Robotic assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy: Ivor-Lewis approach

Abstract

: Recent published data indicate robotic assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) can achieve comparable, if not superior outcomes to minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). Several studies have demonstrated improved postoperative pain and decreased cardiopulmonary complications following RAMIE for resectable intrathoracic esophageal cancer compared to MIE. Superior three-dimensional visualization and increased instrument precision result in greater lymph node harvest and ensures R0 resection without an increase in intraoperative complications or anastomotic leaks. Herein the authors describe their recent adoption of RAMIE as the standard of care over MIE for patients with resectable esophageal cancer. The authors present a detailed approach to preoperative considerations, intraoperative technical nuances and technique and postoperative outcomes and follow-up following RAMIE. An up to date review of the literature is presented and congruently acknowledges RAMIE as a feasible and safe alternative to MIE with comparable oncologic outcomes.