OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and safety of video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma and gastro-esophageal anastomosis in right thoracic cavity.

METHODSThe clinical data of 120 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma and gastro-esophageal anastomosis in right thoracic cavity from March to December 2011 was analyzed retrospectively. In the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group, there were 60 patients [41 male and 19 female patients with aver age of (62 ± 7) years old] who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma and gastro-esophageal anastomosis in right thoracic cavity. In the routine thoracotomy group, there were 60 patients [39 male and 21 female patients with aver age of (62 ± 9) years old] who underwent routine thoracotomy esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma and gastro-esophageal anastomosis in right thoracic cavity. Operation time, intra-operative blood loss, postoperative total thoracic drainage in 3 days, total number of harvested lymph nodes, hospitalization, cost of hospitalization and complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTThe operations were carried out successfully in two groups. There was no perioperative death in all patients. There was no statistical difference in intra-operative blood loss, postoperative total thoracic drainage and cost of hospitalization between the two groups. Operation time of rideo-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group was significantly longer than that of thoracotomy group ((188 ± 38) minutes vs. (138 ± 50) minutes, t = 6.171, P = 0.000), but postoperative hospitalization was significantly lower ((14 ± 3) d vs. (18 ± 6) d, t = -4.093, P = 0.000) and total number of harvested lymph nodes was lower (17 ± 9 vs. 21 ± 11, t = -2.058, P = 0.042). There was significantly statistical difference in total postoperative main complication (25.0% vs. 48.3%, χ(2) = 7.033, P = 0.008). And postoperative incisional infection of VATE group patients was significantly lower than that of thoracotomy group patients (6.7% vs. 25.0%, χ(2) = 7.566, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONSVideo-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma and gastro-esophageal anastomosis in right thoracic cavity is technically feasible and safe, with minimized trauma and quick recovery. The recent result is satisfactory.