[Thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma: report of 8 patients]

Eight patients with esophageal carcinoma were treated by VATS in our hospital since March 1995. Of the 8 patients, 2 had lower-middle segment esophageal carcinoma and 6 middle segment. The operations performed on seven patients were successful except one that had to be changed to thoractomy as a result of invasion of tumor. Techniques of VATS in treating esophageal carcinoma and indication were discussed.