One hundred years of evolution of esophageal surgical approach and clinical significance
Chen, K-neng.
Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi 15(9): 886-888
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1671-0274 PMID: 23155536 Document Number: 657199
Esophageal surgery has developed for almost 100 years. Esophagectomy can be performed via left, right thoracotomy, even via hiatus without thoracotomy due to its unique anatomic characteristics. Left thoracotomy was the initial approach in the world, and has still been performed by Chinese colleagues, but Ivor Lewis (right side thoracotomy) procedure is popular in western countries. Currently, esophagectomy by right thoracotomy has been accepted worldwide since its radical dissection for tumor. Therefore, video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy based on right thoracotomy will be the mainstream surgery for esophageal cancer in the future since its minimal invasion and tumor dissection.