Strategies and technical key points of lymph node dissection along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve in robot-assisted esophagectomy

VernacularTitle:机器人手术系统辅助食管切除术左侧喉返神经旁淋巴结清扫策略和技术要点
Author: Xiaobin SHANG ; Xiaofeng DUAN ; Jie YUE ; Zhao MA ; Chuangui CHEN ; Chen ZHANG ; Dawang QU ; Hongjing JIANG
From: Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2021;20(5):497-503
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Esophagectomy and lymph node dissection are the cornerstones for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Upper mediastinal lymph node dissection is of great value for accurate staging and improving the prognosis of patients. Lymph node dissection along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve is the most challenging procedures in esophageal surgery, and there has been no relevant consensus on the scope and boundary of lymph node dissection. In recent years, with the application of endoscopic technology, especially robotic surgery system in esophagectomy, and the introduction of the concept of superior mediastinal microdissection, the authors have proposed the border of lymph node dissection along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, so as to achieve precise, radical and standardized dissection. Combined with their own experiences, the authors elaborate on the anatomic boundary, extent and technique of lymph node dissection along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve.