OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of electronic fiberesophagoscopy in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for benign esophageal diseases.

METHODSWe determined the position of lesion, separated the lesion from the esophageal wall, resected the lesion and protected the esophageal mucosa during the process of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for benign esophageal diseases.

RESULTSThirty-six patients with benign esophageal disease underwent the operation successfully and recovered uneventfully. There was no operative death or severe perioperative complications such as esophago pleural fistula. Two patients were changed to undergo thoracotomy.

CONCLUSIONSElectronic fiberesophagoscopy is an essential equipment in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for benign esophageal diseases. It should be adopted as a routine equipment to ensure the accuracy, safety, reliability and convenience of this kind of operations.