Researchers compared two types of minimally invasive surgery for patients with esophageal cancer. One method uses a single port (uVATS), while the other uses multiple ports (mVATS). The study looked at how these two methods affected recovery, safety, and time in the hospital.
The results showed that patients who had the single-port surgery experienced significantly less pain on their first day after surgery. These patients also had a lower risk of developing pneumonia and spent fewer days in the hospital. However, there were no significant differences between the two methods regarding major risks, such as lung injury, blood loss, or total surgery time.
Because the evidence comes from a mix of studies with high variety, the findings are not definitive. While the single-port method appears to be a safe and feasible option, the limited amount of data means it is not yet the established standard of care. Patients should discuss these options with their surgical team to determine the best approach for their specific needs.
