Thoracic surgeons at WashU Medicine have launched a new robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. The program offers certain patients with esophageal cancer a less invasive surgical option that can reduce pain and pulmonary complications while maintaining similar cancer outcomes to traditional approaches and reducing the recovery time.
The program is led by surgeons who are specially trained and credentialed in robotic techniques. Benjamin Kozower, MD, and Whitney Brandt, MD, offer minimally invasive surgical expertise to patients in need of esophagectomy. They work with a multidisciplinary team of experts to diagnose and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Patients who may benefit most from this procedure are those diagnosed with esophageal cancer who are appropriate candidates for minimally invasive surgery. Individuals with certain prior surgeries or tumors that raise concern for extensive intervention may not be ideal candidates for a robotic approach.
Robot-assisted esophagectomy offers the advantages of smaller incisions, less postoperative pain and lower rates of pneumonia or other pulmonary complications, with cancer control comparable to open surgery or other minimally invasive methods. The operation includes both an abdominal and a chest portion performed with the robotic system.
To contact a thoracic surgeon at WashU Medicine, please call 314-362-7260.