Transhiatal esophagectomy.

THE is a versatile procedure that has become indicated for a variety of disease processes over the past two decades; amongst these indications are to treat many benign and malignant esophageal diseases, as well as for use in restoring gastrointestinal continuity after extensive pharyngeal or laryngopharyngeal resections. Careful and meticulous handling, formation, and transposition of the gastric tube are essential to the development of a well-perfused neo-esophagus. Present studies indicate acceptable morbidity and mortality of THE compared with transthoracic resections for carcinoma of the esophagus. There appears to be no significant detriment in overall long-term survival when THE is used as primary resection therapy for malignant esophageal disease.