This is a randomized controlled trial designed to compare robot-assisted thoracic approach with open transthoracic esophagectomy (Ivor Lewis technique) as a surgical treatment for resectable esophageal cancer. If our hypothesis is proved correct, robot-assisted thoracic approach will result in a lower percentage of respiratory and overall postoperative complications, lower blood loss, shorter hospital stay, but with at least similar oncologic outcomes and better postoperative quality of life compared with the open transthoracic esophagectomy (current standard).