OBJECTIVETo compare the effect of minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with traditional Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy on the quality of life in patients with middle thoracic esophageal carcinoma.

METHODSRetrospective analysis was performed on 121 patients with middle thoracic esophageal carcinoma, of whom sixty patients underwent minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy(endoscopic group) and sixty-one patients underwent traditional Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (open group). All the items of EORTC questionnaire QLQ-C30, seven items of QLQ-OES18 and two additional items(right upper limbs activity obstacle and numbness of right chest wall) were used to evaluate the quality of life.

RESULTSThe scores of global quality of life, physical functioning, role functioning, social functioning, fatigue, pain, dyspnea and troublesome coughing were more favourable in endoscopy group than those in open group at 4-week and 12-week after operation(P<0.05). However, the advantage of endoscopy group only sustained in global quality of life, physical functioning and fatigue at 24-week after operation(P<0.05). Furthermore, the scores of pain, right upper limbs activity obstacle and numbness of right chest wall were less in endoscopy group than those in open group at 4-week, 12-week and 24-week after operation.

CONCLUSIONMinimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy is associated with less trauma, shorter time of recovery and better postoperative quality of life.