Radio frequency ablation of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus: Outcomes of a single-center registry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is associated with an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The use of radio frequency ablation (RFA) for complete eradication of BE with confirmed low-grade dysplasia (LGD) or high-grade dysplasia (HGD) has been promising in multicenter trials. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy outcomes associated with RFA for patients with BE and LGD/HGD in a single-center setting. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center study conducted at Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Rigshospitalet, Denmark. Data were collected from all patients who had undergone RFA for LGD or HGD from January 2014 to December 2018. Effectiveness outcomes were based on histology: complete eradication of dysplasia (CE-D), defined as all esophageal biopsies being negative for dysplasia at the last biopsy session, and complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) defined as esophageal biopsies being without intestinal metaplasia. Safety outcomes were based on the proportion of complications to the RFA treatment. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients were identified during the follow-up period (75% men, median age = 65 years); 83% had LGD and 17% had HGD. The median follow-up was 25 months. After the last RFA treatment, CE-D was achieved in 89%. CE-D and CE-IM were achieved in 60%. Complications occurred in 6.5% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with BE and confirmed LGD or HGD, RFA was associated with a high rate of CE-D and a low risk of complications. The observed safety and efficacy outcomes were comparable with those previously reported in multicenter trials, showing that the Danish treatment of BE with LGD and HGD is comparable with those of larger European expert centers.

Biochemical, clinical and genetic characteristics in adults with persistent hypophosphatasaemia; Data from an endocrinological outpatient clinic in Denmark.

BACKGROUND: Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inborn disease caused by pathogenic variants in ALPL. Low levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are a biochemical hallmark of the disease. Scarce knowledge about the prevalence of HPP in Scandinavia exists, and the variable clinical presentations make diagnostics challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ALPL variants as well as the clinical and biochemical features among adults with endocrinological diagnoses and persistent hypophosphatasaemia. METHODS: A biochemical database containing ALP measurements of 26,121 individuals was reviewed to identify adults above 18 years of age with persistently low levels of ALP beneath range (≤ 35 ± 2.7 U/L). ALPL genetic testing, biochemical evaluations and assessment of clinical features by a systematic questionnaire among included patients, were performed. RESULTS: Among 24 participants, thirteen subjects (54.2%) revealed a disease-causing variant in ALPL and reported mild clinical features of HPP, of which musculoskeletal pain was the most frequently reported (n = 9). The variant c. 571G > A; p.(Glu191Lys) was identified in six subjects, and an unreported missense variant (c.1019A > C; p.(His340Pro)) as well as a deletion of exon 2 were detected by genetic screening. Biochemical analyses showed no significant differences in ALP (p = 0.059), the bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (p = 0.056) and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) (p = 0.085) between patients with an ALPL variant and negative genetic screening. Patients with a variant in ALPL had significantly higher PLP levels than healthy controls (p = 0.002). We observed normal ALP activity in some patients classified as mild HPP, and slightly increased levels of PLP in two subjects with normal genetic screening and four healthy controls. Among 51 patients with persistent hypophosphatasaemia, fifteen subjects (29.4%) received antiresorptive treatment. Two patients with unrecognized HPP were treated with bisphosphonates and did not show complications due to the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Pathogenic variants in ALPL are common among patients with endocrinological diagnoses and low ALP. Regarding diagnostics, genetic testing is necessary to identify mild HPP due to fluctuating biochemical findings. Antiresorptive treatment is a frequent reason for hypophosphatasaemia and effects of these agents in adults with a variant in ALPL and osteoporosis remain unclear and require further studies.

Immunohistochemical Staining With Neuroendocrine Markers is Essential in the Diagnosis of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Esophagogastric Junction.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) are uncommon and the classification of these tumors has been revised several times. Since 2016, at the Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Denmark, all adenocarcinomas and poorly differentiated carcinomas of the EGJ have been stained routinely with the neuroendocrine markers, synaptophysin and chromogranin A, to detect a possible neuroendocrine component. This study aimed to determine if routine immunohistochemical staining is necessary to detect neuroendocrine differentiation of the EGJ tumors by evaluating how often a neuroendocrine component of the tumors was correctly identified or missed on routine hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides, and by evaluating the interobserver agreement among several pathologists. Of 262 cases a NEN was identified in 24 (9.2%). Up to 22.7% of all EGJ NENs would have been missed without routinely performed neuroendocrine staining in all EGJ tumors. The interobserver agreement between 3 pathologists was slight to moderate. In conclusion, immunohistochemical staining with neuroendocrine markers is essential for the diagnosis of NENs, and to detect all NENs, we recommend to perform this routinely on all resected tumors of the EGJ.

