Operative Challenges with Minimally Invasive McKeown Esophagostomy with Two-Field Lymphadenectomy in a Case of Situs Inversus Totalis with Carcinoma Esophagus: A Case Report with Review of the Literature

Abstract

Situs inversus totalis is an uncommon anatomical congenital anomaly characterized by complete transposition of viscera with right-to-left reversal across the sagittal plane. Consequently, surgery in such cases is more technically challenging and requires a complete reorientation of visual-motor coordination skills. We describe a case of a 50-year-old gentleman with locally advanced lower esophagus carcinoma post-neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with situs inversus totalis and treated with minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy using a left thoracoscopic, laparoscopic-assisted and right cervical approach. The operative procedure and difficulties during surgery are highlighted. Minimal invasive esophagectomy is safe and feasible in situs inversus totalis. Recognition of the anatomy with a meticulous preoperative planning is advocated for an uneventful operative intervention.