[Minimally invasive esophagectomy with 10 cm thoracotomy assisted thoracoscopy for the thoracic esophageal cancer].

We have been successfully performing minimally invasive esophagectomy through a 10-cm thoracotomy and two trocar ports. Esophagectomy can be performed safely and efficiently via the thoracoscopy. We have also adapted hand assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) for the abdominal procedure through a 7-cm laparotomy and three trocar ports. One of the important points of esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer is performing lymphadenectomy near either side recurrent laryngeal nerve. Another important point is to preserve the bronchial branch of the vagus nerve and both bronchial arteries if they are without cancerous invasion. We also preserve the azygos vein and the thoracic duct to minimize surgical invasion. Standard thoracotomy and laparotomy are significantly invasive procedures with potential complications and prolonged healing; minimally invasive esophagectomy has the potential to minimize morbidity and decrease healing time.