Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of surgery and stenting for operable and inoperable oesophageal cancer.
Material and methods: Retrospective patient materials with resection (n = 65, 1983-2002) or stenting (n = 59, 1994-2003) for primary oesophageal cancer.
Results: 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%.
Interpretation: 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.