Subtotal esophagectomy: Transhiatal approach

Abstract

The surgical trauma of the transhiatal approach is less pronounced as compared to a transthoracic approach. On the other hand, the lymphatic clearance is less radical, at least for the mid and upper mediastinum. This is the reason why some surgeons are in favor of the transthoracic approach even for distal adenocarcinoma. Subtotal transhiatal esophagectomy is indicated for benign conditions and for distal carcinoma. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.