Background: The laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy for benign or malignant disease is a complex operation associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. In the last decade this procedure gained popularity and acceptance for treatment of the esophagus cancer and other benign diseases.
Aim: To perform a retrospective analysis in patients with esophageal cancer that was underwent a laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy, demonstrated pre and post operative complications and immediate result.
Methods: From November 1993 to June 2005, 72 patients underwent laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy. Sixty-four with malignant neoplasm of esophagus. The males are predominant, and the mean age was 56.5 years. The abdominal part of the operation was totally laparoscopic and the cervical one was made the conventional way. The stomach was pulled up to the neck by the posterior mediastinum.
Results: The laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy was initiated in 64 patients. Four patients were converted to open surgery. The mean operation time was 153 minutes. The incidence of cervical fistula was 14.06%. The mortality rate 5.6%.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy is a secure option in experience centers. The morbility is low, with a faster return to normal activity. Maybe in fact this procedure may be reminded and ponder in the treatment of esophageal disease.