Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: Thoracoscopic Mobilization of the Esophagus and Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy in Prone Position—Experience of 130 Patients

Abstract

TLE with thoracoscopic part in prone position is technically feasible, with a low incidence of respiratory complications and less operative time required. It provides comparable outcomes with other techniques of minimally invasive esophagectomy and most open series. In our experience, we observed a low mortality rate (1.54%), hospital stay of 8 days, and low incidence of postoperative pneumonia. It has the potential to replace conventional and other techniques of minimally invasive esophagectomy.