[A technic of transhiatal esophagectomy].

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Thoracic Surgery

Context:

• Esophagectomy traditionally involves thoracotomy, leading to significant patient discomfort.
• Alternative approaches aim to minimize surgical invasiveness and improve patient outcomes.
• Transhiatal esophagectomy offers a non-thoracotomy option for esophageal resection.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transhiatal esophagectomy.
• To assess outcomes for benign and malignant esophageal lesions using this technique.
• To analyze complications and mortality associated with transhiatal esophagectomy.

Summary:

• A study of 82 patients undergoing transhiatal esophagectomy between 1982 and 1988 for benign (10) and malignant (72) esophageal lesions.
• Gastric (69) and colic (13) grafts were used; 8 deaths (9.7%) and 11 non-lethal complications (13%) were reported.
• The technique proved safe and well-tolerated, especially for lesions in the upper and lower esophagus, with 77% experiencing uncomplicated recovery.

Impact:

• Transhiatal esophagectomy provides a viable, less invasive alternative to thoracotomy for esophageal resection.
• The study demonstrates acceptable morbidity and mortality rates, particularly for specific lesion locations.
• This approach facilitates complete esophageal excision while potentially reducing surgical trauma and recovery time.