Background

pleural effusion, postoperative pain, oesophageal cancer
PLEURAL EFFUSION, CAVITY, OESOPHAGEAL CANCER
In recent years, the incidence of oesophageal cancer has increased rapidly in the Western world [Robot-assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy (RAMIE) represents a further technical improvement compared to the laparoscopic procedure. It offers improved three-dimensional visualization, magnification, and mechanized control that transforms the surgeon’s larger movements into precise robotic movements, facilitating the surgeon’s ability to perform complex surgical procedures [A further advance in surgical care was the introduction and implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes designed to reduce the physical and psychological stress of patients undergoing surgery, thereby accelerating postoperative recovery and reducing perioperative morbidity, hospital stay, and healthcare costs [In recent years, chest drain management strategies have therefore undergone sustainable changes.Chest drain management is also a crucial factor determining the postoperative course in patients undergoing RAMIE, influencing postoperative pain and the speed of functional recovery, and thereby the length of hospital stay. Two chest drains have traditionally been used to drain the right pleural cavity after oesophageal resections. One was placed at the apex to drain the air, while the second was placed at the recessus to drain the pleural effusion [Given the above, we aim to investigate the potential advantages of RAMIE in oesophageal cancer without postoperative chest drains compared with the postoperative use of chest drains, which is considered the standard worldwide. The primary hypothesis is that avoidance of chest drains during the postoperative course after RAMIE can further reduce postoperative pain, improve functional recovery, and shorten hospital stay compared with the use of chest drains.