Modified Intrathoracic Esophagogastrostomy with Minimally Invasive Robot-Assisted Ivor-Lewis Esophagectomy for Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy plays an important role in minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for cancer. Intrathoracic anastomosis with robot-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (RAILE) includes hand-sewn and circular stapler methods, which remain technically challenging. In this study, we modified the techniques for intrathoracic anastomosis at RAILE, in order to simplify the complex procedures. METHODS: "Side-insertion" technique was used for anvil placement and purse string suture for intrathoracic anastomosis at RAILE. Medical records for consecutive patients who had undergone robot-assisted minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for cancer between January 2015 and June 2018 were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of consecutive 31 patients were enrolled. There was no conversion to open thoracotomy in this cohort. Mean operation duration in the robotic group was 387.4 ± 68.2 min. Median estimated blood loss was 110 mL (range 50-400 mL). Two patients (6.5%) had postoperative anastomotic leak. No postoperative reoperation was needed and there were no mortality. Six patients (19.4%) had anastomotic stricture and 2 patients of them needed endoscopic dilation. CONCLUSION: RAILE is safe and feasible. Our modified procedure highlighting the "side-insertion" method may simplify the process of intrathoracic anvil placement and purse string suture for anastomosis at RAILE.