Late results of esophageal and cardial resection for cancer during the past 15 years

: Out of 196 patients--that we performed recestion on for cancerous esophagus and cardia, 30 are still alive by June 1977. 18,7% patients lived more than 5 years, and today 15 patients have been alive for more than 5 years. The majority of operated patients died due to advanced cancerous illness and metastasis, and less than half in number due to local recidive. By for largest percentage of them had soon after operation started to live normal lives, had no problems with taking in food, had improved physically and psychologically and started their jobs anew. All but one of alive patients are mobile, four of them partially. Two thirds do same or lighter jobs, eat normally and are in good condition. The most frequent problems are pain which are mostly temporary, and pyrosis due to reflux. We can conclude that the quality of life of operated patients is in major cases good, and cure by operation the only way for permanent recovery or fast and best method to palliate patients troubles.