoracotomy approach].

INTRODUCTION

Surgical resection of cardial and subcardial cancers is often associated with pathological involvement of esophageal section margin, resulting in early anastomotic recurrences. Total gastrectomy associated with partial esophagectomy through combined abdominal and right thoracic approach allows esophageal section under azygos vein.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We studied, in 17 patients operated on using this procedure, post-operative morbidity, mortality and anastomotic relapse.

RESULTS

No post-operative death, fistula or anastomotic relapse have been observed. Two patients exhibited benign infectious post-operative complication.

CONCLUSION

Total gastrectomy with partial esophagectomy through combined abdominal and right thoracic approach seems therefore to be considered as a good alternative in the surgical management of cardial and subcardial carcinomas.