Surgery and stenting for oesophageal cancer

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of surgery and stenting for operable and inoperable oesophageal cancer. Retrospective patient materials with resection (n = 65, 1983-2002) or stenting (n = 59, 1994-2003) for primary oesophageal cancer. Mortality after surgery was 11% and 15% of the patients were re-operated. 36 (55%) had complications such as respiratory failure (n = 33), anastomotic dehiscence/perforation (n = 4), chylothorax (n = 1), haemorrhage (n = 3), wound rupture (n = 1), septicaemia (n = 2), arrhythmia (n = 4) and wound infection (n = 5). Median survival after surgery was 11 months. Survival after three years was 17%, after five years 8%. The stent procedure was without mortality but haemorrhage (n = 1) and stent dislocation (n = 2) occurred. 8 patients (14%) were re-stented for tumour stenosis (n = 6), fistula (n = 2) and dislocation (n = 1). Median survival after stenting was 78 days. Survival after 30 days was 80%, after one year 7%. Resectable oesophageal cancer should be operated in fit patients, as survival is improved and some patients can be cured. Stenting is the main option in inoperable patients.