Minimally Invasive <i>Versus</i> Open Ivor-Lewis Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer or Cancer of the Gastroesophageal Junction: Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes and Long-term Survival Using Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIM: Esophagectomy is crucial for achieving long-term survival in patients with esophageal cancer, while being associated with a significant risk of complications. Aiming to reduce invasiveness and morbidity, total minimal-invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been gradually implemented worldwide. The aim of the study was to compare MIE to open Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (OE) for esophageal cancer or cancer of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), in terms of postoperative and oncological outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinicopathological data of patients undergoing oncologic transthoracic esophagectomy (Ivor Lewis procedure) between 2010 and 2019 were assessed. Postoperative outcomes and long-term survival of patients undergoing OE were compared to those after MIE using 1:1 propensity score matching. RESULTS: After excluding hybrid and robotic procedures, 90 patients who underwent MIE were compared with a matched cohort of 90 patients who underwent OE. MIE was associated with lower major postoperative morbidity (31% vs. 46%, p=0.046) and lower 90-day mortality (2% vs. 12%, p=0.010) compared to OE. MIE showed non-inferior 3-year overall (65% vs. 52%, p=0.019) and comparable disease-free survival rates (49% vs. 51%, p=0.851) in comparison to OE. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that MIE should be preferably performed in patients with esophageal cancer or cancer of the GEJ.