Hybrid Minimally-invasive Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: Clinical and Oncological Outcomes.

Background/aim: Esophagectomy is a major surgical procedure associated with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality that has traditionally been performed by an open approach. Although minimally invasive procedures for benign esophageal disease have been widely accepted worldwide, they have not yet been established for the treatment of malignancy.

Patients And Methods: A total of 137 consecutive hybrid esophagectomies for cancer were performed by the same surgical team. Surgical approach included either 2-stage or 3-stage hybrid minimally-invasive esophagectomy.

Results: Median age of patients was 64 years. Respiratory complication and anastomotic leak rates were 16.78% and 9.48%, respectively. Median follow-up was 48 months with median overall survival and disease free survival were 58 and 48 months, respectively.

Conclusion: Advances in minimally invasive surgery can benefit patients with esophageal cancer, mainly by reducing post-operative respiratory complications. Hybrid esophagectomy is safe and feasible in tertiary esophago-gastric centers with vast expertise that can lead to improved clinical and oncological outcomes.