P179 THORACOSCOPIC EXTENDED 2-FIELD LYMPH NODE DISSECTION FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER. IMPLEMENTATION AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Abstract Aim Lymphadenectomy in minimally-invasive esophageal cancer surgery still remains challenging and standardization of surgical procedures is of extreme importance. The aim of this study is to present our safe and reproducible technique in thoracoscopic superior lymphadenectomy during esophagectomy for cancer. Background & Methods In esophageal cancer surgery, dissection of the superior mediastinal lymph-nodes is of high importance. For adequate mediastinal lymph-node dissection, an extensive operating field is required along with appropriate equipment and experience. Thoracoscopy in prone position provides excellent visualization of the operative field comparing to thoracotomic phase. A step-by-step explanation of our surgical technique during thoracoscopic superior lymphadenectomy is provided. Results All patients were placed in prone position. The entire posterior mediastinal pleura was incised; azygos arch was divided with clips, facilitating dissection of the left side of the posterior mediastinum. The descending thoracic aorta was freed anteriorly, separating the esophagus; the thoracic duct was dissected and divided with vascular clips. Esophageal hiatus was dissected circumferentially and the esophageal wall was freed from the pericardiumanteriorly. Subcarinal lymph-nodes were dissected en bloc. Upper thoracic esophagus was separated from the membranous part of the trachea. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes were dissected at the level of the right subclavian artery, with extreme caution to avoid nerveinjury. Left recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified by posterior traction of the esophagus using a full thickness transluminal suture;by pulling it through a separate skin incision, the relative lymph nodes were dissected. Conclusion It is interesting that, higher number of lymph-nodes are harvested with this procedure which may be the result of better visualization/access. Overall, our technique has been standardized, is safe and reproducible and could be adopted by specialized Upper GI Units.