[Esophagectomy combined with radical lymphadenectomy by video-thoracoscopy].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the value of video-thoracoscopy in the thoracoscopic mobilization of the thoracic esophagus combined with radical lymphadenectomy.


METHODS
Between March 2002 and May 2003, thoracoscopic mobilization of the thoracic esophagus combined with radical lymphadenectomy was attempted in 25 patients (test group) and 22 cases received routine open thoracotomy (control group). Mean age was 55 years (range 34 - 73). The cancers were T(1)-T(3). Dissection of the thoracic esophagus was attempted via a right-sided approach, followed by a laparotomy and a cervical incision.


RESULTS
The thoracoscopic procedure was successful in all patients. There was no post-operative death in two groups. Mean node harvest was (7.8 +/- 1.7) nodes for test group and (7.5 +/- 1.3) nodes for control group (P > 0.05). Mean blood lo of the thoracic component was (130 +/- 83) ml for test group and (350 +/- 135) ml for control group (t = 6.83, P < 0.05). Median post-operative stay was (10.9 +/- 2.5) days for test group and (14.6 +/- 1.7) days for control group (t = 5.87, P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Video-thoracoscopy could potentially provide an oncologically sound means for resecting the thoracic esophagus without the need for a thoracotomy. Radical thoracoscopic mobilization of the esophagus is feasible.
Zhu
Cheng-chu
CC
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taizhou Hospital, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, China. zhucc@tzhospital.com
Chen
Shi-lin
SL
Ye
Min-hua
MH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; D013908:Thoracotomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome