Dysphagia After Esophageal Replacement and Its Treatment.

Dysphagia occurs temporarily or permanently following esophageal replacement in at least half of the cases. Swallowing disorder, in addition to severe decline in the quality of life, can lead to a deterioration of the general condition, which may lead to death if left untreated. For this reason, their early detection and treatment are a matter of importance. Between 1993 and 2012, 540 esophageal resections were performed due to malignant tumors at the Department of Surgery, Medical Center of the University of Pécs. Stomach was used for replacement in 445 cases, colon in 38 cases, and jejunum in 57 cases. The anastomosis with a stomach replacement was located to the neck in 275 cases and to the thorax in 170 cases. The colon was pulled up to the neck in each case. There were 29 cases of free jejunal replacements located to the neck and 28 cases with a Roux loop reconstruction located to the thorax. Based on the literature data and own experience, the following were found to be the causes of dysphagia in the order of frequency: anastomotic stenosis, conduit obstruction, peptic and ischemic stricture, foreign body, local recurrence, functional causes, new malignant tumor in the esophageal remnant, and malignant tumor in the organ used for replacement. Causes may overlap each other, and their treatment may be conservative or surgical. The causes of many dysphagic complications might be prevented by improving the anastomosis technique, by better preservation the blood supply of the substitute organ, by consistently applying a functional approach, and by regular follow-up.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Might Induce Certain-Supposedly Adaptive-Changes in the Esophagus: A Hypothesis.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of GERD has become a major concern due to its major health and economic impacts. Beyond the typical unpleasant symptoms, reflux can also be the source of severe, potentially life-threatening complications, such as aspiration. AIM: Our aim was to support our hypothesis that the human body may in some cases develop various protective mechanisms to prevent these conditions. METHODS: Based on our experiences and review of the literature, we investigated the potential adaptive nature of seven reflux complications (hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter, achalasia, hypertensive upper esophageal sphincter, Zenker's diverticulum, Schatzki's ring, esophageal web, and Barrett's esophagus). RESULTS: Patients with progressive GERD may develop diverse structural and functional esophageal changes that narrow the lumen of the esophagus and therefore reduce the risk of regurgitation and protect the upper aerodigestive tract from aspiration. The functional changes (hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter, achalasia, hypertensive upper esophageal sphincter) seem to be adaptive reactions aimed at easing the unpleasant symptoms and reducing acid regurgitation. The structural changes (Schatzki's ring, esophageal web) result in very similar outcomes, but we consider these are rather secondary consequences and not real adaptive mechanisms. Barrett's esophagus is a special form of adaptive protection. In these cases, patients report significant relief of their previous heartburn as Barrett's esophagus develops because of the replacement of the normal squamous epithelium of the esophagus by acid-resistant metaplastic epithelium. CONCLUSION: We believe that GERD may induce different self-protective reactions in the esophagus that result in reduced acid regurgitation or decreased reflux symptoms.

[Effectivity of the Nissen fundoplication and the influencing factors of the success. Results at the Medical Centre of Pécs depending on the indications and symptoms]. / A Nissen-féle fundoplicatio sikeressége és az azt befolyásoló faktorok. Eredmények a Pécsi Tudományegyetemen az indikációk és tünetek függvényében.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases in developed countries. Besides the conservative modalities, surgery plays an increasing role in the treatment of the disease. AIM: Our aim was to investigate and compare the surgical and 6-month follow-up data of patients to the literature (quality control), who underwent Nissen fundoplication in the Medical Centre of Pécs between 2007 and 2014, and to assess the factors (especially psychiatric comorbidity and antidepressants) influencing the success. METHOD: In summary, data of 183 fundoplications of 166 patients were collected from the medical database of the University of Pécs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: For data analysis, descriptive statistical methods (relative frequency) and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used. RESULTS: The most frequent indication of fundoplications was hiatal hernia combined with the failure of conservative (proton-pump inhibitor, PPI) treatment (54%). Reoperation rate (8%) was similar to literature data (5-10%). 62% of the patients had postoperative complaints, which, except bloating, were more common among women. 93.67% experienced certain grade of improvement of reflux symptoms. Postoperative PPI treatment was necessary in 37% of patients and in 9% postoperative interventions had to be performed. Female gender and psychiatric comorbidity worsened, antidepressant medication improved the success rate. The results of reoperations were inferior compared to primary operations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the success rate of fundoplications in our centre fits to the literature data and adequate antidepressant medication may improve the worse results of psychiatric patients postoperatively, however, more randomized clinical studies are needed in this issue. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(25): 1013-1023.

[Rare bile duct anatomy variant - Right bile duct intraparenchymal junction into the left bile duct]. / Az epeutak ritka anatómiai variánsa − A jobb ductus hepaticus intraparenchymalis csatlakozása a bal oldali ductus hepaticusba.

The authors present a case of a 67-year-old male patient, who previously had been diagnosed with a malignant liver tumor localized in segment II. He underwent bisegmentectomy (II and III) and partial IV segmentectomy. After the primary surgery jaundice developed, the level of bilirubin increased and after several imaging modalities reoperation was indicated. During the surgery a rare bile duct anatomy variant was found. The right hepatic duct joined the left duct in the parenchyma of the left lobe, and was ligated at the resection. As the liver hilum was not explored, the absence of the right duct was not discovered. Reconstruction of the biliary system was accomplished by a Roux-en-Y loop.

[Esophageal complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease: consequences or defensive reactions?] / A gastrooesophagealis refluxbetegség nyelocsoszövodményei: következmények vagy védekezoreakciók?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease affects more than 10% of the adult population. Most patients can be effectively treated with lifestyle changes and adequate acid-reducing therapy. However, about 10% of the patients remain symptomatic despite treatment and severe complications may develop. Interestingly, some of these complications seem to be a sort of defensive mechanism that may either alleviate the patient's symptoms or prevent developing further complications. In Barrett's esophagus, which can be unambigously considered as a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease, reflux symptoms ruining the quality of life may significantly improve, since the metaplastic Barrett epithelium is much more resistent to gastric acid, than the normal epithelial lining of the esophagus. Furthermore, the motility disorders (hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter, achalasia, cricopharyngeal achalasia) and structural changes (Schatzki's ring, esophageal stricture, subglottic trachea stenosis), which develop as a complication of reflux may help to prevent aspiration that can cause new complaints and may lead to further complications. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(20): 763-769.

[Complications and reoperations following laparoscopic antireflux surgery]. / Szövodmények és reoperációk laparoszkópos antirefluxmutétek után.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is an effective treatment for patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease, when it is refractory to conservative management. In experienced centers the procedure is safe, although complications may develop either during surgery or in the early or late postoperative period, which may necessitate revisional surgery. Between 1998 and 2015 a total of 407 patients underwent laparoscopic antireflux surgery at the Department of Surgery, University of Pécs. This interval was divided into two periods. In the first one, between 1998 and 2006, we operated on 241 patients who were all enrolled in a prospective study. All the diagnostic examinations were carried out at our institution. In the second period 166 patients were treated with minimal invasive surgery and the data were analyzed retrospectively. The 407 patients comprised 161 men and 246 women with a median age of 53,1 years. Hiatoplasty was reinforced with teres ligament in 27 cases, a prosthetic mesh was used in 28 cases and fascia lata in a four cases, when hiatal closures were not considered reliable. In 16 cases (4%) the operation was converted to open procedure, and our mortality rate was 0,5%. Revisional surgery was performed laparoscopically in 39 patients, and thoraco-laparotomy was done in six cases (12%). 5 additional reoperations were performed in patients, who had their primary antireflux surgery in another institution. Our 4% conversion, 12% reoperation and 0,5% mortality rates correspond to the figures published in the literature. In conclusion, this study confirms that laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a safe procedure with very good clinical outcomes. Late complications, such as recurrent reflux disease and reherniation, as well as revisional surgery occured almost exclusively after surgical treatment of the large hiatal hernias.

[Stereotactic radiosurgery of abdominal cancer metastases. Report on the first successful extracranial radiosurgical intervention in Hungary]. / Hasüregi daganatáttétek stereotaxiás sugárkezelése egy ülésben. Beszámoló az elso hazai, koponyán kívüli sugársebészeti beavatkozásról.

