The Split-Sternum Approach to Carcinoma of the Superior Mediastinal Esophagus

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A review of the split-sternum approach to carcinoma in the superior mediastinal esophagus has been undertaken. During the 6-year period between July 1982 and September 1988, 14 patients had an esophagectomy performed using the split-sternum approach. Twelve of these patients had disease which had invaded adjacent structures at the time of presentation. Following a near-total esophagectomy, continuity was established by anastomosing the stomach to cricopharyngeus. There were 3 postoperative deaths; 1 each from mediastinitis, bronchopeumonia with multiple organ failure, and aspiration pneumonia. The mean survival of the group was 7 months. One patient is alive and well 18 months after surgery. One patient developed anastomotic recurrence. Ten of those discharged from hospital were able to eat a solid or semi-solid diet. Although carrying a significant mortality, this operative approach offers an effective means of palliation in patients with tumors at a site which is relatively inaccessible by surgery.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: