fig5

Figure 5. Intraoperative views of middle mediastinal lymphadenectomy in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy in the semi-prone position. (A) The azygos vein arch was excised using a linear stapler; (B) The middle thoracic esophagus was retracted using a Teflon tape below the tracheal bifurcation; (C) Lymph node no. 109R was dissected using Maryland bipolar forceps or a vessel sealer; (D) Lymph node nos. 107 and 109L were dissected using Maryland bipolar forceps or a vessel sealer. A: Assistant; AV: azygos vein; Eso: esophagus; LH: left hand; LS: linear stapler; Lt Br: left bronchus; RH: right hand; Rt Br: right bronchus.