Background Intra-thoracic stomach (ITS) is a rare type of hiatal hernia. Laparoscopic surgery for ITS is technically demanding due to the distorted surgical anatomy. We incorporated assistive esophagoscopy during laparoscopic surgery for ITS. In this study, we assessed the clinical value of esophagoscopy in laparoscopic surgery.Methods A retrospective data analysis of 11 consecutive patients with ITS was conducted. Laparoscopic surgery was conducted using a standard five-port technique, with the combination of carbon dioxide insufflating flexible esophagoscopy. The main indications for esophagoscopy were, (1) to demonstrate the course of esophagus and stomach during trans-hiatal mediastinal dissection, (2) to identify important anatomic landmarks, e.g., esophago-gastric junction, and (3) to calibrate the esophageal lumen during cruroplasty and/or fundoplication. Data included patient demographics, types of procedures, rate of conversion and/or complications, and surgical outcome.
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