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Updated: May 24, 2026
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Laparoscopic Anterior Right Hepatectomy: A Single-Center Experience
Published on: December 4, 2023
Robot-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy: a 3-year single-center experience
D H Dunn1, E M Johnson, J A Morphew
1Esophageal and Gastric Cancer Program, Virginia Piper Cancer Institute, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55407, USA. docdunn3@comcast.net
Summary
Robotic transhiatal esophagectomy (RE) is a feasible minimally invasive option for esophageal cancer, offering benefits like reduced morbidity. While complication rates were initially higher, experience can improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Minimally invasive esophagectomy offers advantages over open procedures for esophageal cancer (EC).
- Robotic esophagectomy (RE) provides a minimally invasive approach for thoracic esophageal dissection.
- Transhiatal RE aims to reduce morbidity and hospital stays in EC management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the experience and outcomes of transhiatal robotic esophagectomy (RE) for resectable esophageal conditions.
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and associated morbidity of the transhiatal RE approach.
- To assess oncologic outcomes, including R0 resection and survival, in patients undergoing transhiatal RE.
Main Methods:
- Prospective collection of clinical data from 40 patients undergoing transhiatal RE between March 2007 and November 2010.
- Analysis of operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.
- Evaluation of oncologic outcomes including lymph node yield, R0 resection rates, and survival data.
Main Results:
- R0 resection was achieved in 94.7% of patients.
- Median operative time was 311 minutes with median blood loss of 97.2 mL.
- Common complications included anastomotic stricture (27), recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis (14), and anastomotic leak (10); however, most were temporary or manageable.
Conclusions:
- Transhiatal RE is a feasible, evolving oncologic operation with low hospital mortality.
- This minimally invasive technique allows mediastinal dissection without thoracotomy, offering reasonable operative times and minimal blood loss.
- Wider adoption in high-volume centers is expected to reduce complication rates, making transhiatal RE a viable option for selected EC patients.
