Thoracoscopic side-to-side esophagogastrostomy by use of linear stapler-a simplified technique facilitating a minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis operation.

Abstract

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been met with increased interest for the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer. One critical obstacle for the implementation of MIE has been the intrathoracic anastomosis. In this study, we describe a technique of thoracoscopic intrathoracic anastomosis using a linear stapler in prone position and present the short-term outcomes of this procedure.