Why Esophageal Surgery Is Done?

An esophagectomy is a surgical procedure that is commonly used to treat esophageal cancer. Depending on the size and extent of a patient’s tumor, the surgery can be adjusted to remove a part or all of the esophagus, then rebuild a way from a section of the patient’s stomach or large intestine for the food to pass.

There are two ways that an esophagectomy can be performed: as a traditional (open) surgery and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) procedure. The specific approach that a surgeon selects for a patient will depend on several factors, such as:

•    The size of a tumor
•    The location and accessibility of a tumor
•    The patient’s overall health

Compared to a traditional esophagectomy, a minimally invasive esophagectomy can result in a shorter hospital stay and a shorter overall recovery period, as well as less scarring and a reduced likelihood of complications. However, each patient needs to discuss the potential advantages and outcomes of each approach with an experienced surgical oncologist.

Why is it done?

 

Esophagectomy is done as a treatment for esophageal cancer; Barrett’s esophagus with high-grade dysplasia (pre-cancerous cells); or for end-stage achalasia (failure of the muscles of the esophagus to relax making it hard to swallow).

How is it done?

 

There are a few ways to do an esophagectomy. You may have an incision in your neck, abdomen, and/or chest. If it can be done in a minimally invasive fashion with a laparoscope (a small camera) you will have five to seven tiny incisions in your chest and/or abdomen. Your surgeon will discuss with you how the operation will be done and where the incisions will most likely be made.

Most patients can be discharged from the hospital within 7 days of the surgery.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Patta Radhakrishna

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