[Minimally invasive esophagectomy]

Currently, the bases for the treatment of esophageal cancer are surgical resection and chemotherapy. Among the various surgical techniques used, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) aims to reduce surgical aggression and cardiopulmonary complications while maintaining basic oncological principles. We present the results of our initial experience with this technique in the treatment of esophageal cancer.

Fourteen patients with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer were selected to undergo MIE in three stages: right thoracoscopy, laparoscopy, and left cervicotomy with cervical esophagogastric anastomosis. Histological diagnosis was epidermoid carcinoma (n = 11) and high grade dysplasia (n = 3), one of which was highly suspicious of malignant transformation. After extension studies, preoperative clinical stages were as follows: stage 0 (n = 3), stage IIA (n = 10), and stage III (n = 1). Seven patients were treated with chemotherapy and neoadjuvant radiotherapy and the remainder underwent surgery without prior treatment.

The mean operating time was 299 minutes (range: 195-425). The conversion rate was 14% (n = 2). Mortality was 0% and morbidity was 50%, consisting of three major complications and four minor complications. No anastomotic dehiscence or wound infections were observed. Complete (R0) resections were achieved in 92.8% (n = 13). Transfusion needs were 1.1 U/patient. The mean number of nodes removed was 10.2/patient (range: 5-17). The mean length of hospital stay was 21 days (range: 9-64). Postoperative follow-up ranged from 1 to 17 months. All patients were alive and disease-free except for one patient with liver metastases.

Although MIE is a demanding technique, we believe that it is technically feasible in the treatment of esophageal cancer with acceptable postoperative morbidity and mortality. Consequently, it should be considered as an alternative to open surgery in selected patients.