Individualized surgical strategies for cancer of the esophagogastric junction

Due to their borderline location between the stomach and esophagus the optimal surgical strategy for patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction is controversial. Irrespective of the surgical approach a complete removal of the primary tumor and its lymphatic drainage has to be the primary goal of surgical treatment of such tumors. Based on the experience with surgical resection of more than 1000 patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction we recommend an individualized surgical strategy guided by tumor stage and topographic location of the tumor center or tumor mass. This requires detailed preoperative staging and classification of tumors arising in the vicinity of the esophagogastric junction into adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus (AEG Type I Tumors), true carcinoma of the gastric cardia (AEG Type II Tumors) and subcardial gastric carcinoma infiltrating the esophagogastric junction (AEG Type III Tumors). In patients with Type I Tumors transthoracic esophagectomy offers no survival benefit over radical transmediastinal esophagectomy, but is associated with higher morbidity. In patients with Type II or Type III tumors an extended total gastrectomy results in equal or superior survival and less postoperative mortality than a more extended esophagogastrectomy. In patients with early tumors, staged as uT1 on preoperative endosonography, a limited resection of the proximal stomach, cardia and distal esophagus with interposition of a pedicled isoperistaltic jejunal segment allows a complete tumor removal with adequate lymphadenectomy and offers excellent functional results. Multimodal treatment protocols with neoadjuvant chemotherapy or combined radiochemotherapy followed by surgical resection appear to markedly improve the prognosis in patients with locally advanced tumors who respond to preoperative treatment. With this tailored approach extensive preoperative staging becomes mandatory for an adequate selection of the appropriate therapeutic concept.     

Total gastrectomy in the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the cardia. Review of the results in 73 resected patients

Between January 1, 1971, and December 31, 1978, 73 patients with adenocarcinoma of the cardia were treated by total gastrectomy with distal esophagectomy. The continuity of the alimentary tract was restored by esophagojejunostomy using a Roux-Y procedure in 32 patients and jejunal loop interposition in 41 patients. The early postoperative mortality rate was 18 percent. The overall 5 year survival rate was 26.7 percent, and the 5 year survival rate for stage I and II disease was 91.6 percent and 25 percent, respectively, whereas none of the stage III and IV patients survived more than 4 years. Fifty-eight percent of the patients without nodal involvement lived more than 5 years. The 5 year survival rate was only 9.3 percent in the presence of nodal metastases. Our 5 year survival rates suggest the value of elective total gastrectomy for stage I or II adenocarcinoma of the cardia. Jejunal loop interposition is a time-consuming but functionally superior procedure in comparison to other reconstructive procedures after total gastrectomy.     

Is adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia a distinct entity independent of subcardial carcinoma?

Cardia carcinoma has been defined diversely. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cardia carcinoma should be categorized as a distinct entity independent of subcardial carcinoma. We retrospectively analyzed 65 patients undergoing resection for adenocarcinoma involving the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) with the tumor center within 5 cm of the EGJ. Adenocarcinomas of the EGJ were classified into Type I, Type II, and Type III according to Siewert's criteria. There was only one Type I adenocarcinoma, and it was associated with Barrett's esophagus. No tumors had their center between 1 cm and 2 cm proximal to the EGJ. Clinicopathologic features and prognosis were compared among patients with Type II adenocarcinomas ( n = 31), patients with Type III adenocarcinomas ( n = 33), and patients with adenocarcinomas in the upper third of the stomach not invading the EGJ ( n = 153). Siewert's Type II adenocarcinoma was associated with a higher male/female ratio and with higher incidences of well-demarcated appearance and differentiated histology than carcinoma of the upper third of the stomach without esophageal invasion. Lymph nodes along the greater curvature and parapyloric nodes were rarely involved in Type II tumors. Within the pT2 category, patients with Siewert's Type II tumors showed a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis and a significantly lower survival rate than did patients with tumors of the upper third of the stomach without esophageal invasion. In conclusion, cardia carcinoma, appropriately defined as adenocarcinoma with its epicenter between 1 cm proximal and 2 cm distal to the EGJ, should be categorized as a distinct entity.     

Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: results of surgical therapy based on anatomical/topographic classification in 1,002 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of surgical therapy based on a topographic/anatomical classification of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Because of its borderline location between the stomach and esophagus, the choice of surgical strategy for patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction is controversial. METHODS: In a large single-center series of 1,002 consecutive patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction, the choice of surgical approach was based on the location of the tumor center or tumor mass. Treatment of choice was esophagectomy for type I tumors (adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus) and extended gastrectomy for type II tumors (true carcinoma of the cardia) and type III tumors (subcardial gastric cancer infiltrating the distal esophagus). Demographic data, morphologic and histopathologic tumor characteristics, and long-term survival rates were compared among the three tumor types, focusing on the pattern of lymphatic spread, the outcome of surgery, and prognostic factors in patients with type II tumors. RESULTS: There were marked differences in sex distribution, associated intestinal metaplasia in the esophagus, tumor grading, tumor growth pattern, and stage distribution between the three tumor types. The postoperative death rate was higher after esophagectomy than extended total gastrectomy. On multivariate analysis, a complete tumor resection (R0 resection) and the lymph node status (pN0) were the dominating independent prognostic factors for the entire patient population and in the three tumor types, irrespective of the surgical approach. In patients with type II tumors, the pattern of lymphatic spread was primarily directed toward the paracardial, lesser curvature, and left gastric artery nodes; esophagectomy offered no survival benefit over extended gastrectomy in these patients. CONCLUSION: The classification of adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction into type I, II, and III tumors shows marked differences between the tumor types and provides a useful tool for selecting the surgical approach. For patients with type II tumors, esophagectomy offers no advantage over extended gastrectomy if a complete tumor resection can be achieved.     

Adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and gastric cardia. Comparison of results of transhiatal esophagectomy and thoracoabdominal esophagogastrectomy

Between 1965 and 1984, 72 patients underwent operation for adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus or gastric cardia. A standard transthoracic esophagogastrectomy and esophagogastrostomy was performed in 43 and a transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy and partial proximal gastrectomy was performed in 29. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, sex, or TNM tumor staging. The perioperative complication rate was 86% in the esophagogastrectomy patients and 48% in the transhiatal esophagectomy patients (p less than 0.05). Mortality was higher in the esophagogastrectomy group (14%) than in the transhiatal esophagectomy group (7%). Average operative blood loss was greater in the esophagogastrectomy patients (2,510 versus 1,187 ml). Average postoperative hospitalization was longer for the esophagogastrectomy patients (22.2 days versus 12.3 days). Both differences are statistically significant (p less than 0.05). Late results, as evaluated by life-table analysis, showed no significant difference in survival between the two groups of patients. Because the morbidity and mortality rates of transhiatal esophagectomy are as low as or lower than those for esophagogastrectomy, late survival is as good, and palliation is superior (less suture-line tumor recurrence and reflux esophagitis), we believe that transhiatal esophagectomy is the preferred operative approach in patients with adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus or gastric cardia.     

Adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction in Japan: relevance of Siewert's classification applied to 177 cases resected at a single institution

Background: There had been a lack of international consensus about the definition of cancer of the gastric cardia until Siewert’s classification was approved at a consensus conference during the second International Gastric Cancer Congress held in 1997.

Study Design: A review of the prospective gastric cancer database at Aichi Cancer Center from 1983 to 1992 identified 1,913 gastric carcinoma patients who underwent gastrectomy. These patients were classified retrospectively according to the Siewert classification, and 177 patients who fell into one of the three types form the basis of this study. Survival analyses were performed after stratifying patients by clinicopathologic variables.

Results: There were 33 patients with type II and 144 with type III, although none had type I, a type frequently observed in the west. No evidence of a change in the frequency of types II or III cancers (approximately 9.3% overall) among gastric carcinoma patients was observed over the 10-year period. Clinical staging of gastric carcinoma by the TNM classification was found to reflect accurately the prognosis of these patients. There were no longterm survivors among the few patients with metastasis to the perigastric nodes of the distal stomach.

Conclusions: A striking difference in the distribution of types of adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction was observed in Japan compared with previously reported western data. A subgroup of carcinoma of the proximal stomach identified as types II and III may not require proximal gastrectomy from the viewpoint of sufficient lymphadenectomy.     

Adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia: treatment via a left thoracoabdominal approach

We examined the outcome of adenocarcinomas of the gastric cardia treated by total or proximal gastrectomy, lower esophagectomy, and D2 lymphadenectomy via a left thoracoabdominal approach. We compare these results with those of other methods as well as review the literature. During a 10-year period (1991-2000) 180 patients with primary gastric cancer were admitted to our department. Thirty-six of the patients had adenocarcinoma of the cardia. Twenty-four patients underwent total gastrectomy, D2 lymphadenectomy, and esophagectomy, and four others underwent proximal gastrectomy and esophagectomy with esophagogastric anastomosis via a left thoracoabdominal approach. These latter 28 patients compose our study group. We had no operative mortality, the morbidity varied, and the quality of life and the loss of body weight ranged within satisfactory levels, but the survival rate was rather poor. The median survival time was 19 +/- 1.2 months. Survival was significantly longer in patients with less than 40 per cent positive resected lymph nodes (P = 0.035). From the resulting data and our experience we believe that the left thoracoabdominal approach gives excellent exposure for radical resection of cancer of the gastric cardia and should be the procedure of choice for curative resection of such tumors. This approach combined with total gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy can be performed with an acceptably low mortality rate; it provides good palliation but not encouraging survival rates. Although it is less radical proximal gastrectomy gives the same results and a better quality of life but may be performed only in the early stages of the disease.     

Karzinom des ösophagogastralen Übergangs und Barrett-Ösophagus

From a clinical and biological point of view, the term "adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction" (AEG) encompasses several distinct tumor entities. The topographic anatomic classification into adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus (AEG I), true carcinoma of the cardia (AEG II), and subcardiac gastric cancer (AEG III) also reflects differences regarding the pathogenesis of these tumors and is increasingly accepted worldwide. Associated Barrett's esophagus, which usually develops as a consequence of chronic gastroesophageal reflux, can be documented in practically all patients with AEG I tumors and constitutes the most important precancerous lesion. A metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence has been confirmed for these tumors. Barrett's esophagus is thus considered a model for studies on carcinogenesis and the prevention of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Its pathogenetic role in AEG II and III tumors must, however, be discussed differently. Our own experience shows that pathogenetic mechanisms similar to those in AEG I tumors may be present in up to 30% of tumors classified as AEG II. The majority of AEG II tumors, however, show morphologic, biologic and pathogenetic similarities with AEG III tumors and proximal gastric cancer.     

Metastases to the para-aortic lymph nodes in adenocarcinoma of the cardia.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the extent of involvement of the para-aortic nodes in patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia. DESIGN: Open prospective study. SETTING: Teaching hospital, Italy. SUBJECTS: 23 patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the cardia (type II, n = 10, and type III, n = 13) who were treated by total gastrectomy with resection of the distal oesophagus and extended lymphadenectomy (D4) between January 1997 and June 1999. These were compared with 21 patients with advanced carcinoma of the proximal third of the stomach who had total gastrectomy with D4 lymphadenectomy during the same period. Lymph nodes were retrieved immediately postoperatively and assigned to the appropriate station according to the classification of the Japanese Research Society for Gastric Cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of para-aortic and other nodes involved. RESULTS: 22 of the 23 patients had lymph node metastases, and in 5 the para-aortic nodes were involved (N4). N3 lymph nodes were involved in only 1 patient, despite involvement of para-aortic nodes. Among the 5 patients with N4 metastases, 1 had only N1 metastases in addition, with no involvement of N2 or N3 nodes. Patients with involved N4 nodes had more nodes involved overall than those who did not (mean (SD) 17 (5) compared with 8 (12)). CONCLUSIONS: 5/23 patients with advanced carcinoma of the cardia had involved para-aortic nodes. This may have some prognostic value, but larger studies of D4 lymphadenectomy specimens is required.     

Esophagogastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the cardia. Ten years' experience and current approach.

