Verified By Apollo General Surgeon June 18, 2021
3018Esophagectomy is a technique where some length of the tube between the mouth and stomach (throat) is removed and reconstruction is done using part of another organ, usually the stomach.
Esophagectomy is a typical therapy for advanced esophageal cancers, and it is likewise used to treat Barrett’s esophagus if aggressive malignant cells are present. An esophagectomy might also be suggested for noncancerous conditions when earlier attempts to save the esophagus failed, which include with end-stage achalasia or strictures, or after ingestion of material that damages the lining of the esophagus.
The term esophagectomy does not apply to a specific operation. It can be conducted in a variety of ways. The procedure used is decided by your needs as well as the surgeon’s expertise. An open esophagectomy can also be used in association with radiation and chemotherapy to treat esophageal cancer.
The surgical approaches may include the following:
Your doctor and team will talk to you about any questions you may have about the surgery. If you have cancer, your doctor can prescribe chemotherapy, radiation, or both before an esophagectomy, followed by a period of recovery. These decisions will be made depending on the stage of your cancer, which must be determined before any discussion of treatment before surgery.
If you smoke, your doctor will advise you to avoid and may prescribe a cessation program to assist you in doing so, as smoking significantly increases the risk of complications following surgery.
Tube feeding (enteral nutrition) is a procedure in which a narrow tube is inserted into your abdomen and connected to your small intestine. This method of feeding will last for four to six weeks to ensure that you get enough nutrition while recovering. Because of the smaller stomach, you will need to eat more often and in smaller amounts once you resume a regular diet. Following surgery, you can lose weight.
An esophagectomy is regularly used to prevent spread in the early phases of esophageal cancerous growth that has not spread to the stomach or different organs. It can likewise be utilized to treat esophageal dysplasia, a precancerous condition influencing the cells that line the throat.
Most patients who need esophagectomy are at a stage where the disease has spread to their lymph nodes, liver, or different organs. Different conditions that affect the digestion of food and fluids can essentially require an open esophagectomy as treatment. Some conditions that require this surgery:
If you doubt that any of the above-mentioned complications can be affecting your body, you should immediately schedule your appointment with healthcare professionals at the earliest.
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The esophagectomy will potentially be able to stop the spread of malignancy in your body; it may effectively make you cancer-free. You may also experience an improvement in your quality of life because of your disease-free condition.
The procedure is relatively risk-free when conducted under the supervision of an expert health team.
Esophagectomy carries the risk of a variety of complications, including:
In rare cases, the patient may be at the risk of:
Yes, it is very common to feel tired after the surgery. The recovery phase can be different for all.
It is best to avoid air travel for some time directly after surgery. The rest of the instructions will be shared by your concerned doctor during the first appointment after the surgery.
Normally, you should not lift any heavy objects for at least 8-10 weeks. If required in case of urgency, try to lift the object that weighs less than 10 pounds (less than 5 kg). Your surgeon will be able to guide you more effectively after taking your health and recovery process into consideration.
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July 7, 2023