[Choice of the method of video-thoracoscopic esophagectomy]

Video-thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed in 51 patients including 25 patients with esophageal cancer, 18 -- with cicatricial stenosis of the esophagus and 8 -- with esophageal achalasia of stage IV. Video-thoracoscopic esophagectomy and laparotomy for gastroplasty may be performed simultaneously with 2 surgery teams that reduce time of surgery. Simultaneous thoracoscopic and transhiatal approaches to the esophagus permit avoiding conversion in severe periesophagitis.