Minimally invasive oesophagectomy for corrosive oesophageal strictures - A single-centre experience from central India.

Introduction: Corrosive ingestion is a common cause for benign oesophageal stricture in the developing countries. There is limited literature available on the minimally invasive surgical approach for the management of this condition. This study analyses our experience of managing corrosive oesophageal strictures by combined thoraco-laparoscopic approach.

Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis of 24 patients (22 - gastric conduit and 2 - colonic conduit) who underwent minimally invasive oesophagectomy for corrosive oesophageal strictures from January 2019 to December 2023 was done.

Results: The median age of the patients in the study group was 30.5 years (range 18-60 years). Eighteen patients had a history of accidental corrosive ingestion, and 6 patients with suicidal intent. Post-operative complications included chest infections in 6, recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis in 2, anastomotic leak in 2 and anastomotic stricture in 4 patients. There was one mortality.

Conclusion: Minimal invasive oesophagectomy for corrosive stricture is technically challenging and needs expertise. It not only permits the native and physiological route for conduit placement but also avoids complications related to retained diseased oesophagus.