[Indications and results of transdiaphragmatic stomach transposition (without thoracotomy) in advanced hypopharyngeal and esophageal cancer].

During the period between 1980 and 1985 the technique of pharyngo-oesophageal reconstruction with gastric pull up was used in 7 late-stage cases with carcinomas of the hypopharynx and cervical oesophagus. In one patient the colon was connected with the pharynx. Oral ingestion of food was achieved 3 weeks after operation in 7 patients. The blunt dissection method of the oesophagus allowed a radical resection of the tumor as well as a one-step reconstruction of the nutritional pathway. Palliative therapy is often achieved. The significance of the operation should be evaluated both from the viewpoint of the length of survival as well as of the palliative purpose desired.