"Tubeless" esophagectomy: Less is more

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Esophageal cancer surgery is complex, with high morbidity and mortality rates.
• Optimal outcomes require high-volume centers with multidisciplinary support and adherence to clinical guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the initial experience and technique of "tubeless" esophagectomy.
• To evaluate the potential of this approach to reduce surgical aggression and enhance recovery.

Main Methods:

• Esophageal resection and mediastinal lymphadenectomy were performed.
• No drains or tubes were placed postoperatively (tubeless technique).

Main Results:

• The "tubeless" esophagectomy technique was successfully implemented.
• The approach aims to decrease surgical aggression, improve postoperative comfort, and accelerate patient recovery.

Conclusions:

• The "tubeless" esophagectomy represents a novel approach to esophageal cancer surgery.
• Further evaluation is needed to confirm its benefits in reducing morbidity and mortality.