During a 10-year period, 94 surgical resections for adenocarcinoma of the cardia (75 "curative" and 19 palliative) were performed using three primary approaches: Group I (46 curative, 14 palliative), esophagogastrectomy performed through a left thoracotomy or left thoraco-abdominal incision; Group II (17 curative, 4 palliative), resection done through two separate incisions (abdominal and thoracic) with delayed reconstruction between two and three months later; and Group III (12 curative, 1 palliative), resection, also through abdominal and thoracic incisions, with simultaneous reconstruction. Operative mortality in the 75 procedures done for cure was 19.5%, 18%, and 8.3% in Groups I, II, and III, respectively. Microscopic residual tumor at the line of resection was 56%, 12%, and 8%. Free margins less than 3 cm had the same local recurrence rate (21%, 6%, and 8%) within 18 months as did margins with residual microscopic tumor. The length of time from operation to first regular meal was 12, 110, and 7 days, respectively. Wide resection with subtotal esophagectomy and simultaneous reconstruction is advocated.     

Resultados de las diferentes opciones quirúrgicas para el tratamiento del cáncer de la unión esofagogástrica. Revisión de la evidencia

There is significant controversy in the management of cardiac cancer. It seems unanimous that Siewert type I tumors be operated on as cancer of the esophagus and Siewert type III as gastric cancer. However, for “true” cancer of the gastric cardia or Siewert II, the authors do not agree. There is the obvious need for free proximal and distal margins, as well as correct lymphadenectomy. For some, esophagectomy is necessary to perform correct radical oncological surgery, but other authors defend that an abdominal approach is sufficient to perform total gastrectomy and distal esophagectomy. Recent and older papers published do not clarify this issue, and their results are contradictory. Chemotherapy prior to surgery can reduce the size of the tumor and the presence of lymphadenopathies.     

微创肌肉非损伤性开胸术治疗贲门肿瘤

目的探讨微创肌肉非损伤性开胸行贲门肿瘤手术的可行性. 方法采用经左胸第7肋间微创肌肉非损伤性开胸行贲门肿瘤手术25例. 结果 20例贲门腺癌,4例鳞癌,行近端胃大部和食管下段切除,残胃-食管胸内吻合术.1例贲门部增生型息肉,行胃底切开,肿瘤摘除术.全组患者无围术期严重并发症,无手术死亡. 结论微创肌肉非损伤性开胸术操作简单,暴露充分,对相对早期的贲门癌是一种可选择的手术方法.     

Prognostic factors in cardia cancer

Among 164 patients operated upon for adenocarcinoma of the cardia 102 (61%) were resected, 87 of them with curative intent. The mortality within 30 days was 20%, and the 5-year survival 15%. A total gastrectomy was performed in 36 patients, whereas a proximal partial gastrectomy was carried out in 66 cases. The median survival was 19 months after total gastrectomy, and 11 months after proximal resection (Breslow: 0.22). Only in stages N0 and N1 total gastrectomy resulted in a significantly longer (32 months) median survival than proximal resection (11 months; p = 0.03). The impact of total gastrectomy was more pronounced in the diffuse type according to Lauren, whereas lymphadenectomy was more effective in stages N0 and N1 and in Lauren's intestinal type. It is concluded that total gastrectomy should be carried out in all cases of carcinoma of the cardia.     

Surgical management of and long-term survival after adenocarcinoma of the cardia

BACKGROUND: The choice of surgical strategy for patients with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction is controversial. This study was performed to analyse the surgical results of a 20-year experience with these lesions. METHODS: From January 1981 to January 2001, 126 patients with adenocarcinoma of the cardia underwent resection in the authors' institution. The treatment of choice was oesophagectomy for type I tumours, and extended gastrectomy for type II and III lesions. Morbidity, mortality and survival were determined retrospectively. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (44.4 per cent) had type I tumours, 44 (34.9 per cent) type II and 26 (20.6 per cent) type III. Primary resection was performed in 113 patients (89.7 per cent). Oesophagectomy with resection of the proximal stomach was carried out in 65 patients (51.6 per cent) and extended total gastrectomy with transhiatal resection of the distal oesophagus in 61 (48.4 per cent). In-hospital mortality and morbidity rates were 4.8 and 34.1 per cent respectively. The overall 3- and 5-year survival rates were 40.9 and 25.1 per cent respectively, and were not affected by the surgical approach. Survival was significantly associated with R0 resection, pathological node-positive category, postoperative complications and tumour differentiation. CONCLUSION: Postoperative mortality, morbidity and long-term survival did not appear to be affected by surgical approach. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the equivalence between transthoracic and transabdominal approaches.     

Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

Adenocarcinoma involving the distal esophagus usually is far advanced when the patient is first seen. Adenocarcinoma differs from squamous carcinoma of the esophagus since it is relatively unresponsive to radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus resembles gastric cancer in its tendency to form a bulky and locally invasive tumor with early regional lymph node metastases. It differs from gastric cancer in its tendency to spread proximally in the esophagus and in the relatively infrequent early involvement of the liver by metastases. From 1979-1986, 37 patients had resection for adenocarcinoma involving the distal esophagus. Thirty-three patients were diagnosed with American Joint Committee for Cancer Stage III or IV adenocarcinoma at the time of operation. Transhiatal esophagectomy in continuity with a proximal gastrectomy was done in 27 patients. Reconstruction was accomplished by cervical esophagogastrostomy using pedicled distal stomach. There were three postoperative deaths (30-day mortality rate: 8%). Anastomotic leak occurred in nine patients and caused significant morbidity in four patients. Eleven patients required dilation of the cervical anastomosis after operation for up to 6 months. Mediastinal recurrence affected three patients treated by transhiatal esophagectomy. The survival rate (Kaplan-Meier) was 44% at 1 year and 31% at 2 years. Resection of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus can be accomplished in most patients with acceptable risks of morbidity and mortality. Resection restores ability to swallow saliva and to consume a normal diet, and is associated with an appreciable improvement in the quality of life.     

Abdominal metastasis of cardias adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of abdominal lymph node involvement of adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia in relationship with the site and depth of tumor invasion. METHODS: From July 1988 to April 1998, 79 patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia underwent surgical curative resection and D2 lymphadenectomy at the 1st Department of General Surgery of Verona University. Among these 79 patients, 16 had an adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus (type I), 26 patients had an adenocarcinoma of the anatomic cardia (type II) and 37 had a subcardial adenocarcinoma (type III). The frequency of lymph node involvement in each of the lymph nodes as classified by the JRSGC were analyzed. RESULTS: In type I carcinoma positive lymph nodes occurred in 20% of pT1, 33% of pT2 and 100% of pT3. Positive nodes along the lower half of the stomach were never found. In type II carcinoma positive lymph nodes occurred in 57% of pT1, 86% of pT2 and 83% of pT3. Metastasis along the greater curvature in 18% of advanced cancers were found. In type III carcinoma positive lymph nodes occurred in 83% of pT2, 94% of pT3 and in 100% of pT4. Nodes along greater curvature were involved in 21% of advanced cases and also infrapyloric lymph nodes involved in 13% of cases. The type II and III advanced tumors had involved paraortic lymph node in 33% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that for tumors of the cardia an extended lymphadenectomy is necessary to ensure the removal of all metastatic nodes.     

Two Different Surgical Approaches in the Treatment of Adenocarcinoma at the Gastroesophageal Junction

BACKGROUND: Adenocarcinoma at the gastroesophageal junction may be regarded as of esophageal or of gastric origin, and tumor removal may follow the principles of esophagectomy or extended gastrectomy. We determined the impact of this strategy on our patients with tumors at this site. METHODS: Baseline patient and tumor characteristics were collected, and tumors were categorized according to Siewert's classification (I, II, or III) of gastroesophageal junction tumors. Totally, 133 patients were operated on between 1990 and 2001. Ninety-six patients with type I (n = 67), II (n = 26), and III (n = 3) tumors underwent esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction, and 37 patients with type I (n = 5), II (n = 26), and III (n = 6) tumors underwent extended gastrectomy and long Roux-en-Y reconstructions. RESULTS: After adjusting for the independently significant impact factors-tumor stage, tumor dissection (R0-R2), and length of tumor free resection margins-we did not find any specific survival benefit associated with either of the two evaluated surgical approaches for tumor resection and reconstruction. The EORTC quality of life forms revealed good results as indicated by the functional scales and the symptom scales. CONCLUSIONS: Provided that adequate tumor dissection is performed, patients with adenocarcinoma at the gastroesophageal junction can be resected and reconstructed using the principles for esophagectomy or extended gastrectomy.     

