A unified reference for practicing thoracic surgeons, alimentary tract surgeons, and gastroenterologists. The format includes a historical note with separately selected historical readings, followed by the usual sequences of anatomy, physiology or other relevant basic science, clinical presentation and diagnosis, management, and results. Whenever available, long-term results are presented. A special feature includes commentary by the chapter author concerning areas of controversy and anticipated future change. Technical chapters describe the common operations of esophageal surgery, with clear illustrations (bandw) and practical suggestions included for quick reference, within a comprehensive text. A companion volume, Thoracic Surgery (0-443-08798-9), encompasses surgery of the airways, lungs, chest wall, and mediastinum. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR