Minimally invasive esophagectomy.
BACKGROUND
Minimally invasive esophagectomy has gained popularity over the past two decades. The procedural goal is to decrease the high overall morbidity of a traditional open esophageal resection. The entire spectrum of open esophagectomy techniques has been successfully replicated in a minimally invasive fashion.


CONCLUSIONS
Esophagectomy remains one of the most technically challenging operations, and developing the skills necessary for minimal invasive esophagectomy is associated with a steep learning curve. Minimally invasive approaches show most promise for benign disease and select early esophageal cancers, but their role in more advanced cancer remains controversial due to lack of long-term results.


CONCLUSIONS
As minimally invasive esophagectomy matures, its true value in both benign and malignant disorders will become better defined.
Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Oregon Clinic, Portland, OR 97210, USA. cdunst@orclinic.com
Christy M
CM
Dunst
Lee L
LL
Swanström
D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures