The application of rigid and flexible mediastinoscopy in esophagectomy: our experience and a new technology

Abstract Background To avoid the inconvenience of triangulation among various rigid operating instruments in mediastinoscopy-assisted esophagectomy, we invented a new technique: used flexible endoscope to mobilize thoracic esophagus and dissected mediastinal lymph nodes through left cervical incision. This technology has not been reported so far. In this study, introduce our long-term experience demonstrate technique. Methods Twenty-nine patients with early esophageal cancer underwent esophagectomy hospital from June 2018 September 2020. Among them, 12 mediastinoscopy, 17 conventional mediastinoscopy observe their therapeutic effect. Results There were no significant differences between two groups gender, average age, body mass index, incidence adverse reactions, bleeding volume, postoperative stay. The operation time group was significantly shorter than that (192.9 ± 13.0 vs 246.8 6.9 min, p < 0.01). number removed by endoscopy more (8.5 0.6 6.0 0.3, P Postoperative follow-up completed for all patients, 11.6 7.2 months. During period, recurrence or death observed. Conclusions Mediastinoscopy-assisted is an effective way treat cancer. application provides convenience better stability. It can facilitate surgeon node dissection, which proved be feasible technology.