Multicentre randomized clinical trial on robot-assisted versus video-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy (REVATE trial).

Xie D, Shen J, Liu L, Cao B, Xiao A, Qin J et al.

Br J Surg 2024; 111: znae106.

In this study that included 169 patients, the addition of complete mesogastric excision improved 3-year disease-free survival (85 versus 75.5 per cent, P=0.042), but not quite overall survival (85.8 versus 77.5 per cent, P=0.058).

Comment: It remains unknown whether this makes a big enough difference.

Huang Z-N, Tang Y-H, Zhong Q, Li P, Xie J-W, Wang J-B et al.

Ann Surg 2024; 279: 923-931.

In this study that included 236 patients, the number of lymph nodes retrieved was significantly higher in the indocyanine green group: 48 versus 38, P<0.001.

Comment: Clinical outcomes awaited.

Kikuchi S, Matsusaki T, Mitsuhashi T, Kuroda S, Kashima H, Takata N et al.

BJS Open; 8: zrad161.

Pain scores at rest 48h after surgery were lower after epidural (1.94 versus 2.63, P=0.043) in this study that included 129 procedures.

Comment: Epidural remains optimal.