Cervical gastrostomy in the surgical treatment of oesophageal cancer by reconstruction with the stomach.

A technique of cervical gastrostomy is described. Cervical gastrostomy as an alternative to the use of an indwelling nasogastric tube after cervical oesophagogastrostomy after resection for cancer has been used in six patients and appears to have certain advantages in terms of effective gastric decompression, avoiding discomfort to the patient, and simplification of postoperative nursing. It may play a significant role in reducing postoperative mortality from aspiration pneumonitis and other pulmonary complications.