Esophagectomy

An esophagectomy surgery that removes part of the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The job of the esophagus is to move food that has been swallowed to the stomach. Sometimes, an esophagectomy will also remove a part of the stomach.

An esophagectomy may be used to treat:

. Cancer.

. Barrett’s esophagus. 

. Narrowing of the esophagus caused by acid reflux, achalasia (nerve damage to the esophagus), or an injury caused by a surgery. 

The extent of the esophagectomy and how much of the esophagus is removed depends on many factors, such as disease size and location. At times, the stomach or the intestine is connected to a piece of the esophagus that is left in place at the time of surgery.

There are many ways to perform an esophagectomy, including:

. Transhiatal (through the diaphragm): Incisions (cuts) are made in the belly and the neck. This allows the surgeon to reach the esophagus.

. Transthoracic (through the thoracic cavity): Incisions (cuts) are made in the belly and one side of the chest. This allows the surgeon to reach the esophagus.

. Thoracoabdominal (through the abdominal cavity): One large incision (cut) is made from the chest to the belly. This allows the surgeon to reach the esophagus.

. Minimally invasive laparoscopic esophagectomy: Many small incisions (cuts) are made, allowing for the insertion of surgical tools and a lighted camera, which are used during the procedure.

During any of these types of esophagectomy, lymph nodes may also be removed to check for possible spread of cancer.

What are the risks of having an esophagectomy?

There are risks and side effects linked to having an esophagectomy. Risks and side effects may be:

. Reaction to anesthesia (Anesthesia is the medication you are given to help you sleep through the surgery, not remember it, and to manage pain. Reactions can include wheezing, rash, swelling, and low blood pressure).

. Bleeding.

. Blood clots.

. Injury to the spleen and/or trachea.

. Infection.

. Pneumonia.

. Voice changes.

. Leaking at the site of internal stitches (stitches on the inside of your body) that connect one organ to another. This connection is also called an anastomosis.

. Leaking of a type of lymphatic fluid called chyle.

. Trouble with swallowing because of narrowing of the esophagus. 

. Delayed gastric emptying (slow digestion).

. Heartburn.

Your surgeon and healthcare team will talk with you about the possible risks of your procedure.

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