EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON ELECTROLYTIC DOSAGE OF ECT FOR DOGS ESOPHAGEAL INJURY AND CLINICAL EFFECTS OF ECT FOR ESOPHAGEAL ANASTOMOTIC OPENING STENOSIS AND ESOPHAGEAL-CARCINOMA

Experimental and clinical studies have been performed to explore the p otential benefits of electrochemical therapy (ECT) in oesophageal canc er. In a dog experiment, the oesophageal injury induced by ECT was eva luated. The provision of 7.5 volts (V) and 25-100 coulomb (C) was asso ciated with a slight injury of the mucosa, which was completely healed after two weeks. Ten patients with oesophageal stenosis were treated with ECT (4.5-5.5 V, 20-50 mA and 85-180 C). In all patients there was significant dilatation of the stenotic area and the patients could ea t a normal diet after three to four weeks. The clinical effectiveness in 35 patients treated with ECT for inoperable oesophageal carcinoma w as found to be satisfactory. Complete and partial response was obtaine d in 15 cases (42.8%), and dysphagia was relieved for five to 13 month s. In conclusion, oesophageal cancer may be successfully treated with a specially designed electrode and a specified dosage of electricity.