Robotic Esophageal Surgery

"Abnormalities of the esophagus (also called the food pipe) are often treated by surgery. Esophageal surgery was initially performed by making a lengthy incision in the chest or abdomen. With the introduction of minimally invasive techniques, the esophagus can be approached through much smaller incisions, significantly reducing complication rates and improving recovery time. However, a limited visual field and problems with instrument manipulation can sometimes compromise surgical results. Robotic surgery helps overcome these drawbacks and may be used to perform complex esophageal operations."