Fig. 1

a Schematic illustration of “Step 1” of the left recurrent nerve lymph node (LRLN) dissection. The trachea is retracted clockwise by the 4th robotic arm. The pleura around the upper esophagus is retracted posteriorly by the 1st robotic arm, and the esophagus is gently removed from the tracheal membrane by the 3rd robotic arm. b Actual operative scene of “Step 1” of the LRLN dissection