Robotic surgery for esophageal cancer: a gentler approach?

NCT ID NCT04938973

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This trial compared a newer, robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery (RAMIE) to the standard open surgery for esophageal cancer. The goal was to see if it's possible to run a larger study comparing the two approaches. The study enrolled 24 adults with stage I-III esophageal cancer. The robotic approach aims to reduce the high complication rates and long recovery times associated with open surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) using the Da Vinci robotic platform
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could offer a less invasive surgical option for esophageal cancer, potentially reducing recovery time and complications compared to open surgery.
What could go wrong: This was a small feasibility trial that was terminated early, so results are limited. Robotic surgery is complex and may not be suitable for all patients, and its benefits over open surgery are not yet proven.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

esophageal cancer Esophageal Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Hamilton, Ontario, L8N4A6, Canada

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