Review of different approaches of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve area for lymphadenectomy during minimally invasive esophagectomy

In order to perform the total mediastinal lymphadenectomy during minimally invasive esophageal resection, doing the lymphadenectomy along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (LRLN) may be a difficult part of this intervention. One reason is the need for the correct visualization of the area; another is not wanting to compromise the integrity of the nerve. In this review article the different modalities for approaching this upper mediastinal area by thoracoscopy are described.