What is esophageal cancer surgery?
The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer surgery (esophagectomy) removes the part of the esophagus containing the tumour, along with nearby lymph nodes, and rebuilds the food passage, usually by bringing up the stomach to join the remaining esophagus.
Who might need it?
Whether surgery is suitable is decided after a thorough clinical and radiological assessment, including endoscopy and staging scans, of whether the tumour can be removed completely and whether the person is fit for major surgery.
Many esophageal cancers are treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy before surgery, and the plan is made by a multidisciplinary team.
Recovery
This is major surgery and recovery is gradual. The care team supports your return to eating and moving, and eating habits often need to change for a time as the rebuilt food passage settles.
Where suitable, this may be carried out using minimally invasive techniques. See Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Frequently asked questions
What is an esophagectomy?
It is surgery to remove the part of the esophagus (food pipe) containing the cancer, along with nearby lymph nodes, after which the food passage is rebuilt, usually by bringing up the stomach.
Does treatment always start with surgery?
Not always. Many esophageal cancers are treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy before surgery. The order of treatment is decided by the multidisciplinary team.
How long is recovery?
Recovery is gradual and varies from person to person, and eating habits often change for a time. Your surgical team will give you guidance specific to your operation.