Esophagectomy Surgery in Delhi, India

Esophagectomy is a surgical procedure. It is undertaken to remove part or whole of the esophagus, a tube that connects the mouth and stomach. It is generally referred to as a food pipe. This procedure removes the deceased from the damaged part of it and then reconstructs it using different tissue from the body, such as the stomach. This procedure is mainly used to treat.

• advanced esophageal cancer

• Barrett's esophagus (which can lead to cancer)

• End-stage achalasia with strictures.

Esophagectomy Procedure Type

Surgical type- Robotic / Open

Alternate Name of Esophagectomy

• Transhiatal esophagectomy.

• Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

Body Location

Behind the trachea in the thorax

Preparation for Esophagectomy Surgery

Before the surgery, the doctors will use various imaging techniques, such as computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as endoscopy with biopsies, and fine-needle biopsies, to determine which type of surgery is best suited for your condition.

The doctor will then discuss all your concerns about the surgery and all the medications and treatments you have taken before the surgery, including allergies.

You will be asked about your lifestyle habits such as smoking, diet, alcohol consumption, etc. You will be asked to stop having food or drink before the surgery to prevent aspiration. Sometimes you will be asked to be only on liquid for a day or two before the surgery. This surgery will be conducted on an empty stomach.

Right before the surgery, you will be taken to the operation room. Doctors will then give you anesthesia.

How is Esophagectomy Surgery Performed?

This procedure involves removing a portion, or the whole esophagus, including part of the stomach and nearby lymph nodes, depending on the severity of the condition. It also depends on the stage of esophageal cancer and where it is located.

Depending on your situation, the surgeon will choose one of the following types of esophagectomy.

In an open esophagectomy, a large incision is made in the chest area, and the esophagus is removed from the neck, chest, or abdomen area, depending on the location of cancer or the disorder. The exact location of the incision is also the area of cancer. Once the esophagus is taken out, the surgeon then reconnects the remaining esophagus to the stomach, which is pulled up into the chest or neck area (depending on the type of esophagectomy).

In Robotic few small incisions are made in the chest or abdomen. During laparoscopy, the surgeon inserts instruments, and a device with a camera through the incisions and the resected esophagus is removed through the incision.

Follow up After Esophagectomy Surgery

The doctor may suggest placing a small tube through the abdomen since feeding through the mouth is not recommended for a few weeks until the esophagus heals. After a few weeks, since the stomach size is reduced, it is important to eat small meals more frequently throughout the day. Due to this, most patients lose weight after surgery.

Risks Associated with Esophagectomy Surgery

A few main risks of esophagectomy include

• Bleeding from the surgical site

• Pneumonia or other infections

• Leaking from the area where the stomach and esophagus are attached

• Blood clots and symptoms caused by it

• Change in the voice

• Infection of the surgical site

• Problems with swallowing anything

• Leakage from the lymph nodes

Recovery After Esophagectomy Surgery

Most people will improve their quality of life once they fully recover. It is important to follow all the instructions given by your doctor post-op. You should try to make any adjustments necessary to your lifestyle, which can cause less stress on the esophagus and will also improve recovery.

A few suggestions for recovery are:

• Change in diet

• Breathing exercises

• Medications for pain management

• Medications for problems with swallowing or heartburn.

• Any psychological care if necessary.

• Nutritional supplements help in malnutrition and weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you eat normally after esophagectomy?

After esophagectomy, initially, a liquid followed by a soft diet is recommended, gradually progressing to solid foods. However, portion sizes and types of foods consumed may need to be adjusted to accommodate changes in digestion and swallowing.

2. How long will it take for me to resume normal activities after an esophagectomy?

The recovery time for resuming normal activities after an esophagectomy varies for each individual. It typically takes two weeks to months to regain full strength and resume daily activities, depending on the patient's overall health and the extent of the surgery.

3. Will I need to stay in the hospital after an esophagectomy surgery?

Yes, a hospital stay is typically required after an esophagectomy surgery. The length of the hospital stay can range from several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the patient's condition and the surgical approach used.

4. How painful is an esophagectomy?

An esophagectomy is a major surgery, and some degree of pain and discomfort can be expected after the procedure. Your health expert may prescribe pain medications and employ strategies to manage pain effectively during the recovery period.

5. What dietary restrictions or modifications will I need to follow after an esophagectomy?

After an esophagectomy, dietary restrictions and modifications may be necessary. These can include consuming smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy and acidic foods, chewing thoroughly, and adopting an upright position while eating to aid digestion.

6. Can an esophagectomy surgery be performed minimally invasive or robotically?

Yes, esophagectomy surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy or robotically assisted procedures. These approaches involve smaller incisions, resulting in reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and potentially faster recovery.

7. Are there alternative treatments to an esophagectomy for esophageal conditions?

The standard treatment is surgery.

Alternative treatments for oesophagal conditions may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, endoscopic therapies, or targeted drug therapies. The suitability of alternative treatments will depend on individual condition and should be discussed with a doctor.