The authors analyze bronchoscopic findings in 47 patients with tumors of the oesophagus with regard to the operability of the tumour. In 33 patients the respiratory organs were not affected, in nine pressure changes were found, in two signs of infiltration, obvious overgrowth of the tumour in three patients. In patients with an oesophageal tumour and the simultaneous affection of the lower airways in the majority only palliative operations are indicated to ensure the patient's food intake. Tracheobronchoscopy helps to assess the extent of the disease and thus its operability.