Robotic-Assisted Esophageal Surgery.
BACKGROUND
The adoption of minimally invasive approaches to the management of esophageal disease has been slow, except for the laparoscopic management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, the advent of new surgical technologies - in particular, robotic-assisted surgical systems - has revolutionized esophageal surgery.


METHODS
The literature was systematically reviewed using the keywords "robotic," "esophageal surgery," "esophagectomy," "fundoplication," and "esophageal myotomy." The reference lists from these articles were then also analyzed.


RESULTS
Forty-nine studies were included in our comprehensive review of robotic-assisted esophageal surgery, and they consisted of literature reviews, case reports, retrospective and prospective case series, and randomized controlled trials.


CONCLUSIONS
Robotic-assisted esophageal surgery is a safe and effective way of treating esophageal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, achalasia, leiomyomas, and cancer. The use of robotic surgical systems has many benefits for managing disorders of the esophagus, but more studies, including randomized controlled trials, are necessary.
Department of Thoracic Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Eric.Toloza@Moffitt.org.
David M
DM
Straughan
Said C
SC
Azoury
Robert D
RD
Bennett
Jose M
JM
Pimiento
Jacques P
JP
Fontaine
Eric M
EM
Toloza
D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000379:methods*; D018662:Fundoplication / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*