Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
09:40
An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
Minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy
N T Nguyen1, D M Follette, P H Lemoine
1Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento 95817-1418, USA. ninh.nguyen@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|August 23, 2001
Summary
This study details a totally minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy using laparoscopy and thoracoscopy for esophageal cancer. This approach offers a less invasive option for resecting the intrathoracic esophagus and reconstructing the esophagogastric junction.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- The Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is a standard surgical procedure for resecting esophageal tumors, traditionally involving open laparotomy and thoracotomy.
- Advancements in laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques have enabled minimally invasive approaches for various gastrointestinal surgeries.
- A totally minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy remains infrequently reported, highlighting a gap in current surgical practice.
Observation:
- This case report describes a novel approach to Ivor Lewis esophagectomy performed entirely through minimally invasive laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques.
- The procedure involved the resection of the distal third of the esophagus and an intrathoracic esophagogastric reconstruction.
Findings:
- The combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic approach successfully achieved complete resection of the esophageal carcinoma.
- Intrathoracic esophagogastric reconstruction was performed using minimally invasive techniques, demonstrating feasibility.
Implications:
- This case suggests that a totally minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is a viable alternative to open surgery for select patients with esophageal cancer.
- Further research and larger studies are warranted to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of this advanced surgical technique.
- This approach may lead to reduced patient morbidity, shorter hospital stays, and improved recovery times compared to traditional open esophagectomy.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:24Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
01:29Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure in which an endoscopist uses a flexible, lighted endoscope to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure includes visualizing the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...