Due to the development and increasing effectiveness of novel cancer therapies, the role of local treatments in metastatic diseases have been increasing in the last decades. The aim of the authors was to present the first successful extracranial stereotactic radiosurgical intervention in Hungary. A 58-year-old male patient with gastric adenocarcinoma underwent surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Later, surgical removal of suprarenal gland metastases and first line chemotherapy were carried out. Four years after the first surgery a follow up computed tomographic scan revealed bifocal peritoneal metastases caudally from the edge of the liver and the left kidney with diameters of 2 cm in size. Definitive stereotactic body radiosurgery of 12 Gy single dose was performed using cone beam computed tomography image guidance and intensity modulated arc therapy with two pairs of arcs. The total duration of the procedure was only 25 min and early or late side effects were not observed. Follow up computed tomography scans performed 3 and 7 months after the intervention showed complete regression of the metastases. The authors conclude that stereotactic body radiosurgery can be a safe and effective alternative of metastasis surgery in case of slow growing oligo-metastases.

Laparoszkópos hiatushernia-rekonstrukciót követo intraoesophagealis hálómigráció.

CASE PRESENTATION: The authors report the case of a 68-year-old patient who presented with dysphagia 4 months after a mesh-reinforced antireflux surgery. Examinations revealed partial penetration of the mesh into the esophagus. During an expedited surgery, the mesh was removed through thoraco-laparotomy. Distal esophagus and proximal gastric resections were carried out due to longitudinal perforation site and esophageal stricture, and the continuity of the alimentary tract was restored with jejunal interposition. At the 3-month follow-up visit the patient was asymptomatic and a swallow examination showed normal conditions after the surgery. DISCUSSION: Several studies have shown that primary closure of large hiatal hernias is associated with high recurrence rate. In order to reduce this ratio, mesh reinforcement of the crural repair was introduced to prevent reherniation. Therefore, the incidence of recurrence has indeed decreased, however, mesh-related complications have increased. Because of the special anatomical site, the mesh around the gastroesophageal junction is in continuous movement and this can potentially lead to complications such as esophageal erosion, perforation or extensive fibrosis and stenosis. These complications may cause severe, even life-threatening conditions that could only be treated with difficult surgeries. Based on the experience of our case and the review of the literature, we would like to highlight one of the potential, serious complications of mesh-reinforced hiatal repair.

[Outcomes following rectal and recto-sigmoid cancer resections: comparison of the laparoscopic and open techniques]. / Rectum- és rectosigmoidealis tumorresectiók eredményei: a laparoscopos és nyitott technika összehasonlítása.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgical technique and experience are considered as significant determinants of the successful treatment of recto-sigmoid malignancies. METHODS: Two hundred patients operated on between 2005 and 2009 were prospectively followed with an average of 39.8 months. Patients with rectosigmoid or rectal cancer were included, either with primary resection or resection after neoadjuvant therapy. The primary aim was to assess the average survival in the two groups; secondary outcomes were stage specific survival and the incidence of loco-regional recurrence and distant metastases. Intra- and postoperative complications, operating time, onco-pathological specimen quality and length of stay were also analysed. RESULTS: During the follow-up comparable rates for 3-year survival and recurrence rates were found without statistical difference. Hospital stay in the laparoscopic group was significantly shorter and the mid-term survival rates were also better in the more advanced stages. Incisional hernia rate was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of laparoscopic rectal and recto-sigmoid resections were not inferior, and - in some aspects - they were even better compared to open procedures. Adding the properties of the minimally invasive technique (shorter recovery, reduced surgical stress reaction) this should be the preferred method of operative approach.

Rupture of pseudoaneurysm into hepaticojejunal anastomosis: report of three cases.

Bleeding complications are less common after major pancreatic resections. They are more often associated with pancreatic fistula. The authors present three cases of a unique situation, when pseudoaneurysm of the common hepatic artery ruptured into the hepaticojejunal anastomosis, causing massive upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The basic operations were pancreatic resections for malignancy. In two out of the three cases intra-abdominal infection developed postoperatively. Computer tomographic angiography was a useful tool to reveal the source of bleeding. A re-do surgery was carried out whereby bleeding control was achieved with haemostatic sutures and the biliodigestive anastomoses were also repaired. Re-bleeding did not occur postoperatively and the liver function remained normal. The authors emphasize that in case of severe gastrointestinal bleeding after pancreatic resection, this rare entity ought to be taken into account in the differential diagnosis.