Systematic review of the prevalence and development of osteoporosis or low bone mineral density and its risk factors in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic, immune-mediated disorders of the digestive tract. IBD is considered to be a risk factor for developing osteoporosis; however current literature on this matter is inconsistent. AIM: To assess prevalence and development of osteoporosis and low bone mineral density (BMD), and its risk factors, in IBD patients. METHODS: Systematic review of population-based studies. Studies were identified by electronic (January 2018) and manual searches (May 2018). Databases searched included EMBASE and PubMed and abstracts from 2014-2018 presented at the United European Gastroenterology Week, the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation congress, and Digestive Disease Week were screened. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they investigated either the prevalence of osteoporosis or osteopenia and/or risk factors for osteoporosis or low BMD in IBD patients. Studies on children under the age of 18 were excluded. Only population-based studies were included. All risk factors for osteoporosis and low BMD investigated in any included article were considered. Study quality and the possibility of bias were analysed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: Twelve studies including 3661 IBD patients and 12789 healthy controls were included. Prevalence of osteoporosis varied between 4%-9% in studies including both CD and UC patients; 2%-9% in studies including UC patients, and 7%-15% in studies including CD patients. Among healthy controls, prevalence of osteoporosis was 3% and 10% in two studies. CD diagnosis, lower body mass index (BMI), and lower body weight were risk factors associated with osteoporosis or low BMD. Findings regarding gender showed inconsistent results. CD patients had an increased risk for osteoporosis or low BMD over time, while UC patients did not. Increased age was associated with decreased BMD, and there was a positive association between weight and BMI and BMD over time. Great heterogeneity was found in the included studies in terms of study methodologies, definitions and the assessment of osteoporosis, and only a small number of population-based studies was available. CONCLUSION: This systematic review found a possible increase of prevalence of osteoporosis in CD cohorts when compared to UC and cohorts including both disease types. Lower weight and lower BMI were predictors of osteoporosis or low BMD in IBD patients. The results varied considerably between studies.

Outcome of osteoporosis evaluation, treatment, and follow-up in patients referred to a specialized outpatient clinic compared to patients in care of general practitioners.

In Denmark, osteoporosis treatment is either handled by general practitioners or at more resource demanding specialist clinics. We evaluated the treatment adherence and persistence in the two settings, which were overall similar. The type of medical support did, however, differ and was provided to two very different patient populations. PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate the effect of patient care by general practitioners (GPs) or specialists on treatment adherence among osteoporosis patients initiating treatment with oral bisphosphonates (OB). METHODS: Dual-energy X-ray absorption (DXA)-scanning data from 2005 to 2013 were extracted. Treatment naïve patients with a T-score ≤ - 2.5 (spine or hip) were included. Information on medical treatment, comorbidities, and socio-economic status was extracted from Danish registries. Scanning results were evaluated by a specialist. Subsequent treatment initiation and follow-up was either handled by GPs or specialists: GP population (GPP) vs. specialist population (SP). Primary adherence was defined as treatment initiating within 12 months from diagnosis and secondary adherence as days with medicine possession rates (MPR) > 80%. RESULTS: Of 11,201 DXA-scanned patients, 3685 met the inclusion criteria (GPP = 2177, SP = 1508). The GPP consisted of relatively more men, was older, had shorter education, lower income, and more comorbidities. There was no difference in baseline T-score or prior incidence of major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs). The GPP was primarily treated with OB and had better primary adherence (adjusted ORGPP/SP = 1.52 [1.31-1.75], p < 0.0001) than the SP that to a higher degree received another treatment. Secondary adherence was similar (adjusted ORGPP/SP: OR12 months = 1.02 [0.83-1.26]; OR24 months = 0.90 [0.73-1.10]; OR4 years = 0.88 [0.71-1.07]; OR5 years = 0.91 [0.74-1.13]. CONCLUSION: Patients in care of specialists were most likely to receive a treatment other than OB. Primary adherence was highest in the GPP, whereas short- and long-term persistence was similar for up to 5 years whether treated by a specialist or a GP.

