[Azygography in pre-operative investigation of cancer of the esophagus : a report on 24 cases (author's transl)].

The value of azygography for detecting extension of cancer of the middle third of the esophagus was assessed in 24 patients. The examination was conducted using the retrograde approach, and results were compared with those obtained by the esophagogram and on tracheobronchial fibroscopy. Compression of the azygos vein is a good indicator of the size of the tumor, which can also be evaluated from esophageal transit examinations. The vein can be invaded or even thrombosed due to severe regional spread but this does not mean that excision of the tumor is impossible. The results of azygography alone, therefore, are not a valid reason for contra-indicating esophagectomy. In case of doubt, tracheobronchial fibroscopy appears to be more suitable for deciding whether the tumor is operable, but azygography can assist in making this decision.