Ganglioneuroma in the papilla of Vater with neurofibromatosis type 1: report of a case.

Ganglioneuromas (GNs) are rare benign tumors and their association with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is especially uncommon. We report in this article the case of a young woman, subjected to diagnostic work-up because of abdominal pain. Endoscopy and histology revealed not only a GN in the papilla of Vater, but also NF-1. Because of the size and macroscopic features of the lesion, we performed pancreatoduodenectomy, from which she recovered uneventfully. Histological examination of the resected tumor confirmed a diagnosis of GN.

Changes in Oncological Surgical Principles Driven by Advances in Preoperative Treatments.

From a surgical point of view, the development of preoperative oncological treatment has had a profound effect on the surgical treatment trends of cancer as well as on the outcomes of cancer patients. Consequently, these changes have challenged formerly entrenched oncological surgical principles. In our short report, we aimed to summarize the main shifts regarding the surgical principles of cancer treatment due to the development of preoperative oncological therapy in recent years. As a result of successful preoperative treatment, surgeons may perform less radical surgeries, the required free resection margin has been narrowed down to a few millimeters in dimension and preoperative treatment is justified in both definitely resectable tumors and in oligometastatic tumors as well. For prognosis assessment, the post-preoperative oncological treatment stage is now considered decisive, rather than the pretreatment stage as previously thought. Other changes include the introduction of the watch and wait strategy and the reverse order of treatment of the primary tumor and metastasis. Observing the continuously improving outcomes of cancer patients and the developments in oncological treatment modalities, a further expansion of the indication of preoperative treatments is to be expected.

[Complications of esophageal reconstruction]. / A nyelocsopótlás szövodményei.

Esophageal cancer is the most common cause of esophageal resections. Esophageal replacement is still a significant challenge for surgeons, because complications can be expected in over 50% and death also occurs between 4-7%. Complications can be divided into early and late categories and into general and specific complications. From a surgical point of view, early and late specific complications are the most important aspects. Between 1993 and 2012, 540 esophageal resections were performed due to malignant tumors at the Department of Surgery, Medical Center of the University of Pécs. Stomach was used for replacement in 445 cases, colon in 38 cases, and jejunum in 57 cases. The anastomosis with stomach replacement was located to the neck in 275 cases and to the thorax in 170 cases. The colon was pulled up to the neck in each case. There were 29 cases of free jejunal replacements located to the neck, and 28 cases with a Roux-loop reconstruction located to the thorax. In the case of gastric replacement, anastomotic insufficiency developed in 55 cases, graft necrosis occurred in 8 cases, and early anastomosis stricture developed in 30 cases. These numbers are 3 conduit necrosis and 2 strictures in cases of colonic replacements. There was one anastomosis failure in the case of a thoracic jejunum replacement. Also one conduit necrosis was observed in the free jejunal neck transplantation group. Among late special complications, dysphagia is the most important, the causes of which were found in the order of frequency: anastomotic stricture, conduit obstruction, peptic and ischemic stricture, foreign body, local recurrence, functional causes, new malignant tumor in the esophageal remnant after resection and malignant tumor emerging in the replaced organ. Causes may overlap each other, and their treatment may be conservative, endoscopic or surgical. Surgical treatment is usually the last option to restore the ability to swallow and can present a significant challenge even to experienced centers. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(7): 243-252.

Krónikus pancreatitis miatt végzett pancreasfej-resectiós mutéteink elemzése.

Introduction: In case of chronic pancreatitis with inflammatory enlargement of the pancreatic head, several operations exist for the treatment, such as the Beger-, Frey-, Whipple-procedures and the Berne modification. A comparison of the results of these procedures is presented in this study. In addition to this, innovations in pancreatojejunal and biliodigestive anastomosis are also described. Material and Methods: 231 pancreatic head resections were carried out between 1991 and 2021. The data were retrospectively evaluated. Late results were also examined using questionnaires. Results: The Berne modification and the Frey-procedure were more advantageous, than the Whipple- and the Beger-operation in terms of operating time, need for transfusion (P < 0,001), while regarding, the postoperative intensive care unit and total hospital stay both procedures were more favourable, than the Whipple one (P < 0,001). The early morbidity rate was the highest after the Whipple-procedure (P = 0,004). These differences were statistically significant. The reoperation and mortality rates were comparable between the groups. The quality of life of the patients was acceptable, nevertheless in the majority of the cases the alcohol and nicotine abuse was not stopped. Conclusion: The Frey-operation and the Berne modification were the most advantageous, regarding the early postoperative outcomes. However the latter one is preferable, due to its simplicity. During these procedures a single layer continuous suture technique was used for the pancreatojejunal anastomosis, and an extrapancreatic biliodigestive anastomosis is recommended for the solution of cholestasis. due to the superior results.

