Utility of Single Transhiatal Chest Drainage After Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: A Propensity‐Score Matched Study of Safety and Feasibility

Transhiatal drain placement following MIO was associated with reduced opioid requirements on postoperative Day 1 and demonstrated comparable pulmonary complications and length of stay to intercostal drainage. These findings suggest that transhiatal drainage may be a safe and feasible alternative; however, larger prospective studies are required to confirm these preliminary results.