Can esophagectomy be done with minimally invasive techniques?

Minimally invasive esophagectomy involves removal of the esophagus and lymph nodes just as in open surgery for esophageal cancer. Columbia surgeons are pioneers in minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE), and train surgeons around the world in MIE techniques. Our program uses MIE for 80% of esophageal procedures. We perform all of these procedures using minimally invasive approach, although open surgery may be more appropriate depending upon the patient's clinical characteristics and the location of the diseased portion of the esophagus.