The surgery involves carefully removing tissue around the esophagus and nearby lymph nodes in the lower chest area, working from multiple directions to avoid damaging important structures.
Scientific Claim
The SP RACE procedure involves circumferential dissection of the esophagus and paraesophageal lymph nodes below the subcarinal level, ventrally from the pulmonary veins and pericardium, laterally from the mediastinal pleurae, and dorsally from the descending aorta.
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
probability
Can suggest probability/likelihood
Assessment Explanation
The study describes the surgical technique in detail. The claim is purely descriptive of the procedure steps, not making claims about outcomes.
Source Excerpt
“Below the subcarinal level, the esophagus and paraoesophageal lymph nodes are dissected circumferentially: ventrally from the pulmonary veins and pericardium, laterally from the mediastinal pleurae and dorsally from the descending aorta until the hiatus is reached (Video 10).”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Evidence (1)
The study describes the specific anatomical planes and structures involved in the lower mediastinal dissection phase of the procedure. This is a factual description of the surgical technique.