Application of single-port video-assisted thoracoscope in treating thoracic oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma using McKeown approach.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the feasibility of single-port video-assisted thoracoscope (SPVATS) in treating thoracic oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC) using McKeown approach.

Materials and Methods: Totally 10 McKeown approach-based SPVATS surgeries (8 males and 2 females, aged 42-68 years) were carried out from January 2015 to December 2015 to treat TESCC, including one case in upper thoracic segment, 5 cases in median thoracic segment and 4 cases in inferior thoracic segment. All the cases were pathologically diagnosed as SCC pre-operatively. SPVATS was performed to free thoracic oesophagus and dissect the lymph nodes, and laparoscopy was performed to free stomach and to perform oesophagus-left gastric collum anastomosis.

Results: All the patients were successfully completed SPVATS, with average thoracic surgery time as 150 min, intra-operative blood loss as 30-260 ml (average 90 ml), and post-operative hospital stay as 9-16 days (average 12 days).

Conclusions: SPVATS was technically feasible and safe in treating TESCC using McKeown approach, with less trauma and rapid post-operative recovery, and hence, it could be used as a new surgical option for McKeown approach-based TESCC treatment.