Minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer: prospective evaluation of laparoscopic gastric mobilization.

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy carries high morbidity, mainly respiratory. Minimally invasive surgery has been demonstrated to improve postoperative outcome in digestive surgery, without impairment of oncological results. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate feasibility, postoperative outcome, and mid-term oncological results of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in cancer.

METHODS

From July 2001 to August 2005, 25 patients underwent esophagectomy with laparoscopic gastric mobilization (LGM) for epidermoid carcinoma (n=15) or adenocarcinoma (n=10). Tumors were located on the cardia (n=6), on the lower third (n=14), or on the median third (n=5) of the esophagus. Following LGM, transthoracic esophagectomy was performed.

RESULTS

Complete LGM was achieved in all patients but 1. Mean operative time for LGM was 191+/-49 minutes. Fifteen patients (60%) developed complications, mainly respiratory. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 2 patients, with a favorable outcome. Pylorospasm (n=1) was the only intra-abdominal complication. Median hospital stay was 18 days. Two patients died (8%). Twenty-three patients underwent R0 resection. A mean of 12+/-4 lymph nodes (range 4-19 nodes) were analyzed. With a mean follow-up of 14 months (1-46 months), actuarial survival at 1 and 2 years was, respectively, 73% and 56%.

CONCLUSION

Esophagectomy with LGM is feasible with few specific complications. However, no decrease in morbidity and hospital stay could be observed. Mid-term oncological results seem comparable to those of conventional surgery. Further studies are required to evaluate the extent of lymphadenectomy and the oncologic safety of MIE.