[Combined videothoracoscopy and transhiatal esophagectomy in carcinoma of the middle third of the esophagus].

The authors analyze the problem of resection of the oesophagus without thoracotomy by means of videothoracoscopy and transhiatal technique of oesophagectomy in patients suffering from carcinoma of the middle third of the oesophagus. The authors describe a case with epidermoid carcinoma of the oesophagus which was resected and the oesophagus was replaced by the large intestine. By combination of videothoracoscopy and transhiatal oesophagectomy it is possible to use the advantages of resection of the oesophagus without thoracotomy and at the same time control optically the release of the oesophagus and tumour from surrounding tissues, extirpate, if necessary, paraoesophageal lymph nodes and check haemorrhage by endoscopic clipping of the majority of blood vessels. An asset of videothoracoscopy is prevention of surgical complications of oesophagectomy without thoracotomy.