Achieving textbook outcomes with robotic-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy: a single-center experience with 150 consecutive patients

Abstract

Background

With published randomized data, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has become increasingly popular. However, substantial variability in techniques and outcomes still exists.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 150 consecutive robotic-assisted MIEs (RAMIEs) from a prospectively maintained database from 2020 to 2024 at a single comprehensive cancer center. This study aimed to evaluate the textbook outcome rates after RAMIE.

Results

A total of 150 consecutive patients underwent RAMIE from 2020 to 2024. Tumor location included the esophagus in 18 patients, type 1 gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) in 52 patients, type 2 GEJ in 71 patients, and type 3 GEJ in 9 patients. Most patients had clinical stage T3 tumors. Neoadjuvant therapy was used in 85% of the patients. A complete pathologic response was observed in 27% of patients. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved was 21. Anastomotic leak occurred in 2 patients, none of whom required reoperation. The median hospital stay duration was 7 days. The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 0.7% and 1.3%, respectively. In addition, the 90-day stricture rate after endoscopic dilation was 0.7%. Of note, 90% of patients had a textbook outcome.

Conclusion

This single-center experience highlights that the combination of a robotic platform and a side-to-side stapled anastomotic technique helps achieve exceptional postoperative outcomes for MIE, with a textbook outcome rate of 90%. With the increasing worldwide adoption of MIE, this seems to be an appropriate time to standardize operative techniques to optimize postoperative outcomes.