Robot-assisted Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy with the Patient in the Prone Position

We describe a new technique of esophagectomy by robot-assisted thoracoscopy with the patient in the prone position, followed by laparoscopy and left cervicotomy with the patient in the supine position. We report two procedures performed November 2002 and September 2003. The technique should allow more thorough lymph node removal while reducing postoperative pain and morbidity. The thoracoscopy is robot-assisted and the articulations within the pleural cavity improve the surgeon's dexterity and reduce trocar movements. The prone position allows mobilization of the esophagus with only three trocars because the lung, which is partially deflated, does not block access. With the patient in the prone position, bleeding does not obscure the operative field. Stomach mobilization, gastric tube creation, and celiac lymphadenectomy are performed by laparoscopy. The esogastric anastomosis is a totally mechanical side-to-side anastomosis realized by left cervicotomy.