title: Minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomy after thoracotomy.
abstract: Patients with end-stage achalasia may not be candidates for a transhiatal minimally invasive esophageal resection because of anatomic challenges and adhesions from previous interventions, namely, thoracotomy. Given the tactile feedback provided through a GelPort laparoscopic system (Applied Medical, Rancho Margarita, CA) we proposed that a minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomy would be feasible in this patient cohort. The procedure was successful in 4 patients; seven complications occurred in 3 of the patients. At follow-up all patients demonstrated that they were meeting their nutritional needs with an oral diet.
authors: Division of Thoracic Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA. ymc01@gunet.georgetown.edu
authors: Yvonne M
authors: YM
authors: Carter
authors: Colleen D
authors: CD
authors: Bond
authors: Stanley
authors: S
authors: Benjamin
authors: M Blair
authors: MB
authors: Marshall
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D013908:Thoracotomy