46. THORACOSCOPIC REPAIR OF IATROGENIC INJURY TO THE THORACIC AORTA DURING MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY

Description of video:

Background

We present the case of a 75-year-old male patient with locally advanced Siewert Type 2 gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma post neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Inadvertent through-and-through piercing of the lower thoracic aorta with the tip of an energy device just above the diaphragm was sustained during the thoracoscopic esophageal dissection phase of the three-field minimally-invasive McKeown approach.

Methods

The procedure proceed thoracoscopically. The lower thoracic aorta was dissected and mobilized proximally and distally, and clamped on both ends with the introduction of Debakey clamps directly through separate small incisions in the chest wall. Primary repair of both anterior and posterior defects was then performed with monofilament non-absorbable sutures. Total clamp time was 30 minutes (in 15-minute intervals).

Results

Post-repair, perfusion status to the distal viscera and lower limbs were verified and intact. The rest of the operation then proceeded uneventfully. A Computed Tomography scan of the thoracic aorta on postoperative day 14 showed a patent thoracic aorta with no intraluminal narrowing or thrombosis.

Conclusion

Thoracoscopic repair of aortic injury sustained during the thoracoscopic dissection phase of a minimally invasive esophagectomy can be performed safely in well-selected, haemodynamically stable patients.

Drpbox link to video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xbwt6ge23iywr3m/aorta3mus1.mp4?dl=0.