Mediastinal lymphnode dissection procedure during esophageal cancer operation--carefully considered for preserving respiratory function.

In 22 patients with esophageal cancer, mediastinal lymphnode dissection procedure, with preservation of the right bronchial artery and pulmonary branches of the right vagus nerve, was performed during radical esophagectomy. In patients who underwent this procedure, respiratory function was sufficiently maintained against severe complications and the operative and hospital death rate was less than that of other esophagectomized patients.