Totally Versus Hybrid Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

In the researchers' words

Esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers remain associated with poor survival despite progress in multimodal treatment. Surgery, especially Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy, combined with peri-operative therapy improves survival but is burdened by major morbidity, mainly respiratory and anastomotic complications, which compromise recovery and adjuvant treatment. Minimally invasive approaches such as totally minimally invasive esophagectomy (TMIE) have shown potential to reduce postoperative morbidity compared to the hybrid approach (HE). However, existing studies are heterogeneous, mostly retrospective, and insufficient to establish a standard. This trial aims to provide high-level evidence comparing TMIE to HE, including robotic techniques, with integrated analyses of clinical outcomes, quality of life, and health economics.