Semi-prone thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma with aberrant right subclavian artery and non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve

BACKGROUND: Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) accompanied by non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (NRILN) is a rare anomaly. In cases of thoracic esophageal carcinoma associated with ARSA and NRILN, surgeons must take extra care not to injury these vessels and nerves. We believe semi-prone thoracoscopic esophagectomy to be a surgical approach that can safely deal with such an anomaly. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old man complained of feelings of chest constriction. Endoscopic examination revealed an esophageal tumor and computed tomography showed an ARSA. We performed semi-prone thoracoscopic esophagectomy for case with ARSA and NRILN. We identified these anomalies during esophagectomy, and we could complete surgery without injury these vessels and nerves. The patient had an uneventful recovery and discharged 22 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Semi-prone thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma can be performed safely with a wide operative field, and is an excellent procedure for dissecting esophageal carcinoma in patients with ARSA and NRILN.