Minimally invasive esophagectomy: the current state of affairs

Surgery is the mainstay of curative treatment in patients with locoregional esophageal cance. Esophagectomy is a technically challenging procedure; however, recent data suggests that perioperative outcomes are improving. Minimally invasive techniques for esophageal resection were developed with the aim of decreasing morbidity associated with open surgery. The major benefit of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is in its potential to reduce postoperative pulmonary infections. Current reports demonstrate that MIE is safe and feasible. In this paper we provide a review of the critical technical aspects of MIE and compare outcomes with open esophagectomy.