Lymphadenectomy along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve by a minimally invasive esophagectomy in the prone position for thoracic esophageal cancer

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 2965-2973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirokazu Noshiro ◽  
Hironori Iwasaki ◽  
Kiitiro Kobayashi ◽  
Akihiko Uchiyama ◽  
Yoshihiro Miyasaka ◽  
...  
2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
X Wu ◽  
X Gan ◽  
Q Cao

Abstract   Mediastinal lymphadenectomy is a crucial part of minimally invasive esophagectomy, and requires transthoracic operation, which is a crucial independent risk factor for the incidence of pulmonary complications. Conventionally, non-transthoracic esophagectomy was often achieved by mediastinoscope-assisted laparoscopic transhiatal surgery. Because of the small space, the lymphadenectomy could be only performed partially under mediastinoscope in upper mediastinal. We propose a new approach of lymphadenectomy along bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve under mediastinoscopy through one left-neck incision. Methods A 3-cm incision paralleling the clavicle was made at 2-cm from the supraclavicular region in the left neck. After established pneumomediastinum (10-12 mmHg carbon dioxide), esophagectomy begins to perform over the aortic arch to the level of lower edge of the left main bronchus, and the lymphadenectomy along the left RLN has also accomplished during this process. At the level of lower edge of the right subclavian artery (RSA), between the trachea and the esophagus, the instruments could get accessed to the right RLN. The lymphadenectomy could get accomplished up to 2-cm at the upper edge of the RSA. Results The mean age of 56 esophageal squamous cell cancer patients was 67.4 years, 46 males and 10 females. Tumor location: middle thoracic, 31 patients, lower thoracic, 23 patients. Preoperative TNM staging: T1b was 10 cases, T2 was 35 cases, and T3 was 11 cases. The median number of mediastinal LNs removed was 17 (9 to 23); 6 (2 to 9) along the left RLN; 3 (1 to 6) along the right RLN. 7 patients (12.5%) developed RLN palsy. Postoperative laryngoscopy showed that all of the 7 RLN palsy were left side, none of them appeared at 3 months postoperation. Conclusion This approach enables the lymphadenectomy along bilateral RLN through one left neck incision. During the operation, the upper mediastinal LNs along the bilateral RLN were clearly revealed and en bloc excised. Meanwhile, the bilateral RLN were fully exposed and protected during the procedure. Compared with the previous surgical methods,this procedure is less invasive, and the bilateral RLN could be exposed much clearer. It would provide a novel approach for the minimally invasive esophagectomy, especially lymphadenectomy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 44-44
Author(s):  
Taro Oshikiri ◽  
Tetsu Nakamura ◽  
Hiroshi Hasegawa ◽  
Masashi Yamamoto ◽  
Shingo Kanaji ◽  
...  

Abstract Description Background Lymphadenectomy along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in esophageal cancer is important for disease control but requires advanced dissection skills. Complete dissection of the lymph nodes along the left RLN in a safe manner is important. We demonstrate the reliable method for lymphadenectomy along the left RLN during thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position (TEP). Methods This procedure is performed for all of resectable thoracic esophageal cancers. The essence of this method is to recognize the lateral pedicle as a two-dimensional membrane that inclu replicatedes the left RLN, lymph nodes around the nerve, and primary esophageal arteries. By drawing the proximal portion of the divided esophagus and the lateral pedicle, identification and reliable cutting of the primary esophageal arteries and distinguishing the left RLN from the lymph nodes are simplified. Results We performed 46 TEPs for esophageal cancer using this method with no conversion to an open procedure in 2015 at Kobe University. No intraoperative morbidity related to the left RLN was observed. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes along the left RLN was 6.9 ± 4.2. Left RLN palsy greater than Clavien-Dindo classification grade II occurred in 4 patients (8%), all of them were reversible. The incidence of lymph node metastasis along the left RLN was 22%. Conclusion Our method for lymphadenectomy along the left RLN during TEP is safe and reliable. It has a low incidence of left RLN palsy and provides sufficient lymph node dissection along the left RLN. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.


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