fig2

Figure 2. (A) Lymph node dissection of the tracheal bifurcation. The yellow arrow indicates the tracheal sheath; (B) Peri-aortic dissection of the descending aorta. Yellow arrows indicate the ligament interpleural de Morosow; (C) Lymph node dissection around the right recurrent laryngeal nerve. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified at the recurrent part (yellow arrow); (D) Lymph node dissection around the right recurrent laryngeal nerve. The red arrow indicates the tracheoesophageal sheath; (E) Intraoperative view after lymph node dissection around the right recurrent laryngeal nerve; (F) Lymph node dissection around the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. The dissected tissues were temporarily gathered on the esophageal side along the inner surface of the tracheoesophageal sheath; (G) Lymph node dissection around the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. The ventrally-dropped lymphatic chain was explored to the pre-tracheal border, then clipped and dissected; (H) Intraoperative view after lymph node dissection around the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. AZ: Azygos arch; E: esophagus; Lt. RLN: left recurrent laryngeal nerve; Rt. RLN: right recurrent laryngeal nerve; TD: thoracic duct; Tr: trachea.