OBJECTIVE: To determine the ideal method of surgical preoperative treatment for perforation with esophageal carcinoma. METHODS 36 cases of. perforation with esophageal carcinoma were treated surgically in this series. Perforations occurre into the right lung in 14 cases, the mediastinum in 17 cases and trachea in 5 cases. Open thoracic surgery was performed in 34 cases, in which the right thoracic approach using a 3-incision method was applied in 16 cases, and operation by stages in, 15 cases. Of the 34 cases, retrosternal substitution of the esophagus with stomach or colon was performed in 26 cases. RESULTS Surgery was successful in 31 cases and operative death occurred in 3 cases. The postoperative follow up study was from 3-72 months. Of these cases 15 were alive at 7-12 months, 2 at 24 months, and 1 at 72 months. The results can be considered satisfactory. CONCLUSION The therapeutic results of surgical treatment of perforation with esophageal carcinoma were markedly superior to that of conventional conservative treatment. The authors suggest that surgical intervention without delay should be undertaken for patients having a perforation with carcinoma of the esophagus. A right thoracic approach with a 3-incision method (retrostemal replacement of esophagus with stomach or colon) or operation by stages is preferable. OBJECTIVE: To determine the ideal method of surgical preoperative treatment for perforation with esophageal carcinoma. METHODS 36 cases of. Perforation with esophageal carcinoma were treated surgically in this series. Perforations occurre into the right lung in 14 cases, the mediastinum in 17 cases and trachea in 5 cases. Open thoracic surgery was performed in 34 cases, in which the right thoracic approach using a 3-incision method was applied in 16 cases, and operation by stages in, 15 cases. Of the 34 cases, retrosternal substitution of the esophagus RESULTS Surgery was successful in 31 cases and operative death occurred in 3 cases. The postoperative follow up study was from 3-72 months. Of these cases 15 were alive at 7-12 months, 2 at 24 months, and 1 at 72 months. The results can be considered satisfactory. CONCLUSION The therapeutic results of surgical treatment of perforation with esophageal carcinoma were markedly superior to tha The authors suggest that surgical intervention without delay should be undertaken for patients with a perforation with carcinoma of the esophagus. A right thoracic approach with a 3-incision method (retrostemal replacement of esophagus with stomach or colon) or operation by stages is preferred.