Samsung Medical Center study: Robotic surgery improves esophageal cancer survival

A study conducted by researchers at Samsung Medical Center has found that robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer offers better long-term survival and recovery outcomes compared to traditional open thoracotomy.

Analyzing data from 13,608 patients who underwent esophagectomy between 2010 and 2023, the research team reported that robotic surgery patients had a 5-year survival rate of 64%, compared to 55% for those undergoing open surgery. Additionally, the overall risk of death was 20% lower in the robotic surgery group than in the open surgery group.

While robotic surgery showed no statistically significant difference in long-term survival compared to conventional thoracoscopic surgery, it demonstrated superior short-term recovery benefits. Patients receiving robotic surgery experienced shorter hospital and intensive care unit stays, as well as lower rates of blood transfusions and 90-day mortality.

Despite higher initial equipment and procedural costs, the study suggests that robotic surgery is more cost-effective in the long term when accounting for quality-adjusted life years (QALY), recurrence, and complications. The researchers emphasized that successful outcomes depend on specialized surgical teams and comprehensive multidisciplinary care infrastructure.