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 (b&w) 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 Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.