Comparison of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy With Transthoracic and Transhiatal Esophagectomy

Abstract

ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR benign or malignant disease is associated with high morbidity and mortality.¹ Although the best approach to esophagectomy remains controversial, the 2 most frequently performed operations are transthoracic (TT) and blunt transhiatal esophagectomy (THE).^2,3 The transthoracic approach allows the surgeon to perform a wide mediastinal lymphadenectomy and provide adequate hemostasis that cannot be ensured by THE. However, THE avoids a thoracotomy and therefore reduces associated pulmonary complications.