Incidence, Risk Factors and Evaluation of Osteoporosis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Danish Population-Based Inception Cohort With 10 Years of Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] including Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] are at risk of developing metabolic bone disease. The aims here were to investigate the screening strategy, incidence and risk factors of osteoporosis in a prospective population-based inception cohort. METHOD: Between 2003 and 2004 all incident patients diagnosed with CD and UC in a well-defined Copenhagen area were included and followed until 2015. Data were compared with a control population [at a ratio of 1:20]. Regression models were performed with several covariates. The sensitivity of the Danish registries for osteoporosis was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 513 patients were included [213 CD, 300 UC]. Overall, 338 (66%, CD: 164 [77%], UC: 174 [58%], p < 0.001] patients received ≥ 500 mg corticosteroid within a year, resulting in 781 patient-years at risk of osteoporosis. Of those, only 83 [10.6%] patient-years were followed by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan within the same or the following 2 years.Overall, 73 [14.2%] IBD patients (CD: 31 [14.6%], UC: 42 [14%]) and 680 [6.6%, p < 0.001] controls were diagnosed with osteoporosis during follow-up. The risk of osteoporosis was increased compared to the control population (odds ratio: CD: 2.9 [95% confidence interval: 2.0-4.1], UC: 2.8 [2.1-3.9]). CONCLUSION: In this population-based inception cohort, the incidence of osteoporosis was significantly higher compared to a control population. Measurement of bone mineral density is infrequent, especially in patients at high risk of developing osteoporosis. These results demonstrate the need of further awareness of the risk of osteoporosis among IBD patients, and prospective population-based studies are warranted.

Prophylactic treatment of intraocular pressure elevation after uncomplicated cataract surgery in nonglaucomatous eyes - a systematic review.

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the literature regarding prophylactic treatment of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after uncomplicated cataract surgery to provide an evidence-based guideline for cataract surgeons. The relevant literature was identified in EMBASE and PubMed. The risk of bias was assessed according to the 'Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions' and the ROBINS-I tool. The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were used to rate the quality of evidence, and relevant data were systematically extracted to evaluate the pressure-lowering effect of the active substances. The primary outcomes for this systematic review were the absolute and relative pressure-lowering effect of the different drugs after 3-8 hr and 1 day after surgery. In total, 23 randomized controlled trials and one nonrandomized controlled study consisting of 45 treatment arms with 14 different active substances were included in the qualitative synthesis. According to the GRADE criteria, nine trials were graded as 'high' quality of evidence, 12 trials as 'moderate', while three trials were given the grade 'low' quality of evidence. The primary outcomes showed most consistency between the trials, which studied the effect of timolol, and presented a relative effect from 18.6% to 29.6% at 3-8 hr and 9.8% to 23.6% at day 1. This systematic review indicates that timolol, latanoprost and travoprost alone or medications containing timolol as an additive active substance, such as dorzolamide + timolol, brinzolamide + timolol and brimonidine + timolol, are characterized by a good relative IOP-lowering effect, which can be gained by a single dose postoperatively.

Fracture risk in women with type II diabetes. Results from a historical cohort with fracture follow-up.

