Application of Thoracoscopy Combined With Laparoscopy for Radical Esophagectomy Based on Membrane Anatomy Theory / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical significance of membrane anatomy theory in the application of thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical esophageal resection.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 142 cases of thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical esophagectomy based on membrane anatomy theory from December 2018 to October 2021.The esophageal mesangium,esophageal cancer,and nerves,blood vessels,lymphatic system,adipose tissue,upper stomach,left mesangium,and left gastric lymph nodes in the esophageal mesangium were removed as a whole.During the surgery,the space containing loose connective tissue around the esophagus was seen to be the esophageal fascial fusion space.The first 10 cases were labeled with nanocarbon tracer markers,showing esophageal lymphatic drainage to the left gastric lymph node.Results All the 142 patients had smooth surgery.The operation time was 150-230 min(mean,184.6±21.3 min),the intraoperative blood loss was 20-100 ml(mean,46.7±16.8 ml),the number of lymph nodes dissected was 12-41(mean,23.5±7.3),and the positive lymph nodes were found in 97 cases.The postoperative chest drainage time was3-10 d(mean,7.1±2.5 d),the postoperative oral intake time was 5-10 d(mean,7.6±1.7 d),and the total hospital stay was 9-20 d(mean,14.0±4.6 d).The total incidence of postoperative complications was 21.8%(31/142),including 7 cases(4.9%)of anastomotic leakage,9 cases(6.3%)of anastomotic stenosis,9 cases(6.3%)of hoarseness,and6 cases(4.2%)of residual gastritis.There was no postoperative bleeding,chyllevial leakage,infection,or death within 30 d after surgery.The follow-ups of the 142 patients lasted for 11-35 months,with a median of 26 months,and there was no recurrence and death.Conclusions There is a mesangial structure that constitutes an"envelope"around the esophagus.The membrane anatomy theory is suitable for the treatment of esophageal cancer,and radical resection of esophageal cancer based on the theory is safe,effective,and feasible.