Esophagus Cancer Surgery
Esophagus cancer surgery involves removing part or all of the esophagus to eliminate cancerous tissue. The procedure may also include reconstructing the digestive tract and removing nearby lymph nodes to prevent the spread of cancer.
Recovery Timeline
- Hospital stay: 7–10 days
- Return to normal diet: within 2 weeks
- Resume work: 4–6 weeks
- Full recovery: 8–12 weeks
Diet and Lifestyle
- Small, frequent meals
- Avoid high-fat/high-sugar foods
- Stay hydrated
- Regular follow-ups with endoscopy and imaging
Diagnostic Tests
- Endoscopy with biopsy
- Barium Swallow
- CT Scan (Chest & Abdomen)
- PET Scan
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
Treatment
- Neoadjuvant Therapy: Often involves chemotherapy (e.g., FLOT, ECF) or chemoradiation (e.g., CROSS regimen with carboplatin and paclitaxel) before surgery to shrink tumors and improve resectability.
- Immunotherapy: Adjuvant immunotherapy (e.g., Nivolumab) may be considered after surgery for patients with residual disease following neoadjuvant chemoradiation, showing improved disease-free survival.
Surgical Options
- Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (MIE): Laparoscopic/thoracoscopic or robotic approaches for removal of the esophagus, offering smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
- Open Esophagectomy: Traditional surgical approach for complex cases.
- Reconstruction: Gastric pull-up or colonic interposition to restore continuity of the digestive tract.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
fatigue or weakness
chest pain or discomfort
unexplained weight loss
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
