Pulsion intubation for palliation of carcinoma of the oesophagus.

One hundred and eighty-one patients with carcinoma of the upper thoracic oesophagus were intubated perorally using a Procter-Livingstone tube. The mortality was 16-6 per cent but, in the patients who survived, the palliation achieved, as judged by improved swallowing, was considered satisfactory. Factors influencing the success of intubation are also considered.