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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
Minimally invasive esophagectomy: state of the art
M S Kent1, M Schuchert, H Fernando
1The Heart, Lung and Esophageal Surgery Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232, USA.
Abstract:
Open esophagectomy is associated with significant mortality and morbidity, even in experienced centers. Two of the more frequent complications following esophagectomy are pneumonia and respiratory failure. Single-institution series have suggested that the incidence of these complications may be decreased with minimally invasive esophagectomy, with equivalent survival compared to open esophagectomy. However, this operation is technically challenging. In this review we detail the procedure as performed in our center, and also discuss some recent developments.
