Surgical Approaches to Esophageal Duplication Cysts
Summary
Esophageal duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies arising from aberrant foregut development, typically presenting along the thoracic oesophagus but occasionally extending into the cervical or abdominal regions. Surgical excision remains the definitive treatment to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications such as infection, bleeding or malignant transformation, and confirm diagnosis histologically. Traditional open thoracotomy and laparotomy techniques have gradually given way to minimally invasive strategies, notably thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approaches. These techniques offer reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery, while maintaining the safety and efficacy of cyst removal. Key considerations in surgical planning include precise preoperative imaging to define cyst location and relations to adjacent structures, the presence of ectopic mucosa or pancreatic tissue, and the assessment of blood supply. Intraoperative adjuncts such as endoscopic guidance and perfusion assessment can enhance preservation of healthy oesophageal tissue and reduce the risk of postoperative complications. In selected cases, fundoplication may be performed concurrently to address or prevent gastro-oesophageal reflux, particularly when the cyst lies near the gastro-oesophageal junction. The evolving spectrum of surgical options underscores a shift towards tailored, patient-centred care that balances radical cyst resection with minimisation of procedural morbidity.
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Surgical Approaches to Esophageal Duplication Cysts publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in surgical approaches to esophageal duplication cysts across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Esophageal duplication cyst: A congenital cystic lesion within or adjacent to the oesophageal wall, characterised by an epithelial lining and smooth-muscle layers.
Laparoscopy: Minimally invasive surgery performed via small abdominal incisions using a camera and specialised instruments.
Thoracoscopy: Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery of the chest cavity, allowing access to mediastinal and pulmonary structures through small intercostal ports.
Indocyanine green fluorescence: A dye-based imaging technique used intraoperatively to visualise tissue perfusion under near-infrared light.
Fundoplication: A surgical procedure in which the gastric fundus is wrapped around the lower oesophagus to reinforce the lower oesophageal sphincter and prevent reflux.
References
- Laparoscopic surgery for an esophageal duplication cyst using a near‐infrared indocyanine green fluorescence system: A case report. Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery (2019).
- Laparoscopic resection of an intra-abdominal esophageal duplication cyst in the ileum: a case report. Surgical Case Reports (2022).
- Thoracoscopic resection of thoracic esophageal duplication cyst containing ectopic pancreatic tissue in adult. Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery (2011).
- Double esophageal duplication cysts, with ectopic gastric mucosa: a case report. Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery (2013).
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