A Case of Transhiatal Esophagectomy for Thoracic Esophageal Cancer Diagnosed During Follow-Up after Total Laryngopharyngoesophagectomy

Abstract

A 73-year-old man was diagnosed with esophageal cancer during postoperative follow-up for hypopharyngeal cancer. He had undergone a laryngopharyngoesophagectomy with free jejunal reconstruction and had a tracheotomy. The CT scan revealed severe emphysema and chronic inflammatory changes, and respiratory function tests revealed a mixed pattern with obstructive and restrictive components. He was considered for radical operation. However，since he had a severe respiratory condition, transhiatal esophagectomy was performed to prevent respiratory complications. Abdominal cavity and mediastinum manipulations were performed laparoscopically, and neck manipulations were performed with consideration given to damage to the transplanted free jejunum and ischemia of the tracheostomy. The postoperative course was uneventful without any respiratory complications, anastomotic leakage, or tracheal necrosis. He was discharged on the 25th postoperative day. We report the case of a patient with esophageal cancer and comorbid respiratory disease after hypopharyngeal cancer surgery who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy with a favorable outcome.