Laparoscopic Versus Open Lower Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy for Esophagogastric Junction Cancer

This study is comparing two surgical approaches — laparoscopic (keyhole) versus open surgery — for removing lymph nodes in the lower chest area in people with cancer at the junction of the stomach and esophagus. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 18 and 80 years old - You have been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the stomach or esophagogastric junction confirmed by biopsy - You are in good enough health for surgery (Karnofsky score 70% or ECOG 2 or less) - The cancer has not spread to distant organs **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have received anti-cancer therapy (chemotherapy, radiation) before surgery - You have multiple cancers in the stomach - You have suspected spread to middle or upper chest lymph nodes - You have had prior abdominal surgery that would complicate this operation Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.