fig2

Figure 2. Dissection of lymph nodes around the left RLN. A: the esophagus was cut and the upper side mobilized and sewn to the chest wall; B: by compressing and rolling the trachea, we expanded the operative field of view on the left side and initiated lymph node dissection; C: using the glossy membrane as a landmark on the ventral side, we peeled off the adipose tissue including lymph nodes and proceeded cranially; D: the tissue to be dissected was peeled up behind the RLN; E: hemostasis was achieved by clipping the tracheoesophageal artery; F: connective tissue behind the RLN was cut to complete lymph node dissection around the left RLN. Ao: aorta; ESO: esophagus; TR: trachea; RLN: recurrent laryngeal nerve