[Reconstruction of the esophagus with plastic surgery techniques]. / Plasztikai sebészeti módszerek alkalmazása a nyelocso helyreállításában.

INTRODUCTION: Various plastic surgery techniques were applied for oesophageal reconstruction in complicated cases. Myocutaneous flaps that are suitable to cover soft tissue defects of the neck may also be transferred and used for partial defects of the cervical oesophagus or securing a vulnerable suture line. Application of microsurgical techniques may also be useful in certain situations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was used in 5 cases in our department between 1998 and 2012. Microsurgical techniques were used in 38 cases of esophageal reconstruction, which were 34 free jejunal grafts and 4 supercharged colon grafts. RESULTS: 23 patients underwent primary reconstruction after pharyngolaryngectomy, while 15 patients had secondary reconstruction after failed previous operations or recurrence. When more experienced was gained free jejunal grafts were used for the cervical as well as thoracic oesophagus. Three grafts were lost, two of them were due to anastomotic thrombosis and one was due to severe MRSA wound infection. CONCLUSION: Complicated cases of oesophagus reconstructions may be successfully treated by the cooperation of oesophagus and plastic surgeons, which may result in an acceptable complication rate.

[Experiences with central pancreatectomy]. / Centrális pancreatectomiával szerzett tapasztalataink.

INTRODUCTION: The authors report their experience with central pancreatectomy and also summarize relevant literature data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Central pancreatectomies were performed in 7 patients for benign or low-grade malignant pancreatic neoplasms, or pancreatic rupture in one patient. Most frequently applied anastomosis was between the distal part of the pancreas and a Roux-en-Y limb, while the proximal cut surface was closed with sutures, and the suture line was covered with a limb. RESULTS: There were three complications (37%), but reoperation didn't need to be performed and none of the patients died. We did not detect any deterioration in the exocrine or endocrine function during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Central pancreatectomy is a safe procedure with excellent functional results, if both the indication and the applied technique are chosen appropriately.

[Minimally invasive technique as the gold standard of adrenal surgery]. / A minimálisan invazív technika mint a mellékvese-sebészet "gold standardja"

INTRODUCTION: Minimal invasive surgery of the adrenal gland is a "gold standard" procedure worldwide. Authors compare operative data to a historical control group retrospectively analyzing an almost 15 years period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2011, 175 transabdominal laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed with the lateral approach. On the left side, a new "suprasplenic" approach was introduced with the superior mobilization of the spleen, and transection of the short gastric vessels. For larger lesions (above 7 cm) hand assisted laparoscopic method was applied. RESULTS: Average operative time of laparoscopic surgery was 77 minutes, compared to 115 minutes of open surgery. The average size of the tumor was 3.1 cm in the laparoscopic, and 4.9 cm in the open group. The largest tumors were similar in both groups, however the rate of smaller sized lesions was higher in the laparoscopic one. Conversion was required in 15 cases (8.6%) mostly due to bleeding. Complication rate was 10.8% in the laparoscopic and 24.6% in the conventional group. Hospital stay was significantly shorter with the laparoscopic technique (4.5 vs. 8.1 days). Among laparoscopic cases unexpected primary malignancy was reported in 3 cases (1.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic technique is the procedure of choice in case of benign adrenal tumors, which offer many advantages. Most metastasis localized to the adrenals can also be removed laparoscopically with expertise and self-restraint, without oncologic compromise. To assure the quality of pre- and postoperative care, cooperation with an endocrinologist is indispensable.

[Our efforts to decrease surgical complications following pancreatic resections]. / Törekvéseink a pancreasresectiókat követo sebészi szövodmények csökkentésére.

