title: [Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy: outcomes].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy for benign or malignant disease is a complex operation associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. In the last decade this procedure gained popularity and acceptance for treatment of the esophagus cancer and other benign diseases.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To perform a retrospective analysis in patients with esophageal cancer that was underwent a laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy, demonstrated pre and post operative complications and immediate result.
  
  
  METHODS
  From November 1993 to June 2005, 72 patients underwent laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy. Sixty-four with malignant neoplasm of esophagus. The males are predominant, and the mean age was 56.5 years. The abdominal part of the operation was totally laparoscopic and the cervical one was made the conventional way. The stomach was pulled up to the neck by the posterior mediastinum.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy was initiated in 64 patients. Four patients were converted to open surgery. The mean operation time was 153 minutes. The incidence of cervical fistula was 14.06%. The mortality rate 5.6%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy is a secure option in experience centers. The morbility is low, with a faster return to normal activity. Maybe in fact this procedure may be reminded and ponder in the treatment of esophageal disease.
authors.forename: Renam Catharina
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Tinoco
authors.forename: Augusto Cláudio
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Tinoco
authors.forename: Luciana Janene
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: El-Kadre
authors.forename: Rodrigo Amaral
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Rios
authors.forename: Daniela Mendonça
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Sueth
authors.forename: Felipe Montes
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Pena
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D016896:Treatment Outcome