A uniform approach for esophagectomy with or without thoracotomy.
In patients with carcinoma of the esophagus, it is advisable to perform a total esophagectomy. We prefer a cervico-abdominal procedure and use the stomach to reconstruct the alimentary tract. Sometimes the operation needs to be extended with a right-sided thoracotomy. We have used this method of positioning and draping successfully in more than 70 patients in the last two years. This method enables us to perform a three stage operation if necessary without repositioning the patient and renewed preparation of the operative field.