Minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer: prospective evaluation of laparoscopic gastric mobilization

Esophagectomy carries high morbidity, mainly respiratory. Minimally invasive surgery has been demonstrated to improve postoperative outcome in digestive surgery, without impairment of oncological results. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate feasibility, postoperative outcome, and mid-term oncological results of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in cancer.

From July 2001 to August 2005, 25 patients underwent esophagectomy with laparoscopic gastric mobilization (LGM) for epidermoid carcinoma (n=15) or adenocarcinoma (n=10). Tumors were located on the cardia (n=6), on the lower third (n=14), or on the median third (n=5) of the esophagus. Following LGM, transthoracic esophagectomy was performed.

Complete LGM was achieved in all patients but 1. Mean operative time for LGM was 191+/-49 minutes. Fifteen patients (60%) developed complications, mainly respiratory. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 2 patients, with a favorable outcome. Pylorospasm (n=1) was the only intra-abdominal complication. Median hospital stay was 18 days. Two patients died (8%). Twenty-three patients underwent R0 resection. A mean of 12+/-4 lymph nodes (range 4-19 nodes) were analyzed. With a mean follow-up of 14 months (1-46 months), actuarial survival at 1 and 2 years was, respectively, 73% and 56%.

Esophagectomy with LGM is feasible with few specific complications. However, no decrease in morbidity and hospital stay could be observed. Mid-term oncological results seem comparable to those of conventional surgery. Further studies are required to evaluate the extent of lymphadenectomy and the oncologic safety of MIE.