INTRODUCTION: The most frequent surgical complications following pancreatic resections are pancreatic fistula and delayed gastric emptying. The aim of the authors was to analyse these complications in their own practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical data of 287 patients were reviewed, who were radically operated on for malignant pancreatic or periampullary tumours during 14 years period. The most common neoplasm was pancreatic adenocarcinoma, located in the head of the pancreas. Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was most frequently performed. In the early period pancreatogastrostomy and double-layer pancreatojejunostomy were preferred during the reconstruction, as well as retrocolic duodeno-, and gastrojejunostomy, respectively. Later the authors turned to the single-layer implantation pancreatojejunostomy and to the antecolic reconstruction, the latter was completed with Braun anastomosis. RESULTS: In the postoperative course complications occurred in 39%, reoperation was done in 5.6%, and the early mortality rate was 3.8%. The rate of pancreatic fistula decreased to 5.9% following single-layer pancreatojejunostomy, and the difference was significant compared to the 17.6% rate after pancreatogastrostomy. Due to the antecolic reconstruction the frequency of delayed gastric emptying has reduced from 10.2% to 2.1%, which is a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of changes in the surgical techniques during the 14 years period, the frequency of pancreatic fistula and delayed gastic emptying has dramatically decreased, which underlines the need of continuous progress in surgical methods.

[Functional proctology at the University of Pécs]. / Funkcionális proktológia a Pécsi Tudományegyetemen.

INTRODUCTION: Functional proctological investigations have been introduced at Pécs University of Sciences 15 years ago. The Pelvic Floor Multidisciplinary Team has been re-launched after many years of pause in 2010. Experience of the team in the treatment of faecal incontinence and obstructed defecation syndrome is discussed. PATIENTS: In the past 3 years 9 patients underwent sphincter reconstruction for faecal incontinence. The Pelvic Floor Team in the past 1.5 year consulted 31 patients with constipation, who were considered by the referee for surgical intervention. Following investigations 10 patients underwent surgery, the rest of them were treated conservatively. Seven patients underwent perineal reconstruction with mesh, three patients had ventral rectopexy with additional levatoro-pexy. RESULTS: 78% of patients operated on for faecal incontinence reported full continence, 88% improvement. We invented a new symptom score with a maximum of 20 points to evaluate results of treatment of patients with Obstructed Defecation Syndrome. Patients who underwent perineal repair were interviewed pre and postoperatively. They scored 14 ± 2.83 and 5.4 ± 4.62 points, respectively (p = 0.0075). CONCLUSION: Functional proctological patients require a specialist approach from history taking through investigation to treatment. Majority of patients benefit from conservative treatment. Adequate patient selection is essential for successful surgical treatment. Symptom scores applied pre and postoperatively facilitate proper patient selection for various surgical methods.

[The role of neoadjuvant therapy in the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the cervical oesophagus]. / A neoadjuváns kezelés szerepe a nyaki szakaszon elhelyezkedo elorehaladott nyelocsolaphámrákok sebészi kezelésében.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical oesophagus represents a critical location for squamous cell carcinoma, which usually requires extensive surgery (pharyngo-laryngo-oesophagectomy). In the last decade, neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy was reported to be beneficial in the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell oesophageal cancer. METHODS: Between November 1997 and January 2012, 55 patients with locally advanced (T3-4) squamous cell oesophageal cancer received preoperative chemo-radiotherapy, where the tumour was localized in the upper third. Patients received preoperative irradiation of 3960 cGy in 180 cGy fractions and simultaneously Cisplatin and 5-FU chemotherapy. Restaging was carried out after four weeks and patients considered operable were underwent surgery. RESULTS: In patients with cervical oesophageal cancer 35 of 55 (64%) underwent oesophageal resection or pharyngo-laryngectomy. In 16 out of 35 resected specimens (46%) complete histopathological remission (pCR) was observed. Perioperative mortality and anastomotic leaks were the same: 5/35 (14%). R0 resection rate was 82% and the 2- and 5 years survival rates were 41% and 18%. In 19 cases a larynx preserving pharyngo-oesophagectomy was performed and a free jejunal graft was used for reconstruction after a pharyngo-laryngectomy in 11 cases. CONCLUSION: The high rate of pCR (46%) confirmed that upper third oesophageal cancer has superior sensitivity to multimodal treatment. In 30 cases neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy was able to achieve tumour regression and render pharyngo-laryngo-oesophagectomy unnecessary.