Background: Oesophageal cancer is a serious condition with low long-term survival. The objective of this study was to define procedural safety and survival following tumour resection.
Material and methods: All 46 patients (41 men) operated for oesophageal cancer at the National Hospital, Oslo, Norway between 1987 and 1994 were reviewed. Median age was 61 years. 23 patients had squamous epithelial carcinoma and 20 had adenocarcinoma. Right-sided thoracotomy combined with laparotomy was performed in 38 patients (83%).
Results: Serious complications occurred in 17 patients (37%). Seven patients developed postoperative anastomotic leakage. Eight patients were reoperated due to complications. Perioperative mortality was 13%. Surveillance time at the intensive care unit was median eight days; nine patients stayed at the intensive care unit for more than 20 days. Three and five year survival for patients with adenocarcinoma were 30% and 20% respectively, and for patients with squamous cell carcinoma 18% and 14%.
Interpretation: Surgical treatment of oesophageal cancer has high morbidity and mortality. Long-term survival is achieved in only few patients.