MIE was comparable with conventional OE in terms of short-term outcome after esophagectomy. It was particularly beneficial in reducing postoperative respiratory complications, but may be associated with higher reoperation rates.

VATS provides comparable results to open radical oesophagectomy, with less surgical trauma.

Billroth I and II reconstructions are commonly performed after distal gastrectomy. Both may cause duodenogastric and duodenogastroesophageal reflux, conditions reported to have carcinogenetic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate which reconstructive procedure would most effectively prevent bile reflux into the gastric remnant and esophagus after distal gastrectomy. A group of 92 patients who underwent curative distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer were subjected and classified into three groups retrospectively by the reconstructive procedure undertaken: group A, Roux-en-Y (Roux-Y) reconstruction (n = 29); group B, Billroth I reconstruction (n = 41); group C, Billroth II reconstruction (n = 22). The bile reflux periods (percent time) for the gastric remnant and esophagus were measured with the Bilitec 2000 under standardized conditions. The percent time for the gastric remnant was significantly less in group A than in group B or C. In 61% of all patients, bile reflux into the esophagus was found to be more than 5.0% of the time; it was less in group A than in group B or C (p = 0.057). A questionnaire revealed a good correlation between the incidence of reflux symptoms and the percent time for the gastric remnant and esophagus. Roux-Y reconstruction is superior to either Billroth I or II reconstruction for preventing bile reflux into the gastric remnant and esophagus after distal gastrectomy.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic radical esophagectomy can be performed with safety and efficacy comparable to those of open esophagectomy. Morbidity decreases with the surgeon's experience.

The laparoscopic technique is not only less invasive, but is also similarly safe and curative compared to open gastrectomy.