Li LQ, Jiao Y. Risk and management of adverse events in minimally invasive esophagectomy. World J Gastrointest Surg 2025; 17(3): 103941 [DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v17.i3.103941]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Yan Jiao, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China. lagelangri1@126.com
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Gastrointest Surg. Mar 27, 2025; 17(3): 103941 Published online Mar 27, 2025. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v17.i3.103941
Risk and management of adverse events in minimally invasive esophagectomy
Li-Qun Li, Yan Jiao
Li-Qun Li, The Third Operating Room, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
Yan Jiao, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
Author contributions: Jiao Y contributed to the writing, editing of the manuscript and table; Li LQ contributed to the discussion and design of the manuscript; Li LQ contributed to the literature search; Jiao Y designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript. All authors have read and approve the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Yan Jiao, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China. lagelangri1@126.com
Received: December 5, 2024 Revised: January 19, 2025 Accepted: February 7, 2025 Published online: March 27, 2025 Processing time: 81 Days and 12.5 Hours
Abstract
Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has transformed esophageal surgery by reducing morbidity, accelerating recovery, and improving postoperative outcomes compared to traditional open esophagectomy. By utilizing techniques such as laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, and robotic-assisted approaches, MIE minimizes surgical trauma while maintaining oncological thoroughness. However, it also presents unique challenges, including risks of complications such as anastomotic leakage, pulmonary complications, and atrial fibrillation. Zhong et al developed and validated a risk stratification model for predicting surgical adverse events after MIE, enhancing preoperative assessment and patient management. This editorial further examines the advantages of MIE, its comparable oncological and long-term outcomes, as well as the incidence and contributing factors of postoperative complications. Emerging technologies, including machine learning models, intraoperative nerve monitoring, and robotic-assisted surgery, are highlighted as innovative solutions for risk prediction and prevention. Strategies such as enhanced recovery after surgery protocols and multidisciplinary collaboration are emphasized for their critical roles in minimizing complications and optimizing patient outcomes. By addressing these aspects, this editorial provides guidance to surgical teams in maximizing the benefits of MIE while effectively managing its associated risks.
Core Tip: Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) offers significant benefits, including reduced morbidity, faster recovery, and comparable oncological outcomes to open esophagectomy. This study highlights key complications such as anastomotic leakage, pulmonary issues, and atrial fibrillation, while identifying risk factors including high body mass index and comorbidities. Emerging technologies like machine learning, intraoperative nerve monitoring, and robotic-assisted surgery enhance risk prediction and surgical precision. Strategies like enhanced recovery after surgery protocols and multidisciplinary approaches are emphasized for their role in minimizing complications and optimizing recovery. This editorial guides surgical teams in maximizing MIE’s benefits while effectively managing associated risks.
