Laparoscopic transhiatal esophago-gastrectomy after corrosive injury

Esophago-gastric necrosis is a surgical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. We report a laparoscopic transhiatal esophago-gastrectomy performed on a 43-year-old male, presenting two hours after hydrochloric acid ingestion. A gastroscopy showed several oral mucosal ulcers, a significant edema of the pharynx and larynx, a necrosis of the middle and lower esophagus and of the gastric fundus and antrum. A conservative strategy with intensive care observation was initially followed. After a change of clinical signs, chest-abdominal computed tomography was realized and a pneumoperitoneum with free fluid in the left subphrenic space and bilateral pleural effusions was in evidence. A laparoscopic exploration was proposed to the patient, and confirmed the presence of free peritoneal fluid and necrosis with perforation of the upper part of the stomach. A laparoscopic total gastrectomy with subtotal esophagectomy was performed; the procedure finished with an esophagostomy on the left side of the neck and a laparoscopic feeding jejunostomy (video). Total operative time was 235 minutes. After six months a digestive reconstruction with esophagocoloplasty by laparotomy and cervicotomy was easily realized thanks to the advantages (few adhesions, bloodless, and simple colic mobilization) of the previous minimally invasive surgery.