In 2017, data from large multicentre randomized controlled trials assessed the safety of minimally invasive techniques for liver or esophagus resection with similar oncologic outcome compared to open approach. Patients also benefit from progress in medical oncology in particular with the development of new targeted therapies, offering surgery to patients with initially non-resectable disease. The increase in complete tumor response after neoadjuvant treatment allows more conservative approaches, like organ preserving surgery for rectal cancer. The constant improvement in perioperative care and enhanced recovery programs (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery - ERAS) reduce both length of hospital stay and costs, decrease the risk of postoperative complications, and offer better quality of life to the patients.