No abstract

Video-assisted thoracoscopic radical esophagectomy can be performed with safety and efficacy comparable to those of open esophagectomy. Morbidity decreases with the surgeon's experience.

Thoracoscopic radical esophagectomy has less morbidity and comparable survival to conventional surgery, after a moderate amount of experience. Mini-thoracotomy is essential to perform the procedure safely and effectively.

The laparoscopic technique is not only less invasive, but also similarly safe and curative compared with open gastrectomy.

As among persons with normal anatomy, occasional p a t i e n t s w i t h s i t u s i nv e r s u s d e v e l o p m a l i g n a n t tumors. Recently, several laparoscopic operations have been reported in patients with situs inversus. We d e s c r i b e l a p a r o s c o p i c h e m i c o l e c t o m y w i t h radical lymphadenectomy in such a patient. Careful consideration of the mirror-image anatomy permitted safe operation using techniques not otherwise differing from those in ordinary cases. Thus, curative laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer in the presence of situs inversus is feasible and safe.