ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the feasibility of combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma and gastro-esophageal anastomosis in right thoracic cavity.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 38 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma and gastro-esophageal anastomosis in right thoracic cavity from October 2011 to August 2012.To remove the stomach in laparoscopic and the esophagus in thoracoscopy.The main portion of a gastric conduit is created using three to four firings of a linear stapler(Ethicon Endo-surgery,Cincinati,OH) and jejunum stoma.Gastric conduit was pulled into the chest cavity and anastomosed to the esophagus.Results The average operative time was 280 minutes,the mean operative blood loss was 120 ml.No patient required laparotomy.No pulmonary complications or anastomotic leaks occurred.One had gastric retention,another one had chylous hydrothorax.All patients were cured,no one dead in hospital.Conclusion Combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma and gastro-esophageal anastomosis in right thoracic cavity is technically feasible and safe,minimized trauma,less operative blood loss and quick recovery.