Choice of the method in the surgical treatment of cancer of the thoracic part of the esophagus

: The optimal approaches to the choice of the surgical treatment of carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus are discussed from analysis of 425 operations. Louis' operation providing for a convenient approach for a rather high resection of the esophagus with one-stage esophagogastric anastomosis is recommended in localization of the tumor in the inferior third of the esophagus. Garlock's operation is indicated only in low localization of the carcinoma (diaphragmatic and supradiaphragmatic segments). In carcinoma of the middle third of the esophagus Dobromyslov-Torek's operation is indicated only for elderly and debilitated patients; in the remaining cases a one-stage intervention (Louis' operation) is recommended. An original modification of esophagogastric anastomosis is suggested.