During esophageal resection, part or the entire
esophagus is removed. The stomach is then pulled up and stitched to any
remaining esophagus.
Also
Known As:
- Esophagectomy
- Esophagus
removal
- Esophageal
removal
- Esophageal
surgery
Conditions
Treated with Esophageal Resection:
Esophageal resection is used in cases of painful
swallowing, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer, trauma or perforation.
There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to
esophageal resection. Laparoscopic esophageal resection and esophagogastrectomy
are surgical procedures.
Anesthesia
with Esophageal Resection:
Esophageal resection is performed under general
anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware
during the procedure.
Potential
Complications from Esophageal Resection:
Possible risks following esophageal resection
include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, acid reflux, blood clots and a
negative reaction to the anesthesia. It is also possible to experience
anastomosis leakage and esophageal fistula or stricture.
Prognosis
after Esophageal Resection:
The prognosis for a positive end result following
esophageal resection is good for early stage cancer. The prognosis is not good
if the cancer has spread beyond the esophagus, in which case the procedure will
only improve symptoms.
Recovery
from Esophageal Resection:
Total recovery from
esophageal resection takes four weeks.