Current status of minimally invasive esophagectomy.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy is emerging as an option in the management of benign and malignant esophageal diseases. With minimally invasive esophagectomy, the conventional laparotomy is substituted with laparoscopy and the open thoracotomy with thoracoscopy. This article discusses the surgical techniques and outcomes for a variety of minimally invasive esophagectomy options.