Aortic valve replacement via left thoracotomy after an esophageal operation.

Aortic valve replacement was performed through a left anterolateral thoracotomy using cardiopulmonary bypass in a 59-year-old man who had previously received esophageal resection with substernal reconstruction by gastric tube. Through this approach, injury of the reconstructed tube was avoided and the valve replacement operation was safely performed. We conclude that the lateral thoracotomy approach remains a valuable alternative for certain exceptional cases.