RESUMO
Experience in 88 Garlock-type operations carried out in carcinoma of the esophagus allows a certain opinion to be formed on the advantages and shortcomings of this surgical intervention. In esophageal carcinoma with its proximal boundary within the range of the retropericardial segment of the esophagus, a left abdominothoracic approach (Garlock's operation) is adequate in resection of the esophagus in conformity with the oncological principles and allows the formation of the esophagogastric anastomosis at the level of the arch of the aorta without particular technical difficulties. Reduction of the time needed for the operation, determination of the resectability of the esophageal tumor before mobilization of the stomach are obvious advantages of the abdominothoracic approach.