Clinical studies on the transabdominal resection of esophagocardial cancer and cervical anastomosis with jejunal segment bypass obviating thoracotomy.

Transabdominal resection of esophagocardial cancer and reestablishment of alimentary continuity using a bypass method have been performed in 64 patients. Twelve underwent a bypass with a gastric tube and in 30, a colonic segment was prepared. In the remaining 22, a jejunal segment was used as the bypass organ. Leakage of cervical anastomosis occurred in 4 (18 per cent) but all were limited to minor leakage and oral ingestion was resumed within 10 days after operation. In one, necrosis of the jejunal segment occurred. The history of jejunoesophagoplasty was reviewed and the usefulness of jejunal segment as a substitute of an esophagus was emphasized.