Robotic Surgery in Esophageal Cancer Treatment: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Abstract

In recent years, robotic surgery has become increasingly popular as a surgical treatment for esophageal cancer, and reports on its outcomes are increasing. In particular, compared to endoscopic surgery, robotic surgery is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative complications and a reduction in surgical stress. Ongoing randomized controlled trials have focused on comparing the quality of lymph node dissection between robotic and thoracoscopic surgery, with some trials showing the superiority of robotic surgery. However, definitive conclusions regarding long-term outcomes or treatment efficacy comparisons remain elusive. Additionally, the adoption of robotic surgery presents challenges in terms of cost and technical requirements. Nevertheless, advancements in teleoperation and educational systems hold promise for enhancing the quality and accessibility of medical care. As robotic surgery assumes a pivotal role in the treatment of esophageal cancer, further advancements are anticipated.