PURPOSE: To examine the independent association between type II diabetes and fracture risk in a population of predominantly postmenopausal women referred to a specialist clinic for osteoporosis evaluation. METHODS: Type II diabetes associated fracture risk were evaluated among to 229 patients with type II diabetes in a cohort of 6285 women followed on average (until major osteoporotic fracture (MOF), death or end of study) for 5.8 years. Information of fracture risk factors was obtained from a clinical database and from national registries. RESULTS: An elevated fracture risk was present. Prevalent fractures (43.7 vs. 33.2%, p = 0.0010) and prevalent MOF (26.2 vs. 20.5% p = 0.038) were more common among patients with type II diabetes. The unadjusted incident fracture risk was increased with a higher relative risk of 42%. An elevated MOF hazard ratio was present (HR = 1.726, p = 0.0006). Adjustment for prevalent osteoporosis and other possible confounders did not change this finding (HR = 1.558, p = 0.0207). CONCLUSIONS: An association between type II diabetes and an increased risk of MOF primarily driven by an increased hip fracture risk was documented. This finding was independent of the presence of osteoporosis. Clinicians need to be aware of and adjust for these findings when evaluating patients with diabetes. Additional research examining pathophysiological mechanisms are needed.

COPD, stage and treatment in a large outpatient clinic.

Some COPD patients suffer from frequent exacerbations despite triple inhalation treatment. These frequent exacerbators should be identified, as exacerbations often lead to decreasing lung function and increasing mortality. Roflumilast reduces exacerbations in patients with a previous history of exacerbations. Our aim was to describe COPD patient characteristics and compare roflumilast treatment eligible to non-eligible patients. An observational cross-section study was conducted. Patients were included from a large COPD outpatient clinic. Information regarding COPD patient characteristics was registered on a standardized form and lung function was measured. Patients were categorized according to the GOLD classification. Eligibility for roflumilast treatment was assessed and patient characteristics compared between groups. 547 patients were included. Most patients (54%) were in GOLD group D. 62 patients (11.3%) met the criteria for treatment with roflumilast. Among the patients eligible for roflumilast treatment, only 14 patients (22.6%) were receiving treatment. There were no significant differences in FEV1, number of exacerbations, hospitalization due to exacerbation, MRC grade, age, smoking status and medication use between patients receiving roflumilast and not treated eligible patients. Our study documents low use of roflumilast treatment. In view of the established effect of roflumilast we think that this treatment should be considered more consistently as an option among COPD patients fulfilling the criteria for this therapy.

[Hyponatraemia is a risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fracture].

There is increasing evidence that mild hyponatraemia is associated with fractures. This association seems to be partially mediated by a reduced bone mass and an in-creased risk of falling. Large population studies have shown that other factors such as bone quality may be important. Hyponatraemia should not be considered a benign and asymptomatic condition, and an increased awareness, especially in the elderly patients with chronic hypona-traemia, is warranted. Sodium status should be evaluated in patients who experience falls, fractures or are at increased risk of having osteoporosis.

Time trends in osteoporosis risk factor profiles: a comparative analysis of risk factors, comorbidities, and medications over twelve years.

The aim of this article was to identify prevalent osteoporosis risk factors, medications and comorbidities associated with bone mineral density (BMD). Furthermore to evaluate changes in risk factor profiles over 12 years. 6285 women consecutively referred to an osteoporosis specialist clinic were included. Information of potential risk factors was obtained by questionnaire and clinical examination. Additional information on medication use, comorbidities and fractures were obtained from national registries. An association (<0.05) between well-known risk factors negatively influencing bone health was established in a real-life setting. The prevalence of osteoporosis and proportion of patient's having comorbidity's associated with osteoporosis were increasing during the inclusion period (start 23.8 %, end 29.7 %). Increasing age (OR = 1.05), current smoking (OR = 1.18), estrogen deficiency (OR = 1.7), hyperthyroidism (OR = 1.5), previous major osteoporotic fracture (OR = 1.7), former osteoporosis treatment (OR = 3.5), higher BMI (OR = 0.87), use of calcium supplementation (OR = 1.2), high exercise level (OR = 0.7), and use of thiazide diuretics (OR = 0.7) were identified as predictors of osteoporosis by DXA. Rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 2.4) and chronic pulmonary disease (OR = 1.5) was associated with site-specific osteoporosis by DXA at the total hip. Current use of loop diuretics (OR = 1.7) and glucocorticoid use (OR = 1.04-1.06) were associated with both total hip and femoral neck T-score <-2.5. Our data confirms an independent negative association with BMD of many established risk factors, certain comorbidities, and medications. Exercise level, use of loop diuretics, and prevalent chronic pulmonary disease, risk factors not included in fracture risk calculators were associated with osteoporosis by DXA. Time trends indicate risk profile is dynamic, with increasing focus on secondary osteoporosis.

