Thoracolaparoscopic Esophagectomy for Severe Post-Corrosive Esophageal Stricture in a Young Adult: Implications for Minimally Invasive Surgical Practice.

BACKGROUND Post-corrosive esophageal stricture (PCES) is a severe condition resulting from caustic ingestion that often leads to progressive dysphagia and requires surgical intervention after endoscopic treatment failure. Although minimally invasive esophagectomy is widely used in oncologic practice, its role in PCES remains limited due to the technical challenges posed by dense fibrosis and distorted anatomy. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 21-year-old man with severe PCES after accidental ingestion of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄). The patient developed progressive dysphagia despite repeated bougienage. Thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction was performed. The procedure was technically demanding because of dense periesophageal fibrosis, distorted anatomical landmarks, and collateral vascularization. Careful stepwise dissection and meticulous hemostasis enabled successful completion of the operation. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 10. At the 3-month follow-up, normal oral intake had been restored, without evidence of anastomotic complications or reflux. CONCLUSIONS This case demonstrates the technical feasibility of thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction in a carefully selected patient with severe PCES after failed endoscopic treatment. A minimally invasive approach may be considered in specialized centers with appropriate expertise. However, conclusions regarding safety, comparative effectiveness, or routine clinical use cannot be drawn from a single case.