CT assessment of operability in carcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction.

25 patients with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction were evaluated preoperatively with thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT). Despite limitations mainly in differentiating intramural from early extramural tumour growth and in predicting peritoneal carcinomatosis, CT was useful in determining local and distant spread of the malignancy and in assessing surgical resectability. CT may identify candidates for palliative procedures such as oesophageal intubation, radiation therapy or chemotherapy by demonstrating inoperability thus avoiding unnecessary surgery. CT should be performed routinely in all patients with carcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction.