Stomach as a conduit for esophagus--a study of 105 cases.

BACKGROUND: The stomach is a well known esophageal substitute. To analyze the mortality and morbidity following total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy (TLPE) with pharyngogastric anastamosis done as a single-stage procedure. METHODS: The technique employed was esophageal extraction by stripping method followed by gastric pull up. In 104 patients transportation of the stomach was done through posterior mediastinum and in one patient through presternal route. RESULTS: Significant post-operative complications included pharyngocutaneous fistula in 15 patients (14.3%) and pneumonitis in 20 patients (19%), Fifteen patients (14.3%) died due to the causes related to surgery. All patients who survived were able to swallow solid and liquid food, on an average of 14 days post-operatively. CONCLUSION: The stomach as a conduit following TLPE is a procedure which has given satisfying results when done in carefully selected patients.