Use of endoluminal illuminated bougie during laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery of the esophagus.

Newly developed endoscopic instruments and devices, along with advanced endoscopic surgical techniques, have made it possible to perform an increasing variety of endoscopic procedures. These procedures consist of the same steps employed in the open procedure that preceded them but avoid their large incisions. This in turn eliminates many of the disadvantages associated with laparotomy and thoracotomy incisions. Postoperative pain is greatly decreased, postoperative hospital stay is shortened, and return to normal activities is expedited. Postoperative complications as well as early and late morbidity related to the surgical wound (e.g. wound infection, incisional hernia, wound dehiscence) are minimized. The incidence of intraabdominal adhesions and both early and late postoperative intestinal obstruction are decreased. Cosmesis is dramatically enhanced.