[Radiofrequency ablation reduces the risk in Barrett's oesophagus with dysplasia]. / Radiofrekvensablation reducerer risikoen ved dysplastisk Barretts oesophagus.

Barrett's esophagus (BE) with dysplasia is generally accepted as the precursor to oesophageal cancer. Thus, methods to eradicate BE and dysplasia have been evaluated. Recently, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has shown promising results with few adverse effects. The studies concerning RFA are, however, small and heterogeneous. Only six studies have included more than 100 patients and only one is a prospective randomized trial. The purpose of this article is to describe the treatment of BE and especially the indications and challenges of RFA, including complications, buried glands and recurrence.

Atypical femoral fracture in an osteogenesis imperfecta patient successfully treated with teriparatide.

OBJECTIVE: We report a case of a successfully healed atypical femoral fracture (AFF) following treatment with teriparatide in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). To our knowledge, no successful treatment of AFFs with teriparatide in this subpopulation has ever been described. METHODS: This is a case report of an AFF treated with teriparatide. RESULTS: The patient was treated with hormone replacement therapy for 18 years and bisphosphonates for 9 years before suffering a spontaneous AFF in the form of a dislocated noncomminute transverse fracture of the right femoral shaft, and an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a T2 Femoral Nail was done. Due to nonunion and another fracture distal to the nail, the patient was reoperated on with exchange ORIF and off-label treatment with teriparatide 20 µg/day was started. An X-ray 1 month later showed early signs of fracture healing. A subsequent X-ray 6 months after the last operation showed a solid healing of both right femoral fractures. CONCLUSION: This is a rare case that highly suggests a potential fracture healing effect of teriparatide treatment and highlights a potential significant practical therapeutic consideration in relation to the management of AFF with delayed healing.

Differences in the pattern of anastomotic leakage after oesophagectomy in two high-volume centres.

INTRODUCTION: Complications to oesophageal and junctional cancer surgery are common and have not diminished much during the past ten years. An unusually high occurrence of anastomotic dehiscence occurred in Denmark in 2009 and 2010 as seen in the national database for oesophagus, cardiac and gastric (ECV) cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In accordance with national guidelines, all patients resected for oesophageal and junctional cancer in Denmark from 2003 were prospectively entered into a national database. Data concerning anaesthesia, peri- and post-operative course, complications, re-operations and time spent in intensive care unit were obtained retrospectively from hospital records. An in-depth analysis of data from two high-volume centres performing ECV cancer surgery according to national guidelines was performed. RESULTS: A total of 881 patients (Centre 1: 438; Centre 2: 443) were resected for oesophageal and junctional cancer. A total of 79 patients with anastomotic insufficiency (AI) were detected (Centre 1: 36; Centre 2: 43). By using a grading system, it was shown that AI was more severe and occurred earlier in one centre than in the other. Possible factors of influence are discussed, including neoadjuvant oncological therapy, use of thoracoscopically performed anastomosis and perioperative inotrophic drugs. CONCLUSION: Thanks to the establishment of a nationwide database in pursuance of national guidelines, it was possible to detect variations in quality of surgery over time, evaluate serious complications early and undertake an in-depth analysis of possible aetiological factors. Particularly, comparison was facilitated by the use of a standardised grading system for complications. FUNDING: not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

[Extensive thromboembolism after cardioversion in a patient treated with dabigatran]. / Multiple embolier efter DC-konvertering hos en patient forbehandlet med dabigatran.

A 65-year-old man, who had been treated with dabigatran for 66 days prior to electrical cardioversion, developed extensive intestinal, renal and cerebral thromboembolism five days after cardioversion. There is limited information available on the treatment of thromboembolism in patients being treated with dabigatran. Routine biochemical monitoring is not available. As is the case for vitamin K antagonists, anticoagulation with dabigatran is not without risks.

