Retrosternal gastric reconstruction after esophagectomy using the “waterfall” method for posterior mediastinal dead space filling | Synapse
April 10, 2026Open Access
Retrosternal gastric reconstruction after esophagectomy using the “waterfall” method for posterior mediastinal dead space filling
Key Points
To evaluate the safety and feasibility of the waterfall method for reconstructing the posterior mediastinal space after esophagectomy.
Performed esophagectomy on high-risk cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC)
Applied the waterfall method to fill posterior mediastinal dead space
Monitored gastric conduit alignment and function post-surgery
The waterfall method effectively filled the posterior mediastinal dead space
Gastric conduit function and alignment were preserved after the procedure
Demonstrated safety in high-risk patients with ESCC
Abstract
The waterfall method is a safe and feasible technique for filling the posterior mediastinal dead space after esophagectomy while preserving gastric conduit alignment and function in high-risk ESCC cases.