Minimally invasive esophagectomy with right bronchial occlusion under artificial pneumothorax.

Aims: To assess the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive esophagectomy and selected three-field lymphadenectomy with the right bronchial occlusion in left semi-prone position under artificial pneumothorax.

Methods: Thoracoscopic-laparoscopic subtotal esophagectomy and selected three-field lymphadenectomy were performed in 166 patients with esophageal carcinoma by the right bronchial occlusion in left semi-prone position under artificial pneumothorax.

Results: 109 patients received two-field lymphadenectomy and 57 received three-field lymphadenectomy. The average operative time was 202.5 ± 21.3 min; the average thoracoscopic operative time was 98.4 ± 15.5 min. The average blood loss was 39.6 ± 4.2 ml, and no blood transfusion was needed during the surgery. The mean lymph node harvest was 28.4 ± 5.2 nodes. Hospital stay ranged from 7 to 95 days and the average was 11.3 days. The postoperative complication rate was 29.5%, and the mortality rate was 1.2%.

Conclusions: It is feasible and safe to perform thoracoscopic-laparoscopic subtotal esophagectomy and selected three-field lymphadenectomy with the right bronchial occlusion in left semi-prone position under artificial pneumothorax for esophageal carcinoma. The procedure shows advantages in improved visibility and accessibility of the surgical field, and better subsequent surgical outcomes.