Thiels CA, Hanson KT, Mathis KL, et al. - Researchers assessed patients scheduled for open or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) pancreaticoduodenectomy, esophagectomy, colectomy, and proctectomy to better illustrate the recovery process after MIS and open gastrointestinal surgery. Among the 340 included patients [Median age: 60 years; 44% women], the open approach was undertaken in 158 and MIS was undertaken in 182. MIS vs open patients reported improved patient-reported outcome on selected QOL measures early in the recovery period. MIS and open patients showed no difference in long-term QOL data. Full recovery was reported in two-thirds (61%) of patients at 6 months with MIS patients being more likely to report a complete recovery.