Minimally invasive vs. open esophagectomy in patients with a BMI > 35: a NSQIP analysis - Report - MDSpire

Minimally invasive vs. open esophagectomy in patients with a BMI > 35: a NSQIP analysis

  • By

  • Sneha S. Alaparthi

  • Scott H. Koeneman

  • Olugbenga T. Okusanya

  • Tyler Grenda

  • Nathaniel R. Evans

  • Scott W. Cowan

  • July 13, 2026

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Clinical Report: Comparative Outcomes of Minimally Invasive and Open Esophagectomy

Overview

This study evaluates the outcomes of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) versus open esophagectomy (OE) in obese patients with a BMI exceeding 35, utilizing NSQIP data to compare morbidity, mortality, and postoperative complications.

Background

Esophageal cancer is a significant health concern, ranking as the 11th most prevalent cancer globally. The rising rates of obesity, particularly in Western populations, are associated with increased risks of gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Understanding surgical outcomes in obese patients is essential for optimizing treatment strategies.

Data Highlights

MeasureMIE (n=243)OE (n=221)
Average Age61.861.6
Average BMI39.5839.80
Diabetes31.68%32.10%
Adenocarcinoma93.00%89.50%

Key Findings

  • Out of 8936 cases, 887 patients had a BMI > 35, with 464 eligible for analysis.
  • The MIE cohort consisted of 243 patients, while the OE cohort had 221 patients.
  • Diabetes was present in 31.68% of the MIE cohort.
  • Adenocarcinoma was the most common diagnosis, accounting for 91.16% of the total cohort.
  • The average BMI across the cohort was 39.69.

Clinical Implications

The findings highlight the need for careful consideration of surgical approaches in obese patients undergoing esophagectomy. Understanding the outcomes associated with MIE versus OE can inform clinical decision-making and patient management strategies.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the comparative outcomes of MIE and OE in obese patients, emphasizing the importance of tailored surgical approaches in this high-risk population.

Related Resources & Content

  1. American Cancer Society, Key Statistics for Esophageal Cancer, 2026 -- Esophageal Cancer Statistics
  2. Laparoscopic or open abdominal surgery with thoracotomy for patients with oesophageal cancer: ROMIO randomized clinical trial, PMC -- ROMIO Trial Outcomes
  3. Hybrid Minimally Invasive vs Open Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: 5-Year Outcomes, ASCO Post -- Hybrid Esophagectomy Outcomes
  4. Updates in Surgery — Comparative Analysis of Short-Term Outcomes Following Minimally Invasive Gastrectomy in Obese and Non-Obese Patients: Exploring the Obesity Paradox
  5. Impact of Body Mass Index on Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes Following Esophageal Cancer Surgery
  6. Surgical Endoscopy — Secular trends of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: analysis of the MBSAQIP database
  7. Esophageal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) - NCI
  8. Comparing outcomes following open, hybrid, minimally invasive, and robotic-assisted esophagectomy: A systematic review
  9. Key Statistics for Esophageal Cancer | American Cancer Society
  10. Esophageal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) - PDQ Cancer Information Summaries - NCBI Bookshelf
  11. Esophageal Guideline (STS/ASTRO) - American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)
  12. Hybrid Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer | New England Journal of Medicine
  13. Laparoscopic or open abdominal surgery with thoracotomy for patients with oesophageal cancer: ROMIO randomized clinical trial - PMC
  14. Development and application of quality assurance methods for interventions in randomised controlled trials of surgical oncology: the ROMIO study (a comparison of minimally invasive and open oesophagectomy) - PMC
  15. Short-term outcomes of robot-assisted versus conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy for resectable esophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
  16. Minimally invasive versus open esophagectomy for resectable esophageal cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. | Journal of Clinical Oncology
  17. Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Esophagectomy - ScienceDirect
  18. Anastomotic Leak After Esophagectomy: Analysis of the STS General Thoracic Surgery Database - ScienceDirect
  19. Impact of Morbid Obesity on Post-esophagectomy Leak Rate: a NSQIP Analysis - ScienceDirect
  20. The impact of body mass index on Esophagectomy: perioperative and oncological outcomes - ScienceDirect
  21. 71994 - The Impact of Obesity on Surgical Outcomes after Esophagectomy for Cancer in Sweden | BJS | Oxford Academic

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