Combined single-port transmediastinal and laparoscopic access with CO₂ insufflation for esophageal resection: a case...

In order to be familiar with the dissection of the esophagus through a single transmediastinal access. Combined single-port transmediastinal and laparoscopic access with CO₂ insufflation for esophageal resection were performed in experimental dogs. The esophagus was separated by single-hole mediastinoscopy, the stomach was separated by laparoscopy, and left neck anastomosis of tubular gastroesophagus was performed on the experimental dogs. Combined single-port transmediastinal and laparoscopic access with the CO₂ insufflation is an alternative approach for esophagectomy with certain advantages compared to transthoracic approach. Animal models can help the surgeon get familiar with a certain procedure before transmediastinal esophagectomy on a human.