We estimated the results of radical esophagectomy with 2-field lymphadenectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer followed by reconstruction using the stomach in 162 cases. These were divided into 3 groups according to age : Group A (91 cases), under 65 years ; B (51 cases), over 65 but under than 75 ; and C (20 cases), over 75. There was no difference in the stage or location of tumors across the age groups. Preoperative VC, FEV, PaO2, ChE, Hb and renal function were lower in Groups B and C than in Group A. Moreover, in Groups B and C, the rate of patients with other preoperative diseases, especially circulatory diseases, was higher than in Group A (p < 0.01). There was no difference in the rate of postoperative complications across age groups. Although there was no significant difference between groups on overall survival curves (by the Kaplan-Meier method) after surgery, the curve of Group C was lower than those of the other groups. The 5-year survival rates for Group A, Group B and Group C were 57%, 61%, and 44%, respectively. The rates of death due to esophageal carcinoma in Groups A, B, and C were 80%, 59% and 55%, respectively (NS). The rate of death due to other factors including postoperative complications was higher in Groups B and C than in Group A (NS). Surgery for aged patients with esophageal cancer is relatively safe, but it should be performed with minimally invasive methods.
