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Minimally invasive esophagectomy performed with the patient in a prone position: a systematic review

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Abstract

Purpose

We reviewed the surgical results of minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, performed with the patient in a prone position (MIE-PP), to assess its benefits.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed, and articles that fully described the surgical results of MIE-PP were selected. Parameters such as operative time, blood loss, and postoperative outcomes were compared with those obtained for open transthoracic esophagectomy (OE) and minimally invasive esophagectomy in a lateral decubitus position (MIE-LP).

Results

The conversion rate from MIE-PP to open surgery was very low. MIE-PP was associated with longer operative time and lower blood loss than OE. Although studies from a single institution did not show an apparent difference in morbidity or mortality among the three operative groups, results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial showed a reduction in pulmonary infection and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in MIE-PP, compared with OE. The benefits of MIE-PP vs. those of MIE-LP remain controversial.

Conclusion

Theoretically, the operative results of MIE-PP might be better than those of MIE-LP for patients with esophageal cancer; however, studies have not yet verified this. Further clinical studies are required to establish whether the advantages of MIE-PP can be translated into clinical outcome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Esophageal Surgery Division, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan

    Kazuo Koyanagi & Yuji Tachimori

  2. Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan

    Soji Ozawa

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  1. Kazuo Koyanagi
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  2. Soji Ozawa
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  3. Yuji Tachimori
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Correspondence to Kazuo Koyanagi.

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Koyanagi, K., Ozawa, S. & Tachimori, Y. Minimally invasive esophagectomy performed with the patient in a prone position: a systematic review. Surg Today 46, 275–284 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-015-1164-9

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