Reliable Surgical Techniques for Lymphadenectomy Along the Left Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve During Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy in the Prone Position

摘要

Background. Lymphadenectomy along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in esophageal cancer is important for disease control (1) but requires advanced dissection skills. We previously reported a reliable method (2) for lymphadenectomy along the left RLN during thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position (TEP). The goal of this method is complete dissection of the lymph nodes along the left RLN in a safe manner.