Transthoracic Resection of Tumors of the Esophagus and Stomach

Left sided trans-thoracic esophagectomy for resectable esophageal and gastro-esophageal junction cancers: experience from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…However, there is no consensus regarding the "gold standard" surgical procedure. Literature tends to favour esophagectomy coupled with lymph node dissection (radical esophagectomy) as it may be associated with prolonged disease free survival than the standard esophagectomy (with limited lymph node dissection) (10,12,14). Although the Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy is advocated by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (10), the sweet's approach with limited lymphadenectomy remains a priority in China given the debate on the extent of lymphadenectomy necessary and, more importantly, concern about the Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy being associated with higher post-operative complications.…”

“…The Sweet approach was first described by Churchill and Sweet 14 . Collected evidence from many publications and our findings from this report indicate that it offers several advantages for tumors in the lower third of the esophagus.…”

“…In this line, several studies have shown a significant survival benefit for patients having undergone a 3-field lymph node dissection compared to 2-field [14][15][16][17][18][19] . However, these studies are non-randomized and, therefore, the optimal extent of LND still remains a matter of international debate.…”

Experiences with transthoracic œsophagectomy and gastrectomy

“…Total gastrectomy by the abdominal route is always liable to cause anxiety as to the soundness and lack of tension of the anastomosis even if the lower end of the esophagus is well mobilized. Transthoracic total gastrectomy, of which the biggest series of cases so far has been reported by Churchill and Sweet (1942, a), gives rise to no such fears. In fact, an operation for carcinoma of the fundus involving the oesophagus which is mechanically impossible from below, becomes a simple matter when approached from above.…”

Academician B.V. Petrovsky's contribution to esophageal surgery (by the 110th anniversary)

“…Однако начавшаяся Великая Отечественная война (ВОВ) надолго отвлекла внимание советских хирургов от исследований по данной проблеме, что вызвало отставание от западных коллег в разработке трансплевральных операций на пищеводе под эндотрахеальным наркозом. В конце 30-х -начале 40-х годов ХХ века больших успехов в этой области достигли американские хирурги E. Churchill, D. Garlock, R. Franklin, I. Lewis, R. Sweet [2][3][4].…”