Two difficult cases, requiring high technology
Doctors of Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery 1, K Hospital have just successfully performed two cases of complex esophageal cancer using 3D endoscopic esophageal resection combined with 3-zone lymph node dissection (neck - chest - abdomen). After 72 hours, the patient recovered well and was eligible for discharge, showing the effectiveness of this specialized technique.
The first patient, 48 years old, was admitted to the hospital with prolonged suffocation, diagnosed with under-1/3 esophageal cancer in a progressive stage. The second patient, 61 years old, with middle 1/3 esophageal cancer, had undergone preoperative chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Both cases were indicated for 3D laparoscopic esophageal surgery with 3-zone lymph node dissection - a complex technique requiring simultaneous intervention in multiple surgical locations.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kim Van Vu, Head of Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery 1, K Hospital, said: The treatment of esophageal cancer needs to combine multiple modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunization. In which, surgery plays a key role when the tumor still has the ability to intervene radically.
Challenges during surgery
This is a type of surgery that lasts 7–8 hours, requiring close coordination between the surgeon and the anesthesia and resuscitation team. One of the most difficult steps is the dissection of the lymph nodes around the inverted laryngeal nerve – if the lesions can cause hoarseness, dysphagia, or postoperative inhalation pneumonia.
Thanks to experience and in-depth training at major centers, the surgical team successfully performed the surgery, ensuring safety. After surgery, the patient was applied the early recovery program (ERAS), starting to eat liquid from the 3rd day and progressing well.
