Introduction
In recent years there has been a trend toward the use of radiation therapy in the treatment of patients with carcinoma of the esophagus. Results reported have been disappointing. However, improved surgical results are now being reported from definitive operative procedures as developed by Sweet,1 Postlewaite,2 Garlock,3 and others, and also from palliative procedures reported by Weisel,4 Sachs,5 and Scanlon.6 This study was undertaken to summarize our experience with carcinoma of the esophagus over the past decade. It is hoped that this information will be helpful in evaluating subsequent results from the use of the newer operative and palliative procedures.Case records of consecutive admissions of patients with carcinoma of the esophagus to University Hospital from July, 1948, to July, 1958, have been reviewed. A total of 85 patients with carcinoma of the esophagus were treated in University Hospital on an inpatient basis