THORACOSCOPIC ESOPHAGECTOMY

Eight patients with gastro-oesophageal cancer underwent thoracoscopica lly assisted total oesophagectomy using the prone position. This allow ed good exposure of the mediastinum and ventilation of both lungs coul d be continued throughout the operation. The median time for oesophage al mobilization was 150 min. The only operative complication was a con tralateral pneumothorax which was treated uneventfully. Patients were then placed in the supine position and a standard R(2) dissection of t he stomach performed with a gastro-oesophageal anastomosis in the neck . The technique offers potential advantages over thoracoscopic mobiliz ation of the oesophagus in the supine position. The operation and prel iminary results are discussed.