Transthoracic esophagectomy in esophageal cancer

Various methods can be used for esophageal resection and reconstruction in esophageal cancer. tumor location and stage, length of tumor segment, age of patient, comorbidities, and history of gastrointestinal surgery of the patient are effective for selection of method. transthoracic approach is the most commonly way when thoracotomy is required. transthoracic approach can be combined with laparotomy and servical incision in different ways; thus, resection of upper, middle and lower esophagus and reconstruction can be performed easily. mediastinal lymph node dissection is the most important advantage of its. transthoracic approach is required, when exploration of thoracic inlet is considered, or in suspicion of tumoral invasion of the trachea.