[Esophagoplasty with bypass using an isoperistaltic gastric tube in the treatment of cancer of the thoracic esophagus: study of 13 cases].

: In order to relieve complete obstruction of the thoracic esophagus due to spinocellular carcinoma, thirteen patients, all of them in good or at least regular general conditions were submitted to a bypass using a isoperistaltic gastric tube. The disease itself was treated by radiotherapy after surgery. Only one patient died at the hospital due to an error in the radiotherapy schedule. Cervical fistula was observed in six patients seven days after surgery; local treatment was enough for complete healing in five out of six. In one patient surgery was performed in order to repair the anastomotic area. Stenosis was observed in three patients but in all cases it was possible to overcome it by endoscopy. With the progress of the disease other complications were observed such as hemoptysis and respiratory distress. The survival rate was nine months (running between five and sixteen) but it should be noted that swallow capacity was maintained until death. The employed of a bypass of isoperistaltic gastric tube seems to be a desirable alternative in the treatment of esophageal cancer because it allows the reestablishment of deglutition before any treatment such as radiotherapy alone or combined with surgery.