Hybrid esophagectomy: the best of both worlds

In the study entitled “Hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer”, Mariette et al. report the results of a multi-institution randomized controlled trial comparing open Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy to a hybrid approach (laparoscopic abdominal mobilization and right thoracotomy) from the standpoint of postoperative complications. Overall, 207 patients were randomized on an intention to treat basis, with 104 and 103 patients assigned to the open and hybrid groups respectively.