[Dabigatran as cause of severe gastrointestinal bleeding in a Jehovah's Witness patient]. / Dabigatran som årsag til svær gastrointestinal blødning hos et Jehovas Vidne.

We report a case of severe gastrointestinal bleeding in a Jehovah's Witness patient after ten days of treatment with dabigatran. The patient refused to have a blood transfusion due to belief. An endoscopic examination showed diffuse bleeding from her colonic mucosa, which is typical for medical induced bleedings. The patient was in a life-threatening condition and the haemoglobin level fell to nadir 2 mmol/l, before the bleeding stopped after one week's pause of dabigatran therapy. Since an antidote to dabigatran does not exist, precaution is needed when treating patients, who might refuse to have blood transfusion.

[Atypical primary symptom in the form of peripheral embolisation after painless myocardial infarction]. / Atypisk debutsymptom i form af perifer emboli efter stumt myokardieinfarkt.

We report a case with peripheral embolisation as the primary symptom of a painless myocardial infarction with left ventricular mural thrombosis. The patient was suffering from severe pain in his leg due to arterial occlusion. Subsequent electrocardiography and echocardiography documented severe damage to the left ventricle and a big motile mural thrombosis. A coronary angiography showed subtotal occlusion of the left descending artery. Patients presenting with peripheral thromboembolic episodes should be examined for cardiac cause even in the absence of cardiac symptoms.

Bilateral primary adrenal lymphoma presenting with adrenal insufficiency.

Lymphoma may occasionally involve the adrenal glands, but primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is very rare and only few cases have been reported. We present a case of a 60-year-old, otherwise healthy, woman, with bilateral PAL presenting with adrenal insufficiency. The patient responded initially upon administration of large doses of intravenously hydrocortisone with total remission of symptoms. An abdominal computerized tomography scan demonstrated bilateral adrenal lesions but did not demonstrate any other pathology. Since metastatic malignant disease was suspected a positron-emission-tomography scan was performed only showing significant uptake in the adrenal glands. Endocrine evaluation did not reveal abnormal function of any hormonal system and the patient was scheduled for bilateral adrenalectomy. However the clinical condition deteriorated rapidly and the patient was readmitted to hospital before surgery was performed. A new computerized tomography scan showed rapid progression of disease with further enlargement of the adrenal masses and both pulmonary and hepatic metastasis. Needle biopsy was performed but the patient refused further treatment and died before a diagnosis was obtained. The immuneohistochemical diagnosis was large B-cell lymphoma. This case should remind clinicians that PAL may be a cause of bilateral adrenal incidentaloma especially if the patient presents with adrenal insufficiency.

[Long-term survival after curative resection for oesophageal and cardia cancer]. / Sygdomsfri langtidsoverlevelse efter makroradikal operation for cancer oesophagi/cardiae.

INTRODUCTION: We present the long-term survival after curative resection for cancer at the gastro-oesophageal junction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1992 through 2003, 147 patients with cancer at the gastro-oesophageal junction underwent curative resection. Preoperative evaluation included a computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax and abdomen, gastroscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography and ultrasonography of the neck. RESULTS: Explorative laparotomy was performed in 466 patients, and 147 underwent curative resection, while 319 had advanced disease. No patients received adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. Adenocarcinoma was found in 93% of the patients and squamous cell carcinoma in 7%. Cardia resection was performed in 78%, while 22% underwent gastrectomy. R0 resection was performed in 95% of the operations. Anastomotic dehiscence was seen in 4%. The perioperative mortality after curative resection was 3% and the 180-day-mortality was 5%. The observed five-year survival rate after curative operation was 29% and the estimated five-year survival was 24%. The five-year survival rates according to tumour stage (T1-4) were 85%, 40%, 23% and 25%, respectively. After stratification according to lymph node metastases (-/+metastases) and age below/above 70 years, five-year survival rates were 41%/ 19% and 32%/17%, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that no metastases (N0) and age below 70 years were independent predictors of survival. CONCLUSION: The overall and stage-dependent survival after five years, perioperative mortality and complications are acceptable and comparative to those reported by foreign centres.