Who is a good candidate for this procedure?

Ideal candidates are patients with resectable mid or upper esophageal cancer, typically at stages I to III, with no distant metastases. Contraindications include advanced stage IV disease, severe comorbidities like uncontrolled heart or lung conditions, or prior neck or chest surgeries that complicate the approach. A thorough preoperative evaluation, including imaging and endoscopy, is required to confirm suitability.