Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Observational Ages 18 and up

Comparing outcomes of minimally invasive and open esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

Official title: Outcomes After Esophagectomy With a Focus on Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy and Quality of Life

Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT00260559 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to see if patients with esophageal cancer do better in terms of recovery and quality of life after having a minimally invasive surgery compared to traditional open surgery.

More Esophageal Cancer trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment3500 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 1999
Main results expectedDecember 2050
Study endsDecember 2050
Registry record updatedApril 14, 2026
Trial IDNCT00260559 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include patients scheduled for either minimally invasive or open esophagectomy for esophageal cancer who can provide informed consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are unable to comprehend or complete the quality of life instruments or those under 18 years of age may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study assesses the short and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) compared to those undergoing open esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. It focuses on both standard clinical outcomes, such as morbidity and mortality, and patient-derived outcomes, particularly quality of life (QOL) as measured by the MOS SF36 questionnaire. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the SF36 in reflecting changes in clinical status and to compare these results with disease-specific scales related to dysphagia and reflux. Additionally, it examines the impact of adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy on QOL in this patient population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the benefits of minimally invasive techniques on quality of life for patients undergoing esophagectomy.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with minimally invasive approaches in surgical outcomes, suggesting potential benefits in quality of life, making this a relevant area of investigation.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients scheduled for MIE (Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy)
* Patients scheduled for open esophagectomy
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are unable to comprehend or complete the QOL instruments.
* Patients less than 18 years of age.

Where it's running

  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • UPMC - Hillman Cancer Center
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: James D Luketich, MD — UPMC - Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Study coordinator: Julie A Ward, BSN
  • Email: wardj@upmc.edu
  • Phone: 412-647-8583

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.