Limited surgical resection and jejunal interposition for early adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus.

The need for radical resection and extensive lymphadenectomy for early adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus has recently been challenged. Limited surgical resection and endoscopic mucosal ablation techniques are increasingly proposed and used as less invasive alternatives. Available data indicate that a limited resection of the distal esophagus and esophagogastric junction with jejunal interposition is associated with less morbidity and mortality, provides similar oncologic results, and offers a better quality of life as compared with radical esophagectomy. In contrast, endoscopic ablation and mucosectomy techniques are still plagued by high tumor recurrence rates, particularly in patients with incomplete removal of the underlying Barrett's mucosa, multicentric tumors, or tumors invading into the submucosa. Attention to technical details of limited resection and jejunal interposition is, however, required to avoid complications, poor functional results, and the need for reintervention.