Total oesophagectomy in black patients with cancer of the oesophagus.

Total three-stage oesophagectomy was performed in 24 Black patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the middle third of the oesophagus. The operative mortality rate was 4,2%. The factors which are important in the reduction of operative mortality and morbidity are discussed. Long-term results are not available for this series, but the early results of the operation were encouraging. All the patients who survived could subsequently eat a normal diet and most of those who were employed at the time of their illness were able to return to work.