[Prerequisites for endoscopic esophagectomy]

Abstract

Blunt dissection of the esophagus is considered the least invasive technique in the treatment of either benign or malignant disease of the esophagus. Its disadvantage is that it has to be carried out blindly. In order to reduce the degree of invasiveness of the surgical procedure, a new endoscopic microsurgical technique for dissection of the esophagus has been developed and tried out in animals. Our new endoscopic microsurgical technique obviates a thoracotomy, while direct endoscopic vision results in improved dissection. The endoscopic view permits selective exposure of blood vessels and prevents injury to the adjacent organs.