Preface for focused issue on minimally invasive esophageal surgery

Esophageal cancer is one of high morbidity and mortality disease in China. Radical resection is still the dominant method in the early stage esophageal cancer. Esophageal resections have experienced from open to minimally invasive, which reduced the postoperative complications and early rehabilitation has a great significance. Minimally invasive techniques are popular around the world.

In this special issue, we aim to explore surgical techniques and indications on precision esophageal surgery to surgeons. Though esophageal cancer has many surgical methods in the world, the surgeon in the pursuit of precise surgery must be the premise of improving the patients’ survival rate and quality of life. The diligent efforts from all authors will provide our readers the state-of-the-art knowledge and clinical expertise. The editors greatly appreciate their contribution and support. I am confident that this special issue on “Esophageal Surgery” will provide comprehensive minimally invasive surgical techniques to surgeons worldwide and will conducive to patients as well as the growth of young surgeons.

Mingqiang Kang