Transhiatal robot assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (Th-RAMIE)

We review the operative technique of the transhiatal robot assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (Th-RAMIE) that has been developed to continue the legacy and account for the lessons learned from decades of performing the open transhiatal esophagectomy. We will review the management of intra- and postoperative complications associated with the procedure, and postoperative outcomes. Common complications that occur more frequently after Th-RAMIE include recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, anastomotic leak, and anastomotic stricture, and bilateral pleural effusions, all of which can be managed with good outcomes.