[Combined treatment of cancer of the middle third of the esophagus].

The results of combined treatment of carcinoma of the mid-third of the esophagus are discussed. Optimal radiation dose appeared to be 30-40 Gy. Surgery should be performed not later than three weeks after termination of radiation treatment. Preoperative irradiation may be followed by pulmonary complications. Due to application of combined treatment of esophageal cancer, percentage of operable cases is increased. However, no effect on 5-year survival was registered.