Esophageal - Gastric Anastomosis in Radical Resection of Esophageal Cancer under Thoracoscopy Combined with Laparoscopy

Objective: To determine the feasibility of esophagogastric anastomosis in esophageal cancer radical resection under thoracoscopy combined with laparoscopy in terms of complications and operation time. Study Design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated with The First Hospital, Suzhou University, from June 2008 to June 2012. Methodology: Clinical data of 136 patients operated for esophageal cancer by radical resection under thoracoscopy combined with laparoscopy was analyzed. Eighty one superior and middle segment esophageal carcinoma patients were operated through right thoracoscope, abdominoscope, and neck incision. The esophagogastric anastomosis was completed in the left side of neck by handiwork. Fifty five inferior segment esophageal carcinoma were operated through right thoracoscope, abdominoscope and the esophagogastric anastomosis was completed with stapler in right thoracic cavity through superior belly incision and diaphragmatic hiatus. Results: The operation time and the intra-operative blood loss in patients with intrathoracic mechanical anastomosis was. significantly lower than that of cervical anastomosis. Other variables were not significantly different. Conclusion: The practicability of this method of anastomosis that completed with stapler in right thoracic cavity through superior belly incision and diaphragmatic hiatus had been well confirmed.