Esophageal carcinoma. Improved quality of survival with resection.

Twenty years ago the experience with carcinoma of the esophagus at Vanderbilt University and affiliated hospitals was reported in 263 patients. Overall 5-year survival was 2 per cent. Esophagectomy was possible in 89 patients (34%) and was associated with a 32 per cent mortality. This study updates the authors' experience with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in 311 patients seen from 1966 to 1985. Overall 5-year survival has increased to 6 per cent. Esophageal resection was accomplished in 104 patients (33%), with a 10 per cent operative mortality and 41 per cent complication rate. Multi-variant analysis disclosed that smoking, alcohol use, sex, race, and site of tumor did not influence survival. Actuarial survival rates following esophageal resection were 51 per cent at 1 year, 21 per cent at 2 years, and 13 per cent at 5 years. These survival rates were not influenced by adjuvant radiotherapy. Radiation therapy was used for attempted cure in 83 patients. Actuarial survival rates following curative doses of radiation were 29 per cent at 1 year, 15 per cent at 2 years, and 4 per cent at 5 years. These survival rates were significantly (P less than 0.001) lower than survival rates following esophagectomy. The quality of life following treatment was good or fair in 83 per cent of patients undergoing esophagectomy and good or fair in 64 per cent of patients receiving "curative" doses of radiation. The results of this review demonstrate that esophageal resection using the Lewis operation or transhiatal esophagectomy can be done with an acceptable operative mortality, results in prolonged survival, and improves the quality of life.