Title : Robotic-assisted 3-hole Esophagectomy for Cancer
Abstract:
Esophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Esophagectomy remains the standard for the long-term survival of patients with early stage and advanced esophageal cancer, and improved perioperative care and advanced surgical techniques have contributed to reduced postoperative morbidity. However, despite these advances, esophagectomy continues to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Minimally invasive esophageal surgery has been increasingly used in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer. Potential advantages include the decreased postoperative pain, lower postoperative wound infection, decreased pulmonary complications, and decreased length of hospitalization. Robotic esophagectomy is an increasingly used minimally invasive modality. Patients who are candidates for traditional, open esophagectomy are typically also candidates for robotic esophagectomy. Knowledge of and training on the robotic platform is critical for success. Robotic-assisted 3-hole esophagectomy with anastomosis in the neck is a safe and feasible method of minimally-invasive esophagectomy. In this video presentation, we describe our technical approach to a robotic-assisted 3-hole esophagectomy describing the thoracic and abdominal phases of the operation, and the anastomosis on the left side of the neck. We also review the most recent clinical outcomes of this approach and make comparisons with other techniques. Advantages and disadvantages to robotic esophagectomy are discussed.
