Initial experience and result of thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND Conventional esophagectomy requires either a laparotomy or a thoracotomy. Currently, the minimally invasive esophagectomy is an evolving alternative to the open technique. OBJECTIVE Assess and evaluate the early outcomes of the authors' experiences with the minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD Outcome data were collected prospectively from 28 consecutive patients, 22 men and six women with a mean age of 63 years and a range of 36-77 years. RESULTS Thoracoscopic esophageal mobilizations were successful in 17 patients. Four patients were converted to open thoracotomy. Laparoscopic gastric mobilizations were successful in eight patients and only one patient was converted to laparotomy. Mortality was one (3.5%), and perioperative morbidity was nine (32%), including pneumonia, pleural effusion, wound infection, anastomosic leakage, and hoarseness. CONCLUSION Minimally invasive esophagectomy is feasible and can be performed at the Prince of Songkla University Hospital. Optimal results require appropriate patient selection and surgeon experience.