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Surgical Endoscopy

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01-06-2014

Feasibility of a robot-assisted thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy along the recurrent laryngeal nerves in radical esophagectomy for esophageal squamous carcinoma

Authors: Dae Joon Kim, Seong Yong Park, Seokki Lee, Hyoung-Il Kim, Woo Jin Hyung

Published in: Surgical Endoscopy | Issue 6/2014

Abstract

Background

Lymph node dissection along bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) is an essential component of radical esophagectomy for esophageal squamous carcinoma. However, it is associated with significant morbidity and requires a great deal of skill when performed with minimally invasive surgery.

Methods

Between October 2010 and July 2012, 40 consecutive patients underwent a robot-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy and total mediastinal lymphadenectomy. The lymph nodes along the dorsal side of the RLNs were removed in the initial 18 patients (group 1), and the RLNs were skeletonized by dissection of all the lymph nodes and surrounding fatty tissues in the following 22 patients (group 2).

Results

All but one patient underwent a successful robot-assisted, thoracoscopic esophagectomy. The mean operation time was 428.6 ± 75.0 min, and the mean robot console time was 186.7 ± 52.1 min. An average of 42.6 ± 14.1 nodes was retrieved, and the mean number of dissected nodes from the mediastinum and the RLN chains were 25.5 ± 9.6 and 9.6 ± 6.5, respectively. One mortality occurred (2.5 %), and the incidences of pneumonia and RLN palsy were 12.5 and 20 %, respectively. The mean robot console time was longer in group 2 (211.4 ± 49.5 min) than in group 1 (156.6 ± 38.2 min) (p < 0.001), and group 2 had higher mean numbers of dissected nodes from the mediastinum (30.3 ± 7.9 vs 19.6 ± 8.2; p < 0.001) and the RLN chains (13.5 ± 5.7 vs 4.8 ± 3.6; p < 0.001). Although RLN palsy was more common in group 2 (31.8 vs 5.6 %; p = 0.054), all palsies resolved within 1 year.

Conclusions

Robot-assisted thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy along bilateral RLNs was technically feasible and safe. Skeletonization of the RLNs yields more lymph nodes, but efforts should be made to decrease the incidence of RLN palsy.

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Title: Feasibility of a robot-assisted thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy along the recurrent laryngeal nerves in radical esophagectomy for esophageal squamous carcinoma
Authors: Dae Joon Kim
Seong Yong Park
Seokki Lee
Hyoung-Il Kim
Woo Jin Hyung
Publication date: 01-06-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Surgical Endoscopy / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 0930-2794
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2218
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-013-3406-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Feasibility of a robot-assisted thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy along the recurrent laryngeal nerves in radical esophagectomy for esophageal squamous carcinoma

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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