Minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in elderly patients

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the value of minimally invasive esophagectomy (combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in elderly patients (≥70 years). From January 2009 to December 2014, 58 consecutive patients aged older than 70 years with clinical stage stage I or II esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy. We reviewed shortand long-term outcomes. There were 41 men and 17 women with a median age of 74 years. Postoperative 30-day complications occurred in 21 patients. There was no 30-day death. Median hospital stay was 10 days. Median follow-up was 32 months. The 5-year overall survival and disease-free rates were 55% and 38% respectively. In summary, with appropriate selection of patients and procedures, minimally invasive esophagectomy (combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy) can be safely used for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in elderly patients with acceptable prognostic results.