Robotic Surgery at El Negrín

32 Esophageal Cancer Cases Treated with This Innovative Procedure

The Esophagogastric, Endocrine‑Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Unit at the Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín has performed 32 esophageal cancer surgeries using robotic assistance.

Since December 2020, the unit has operated on 155 patients with the Da Vinci surgical robot, demonstrating a high level of excellence in outcomes.

“From a clinical and oncological perspective, this technique has achieved elevated levels of safety and patient satisfaction,” the Canary Islands Health Department stated in a recent press release.

The specialized unit, led by Dr. Mª Asunción Acosta Mérida, treats a variety of conditions—primarily of the upper digestive tract and endocrine origin. Esophageal cancer is among the most complex cases they handle.

Why Robotic Surgery Matters

• Precision and extensiveness: International studies from both Western and Eastern cohorts—regions with high esophageal cancer incidence—show that robotic assistance enables more accurate resections and the removal of a larger number of lymph nodes, enhancing tumor staging.
• Broad application: The unit’s robotic program also includes:
  • Benign esophageal pathologies
  • Gastric tumors (over 30 cases)
  • Obesity surgery (more than 40 robotic procedures)

In all these patients, the advantages of the robot have been evident, allowing the team to tackle technically demanding cases with greater confidence.

Looking Ahead

Health authorities emphasize that providing patients with the best available surgical technologies directly contributes to higher standards of care and improved overall quality of treatment.