Clinical application of thoracoscopic surgery for esophageal neoplasms in lateral prone position

Thirty-three patients with esophageal carcinoma (T3N1M0 or less) underwent thoracoscopic surgery in lateral prone position for esophagectomy from February 2010 to November 2012. Their postoperative outcomes and survivals were retrospectively analyzed. The results confirmed the feasibility and safety of this mini-invasive thoracoscopic procedure in lateral prone position for patients with esophageal carcinoma. A possible advantage of lateral prone technique is that in case of an emergency switch to open surgery, precious time may be saved in changing body position. Key words: Esophageal neoplasms; Posture