Oesophagectomy
What is Oesophagectomy?
An oesophagectomy is a Surgery to treat oesophagus cancer by removing part of your food pipe or oesophagus. Oesophagus carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Your surgeon may also remove part of your stomach to make sure all of the cancer is completely taken out. The remaining part of your stomach will be rebuilt and attached to the remaining oesophagus.
How is oesophagectomy performed?
There are different ways to perform oesophagectomy Surgery.
Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy, also known as a transthoracic esophagogastrectomy. In this procedure, incisions are made in the centre of your abdomen and in the back of your chest.
In a Transhiatal oesophagectomy, your oesophagus is removed through two incisions, one in your neck and one in your abdomen.
3-hole oesophagectomy, also known as McKeown oesophagectomy. In this procedure incisions are made in your abdomen, neck, and right upper back.
During a minimally invasive oesophagectomy, a laparoscope is inserted into your belly and chest through multiple small incisions in your abdomen and back. A robot may be used to assist.
What are the side effects of oesophagectomy?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Cough
- Leakage from the surgical connection of the oesophagus and stomach
- Changes in your voice
- Acid or bile reflux
- Nausea, Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Respiratory complications, such as pneumonia
- Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
- Atrial fibrillation
