A Novel Technique of Anvil Placement in Total Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the feasibility of a novel technique of anvil placement in combined use of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Methods From June 2011 to October 2012, we performed a novel technique of minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy in 20 patients with midthoracic esophageal cancer.The anvil was placed to connection with the esophageal stump under thoracoscopic vision, and an apical pleural stomach esophagus anastomosis was performed by using normal stapling. Results The mean operation time lasted for 200 minutes (150-300 minutes) with a mean blood loss of 180 ml (150-250 ml) without blood transfusion.The mean number of lymph nodes resected was 18 (12-44).No additional incision was required. There were no complications at post-operation and no anastomic leakage.The patient’s hospital stay lasted a mean of 10 days (8-12 days) .Follow-up reviews were conducted for 6 months and no recurrence was found in all the 20 patients. Conclusion Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with novel technique of anvil placement for the treatment of esophageal carcinoma ensures the feasibility and safety.