近端胃大部切除“P”型袢空肠间置术式的临床研究

为探讨近端胃大部切除后,在重建胃肠道中能有效地抗返流性食管炎的术式,1995年5月至1997年6月,前瞻性对9例贲门癌病人,作近端胃大部切除,采用带血管蒂“P”型袢空肠段,间置于食管下段与残胃之间。术后3个月,应用食管pH监测仪作24h定位测定和纤维胃镜检查及1年的临床生活质量随访。结果表明,该术式的食管下端与“P”型袢空肠间置的吻合周围PH处于弱碱性稳定状态,未见有反酸性炎症反应,饮食状况良好。     

Surgical treatment of adenocarcinoma of the cardia.

BACKGROUND. Adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia presents different features from other gastric carcinomas. This study was performed to analyze the results of a 40-year experience with these lesions. METHODS. Of the 365 patients reviewed, 211 (57.8%) underwent resection. One hundred fifty patients underwent total gastrectomy with lower esophageal resection (TGER) and 46 underwent proximal gastrectomy with distal esophageal resection (PGER). More recently, 15 patients were submitted to total gastrectomy with subtotal esophagectomy (TGSE) without thoracotomy. RESULTS. The tumors were far advanced in most patients: extraparietal invasion in 77.7% of patients, lymph node involvement in 55%, and distant metastases in 11%. The postoperative mortality rate was 25.1% in patients who underwent resection: 26.7% after TGER, 17.4% after PGER, and 33.3% after TGSE (difference not significant). Cardiovascular and respiratory complications were common causes of death after both TGER and PGER. After TGSE, deaths were related exclusively to local complications, mainly as a result of cervical anastomotic leaks. The actuarial 5-year survival rate for all patients surviving resection was 16.7%. No improvement in the results of surgical therapy was observed during the past 20 years. The actuarial 5-year survival rate was significantly affected by pathologic staging: 61.0% stage I, 23.3% stage II, 9.8% stage III, and 0% stage IV (p less than 0.001). No significant differences in actuarial 5-year survival rates were observed between TGER (17.8%) and PGER (14.9%). Sex, duration of symptoms, and histologic type did not reveal prognostic significance. CONCLUSIONS. In early tumors a total gastrectomy with resection of 10 cm of esophagus above the tumor is advocated.     

Mortality and morbidity after resection for adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction: predictive factors

BACKGROUND: Resection for adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (AGEJ) is associated with severe mortality and morbidity. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate mortality and morbidity after resection for AGEJ and to determine their predictive factors. STUDY DESIGN: Data from 1,192 patients (mean age 65 +/- 11 years) who underwent resection for AGEJ by members of French Association of Surgery from 1985 to 2000 were collected. A stepwise logistic regression model was built to identify by multivariate analysis the variables independently associated with mortality, morbidity, anastomotic leakage, and major pulmonary complications. RESULTS: Distribution of Siewert's type was: I = 480 (40%), II = 500 (42%), and III = 212 (18%). Most type I and II tumors were treated by esophagectomy and proximal gastrectomy (93% and 58%, respectively), using an approach including a thoracotomy (82% and 64%, respectively); type III tumors were treated mainly by total gastrectomy and distal esophagectomy (83%), through an exclusive transabdominal approach (69%). Seventy-six (6%) patients died postoperatively. Only American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores III and IV (p < 0.001) and period of study (p = 0.025) were predictive of mortality. Predictive factors of overall morbidity (overall rate = 35%) were high ASA score (p < 0.001), age more than 60 years (p = 0.020), male gender (p = 0.039), and cervical anastomosis (p = 0.001). Factors predictive of anastomotic leakage (overall rate = 9%) were high ASA score (p = 0.006) and manual anastomosis (p = 0.010). Factors predictive of major pulmonary complications (overall rate = 23%) were high ASA score (p = 0.015), age more than 60 years (p < 0.001), anastomotic leakage (p < 0.001), and abdominal complications (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: ASA score is a reliable predictive factor of operative mortality and morbidity after resection of AGEJ.