Initial Experience and Result of Thoracoscopic and Laparoscopic Esophagectomy
Somkiat Sunpaweravong MD*, Siripong Chewatanakornkul MD*, Sakchai Ruangsin MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla
Background : Conventional esophagectomy requires either a laparotomy or a thoracotomy. Currently, the
minimally invasive esophagectomy is an evolving alternative to the open technique.
Objective : Assess and evaluate the early outcomes of the authors’ experiences with the minimally invasive
esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
Material and Method: Outcome data were collected prospectively from 28 consecutive patients, 22 men and
six women with a mean age of 63 years and a range of 36-77 years.
Results : Thoracoscopic esophageal mobilizations were successful in 17 patients. Four patients were converted
to open thoracotomy. Laparoscopic gastric mobilizations were successful in eight patients and only one
patient was converted to laparotomy. Mortality was one (3.5%), and perioperative morbidity was nine (32%),
including pneumonia, pleural effusion, wound infection, anastomosic leakage, and hoarseness.
Conclusion : Minimally invasive esophagectomy is feasible and can be performed at the Prince of Songkla
University Hospital. Optimal results require appropriate patient selection and surgeon experience.
Keywords : Esophageal cancer, Esophagectomy, Minimal invasive surgery
