Introduction: Gastric cardia cancer with involvement of the esophagus may require an esophagogastrectomy to obtain negative tumor margins. We have shown that minimally invasive esophagectomy is a safe approach for the treatment of esophageal cancer. We describe the technique of a minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy in a patient with a large gastric cardia tumor.
Methods: In the laparoscopic phase, the stomach and distal esophagus were mobilized. The stomach was divided and the gastric conduit was created. The specimen was removed through an extended abdominal port. In the thoracoscopic phase, the esophagus was mobilized and divided. A gastroesophageal anastomosis was created using a circular stapler.
Results: The operative time was 3.5 hrs. On postoperative day 2 the patient was transferred to the surgical floor and started on enteral feeds. On postoperative day 4 esophagram was negative for leaks or obstruction. Patient was started on an oral diet and discharged on postoperative day 5.
Conclusion: Minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy for the treatment of gastric cardia cancer is technically feasible and safe for the treatment of large gastric cardia tumor.
Session: Podium Presentation
Program Number: V009