The Impact of Minimally Invasive Esophageal Surgery.

Many esophageal patients with cancer were undertreated for their malignancy, which played a role in the poor long-term survival rate. Surgeons have been eager to see real change in short-term and long-term outcomes. Dramatic and profound advances continue toward improving surgical outcomes, techniques, and expanding the reach of esophagectomy, especially the use of minimally invasive techniques. This article discusses the surgical innovations that have occurred in the last decade and their impact on patients with esophageal cancer.