Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is an Esophagectomy?RisksPurposeHow to PrepareThe Day of the ProcedureRecoveryFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is an Esophagectomy?
Risks
Purpose
How to Prepare
The Day of the Procedure
Recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
An esophagectomy is a surgery performed to remove some or all of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach through which food travels.
The majority of esophagectomies are performed due to cancer of the esophagus (calledesophageal cancer). An esophagectomy is considered major surgery and carries risks, including injury to other organs in surgery, difficulty swallowing or speaking following surgery, and acid reflux, in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
This article will discuss the esophagectomy procedure, what to expect, possible complications, and the recovery process.
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An esophagectomy refers to a surgical procedure in which part or all of the esophagus is removed. The esophagus is a tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach.
During an esophagectomy, some or all of the esophagus is surgically removed and is then rebuilt using part of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine.
What Are the Risks?
Esophagectomy is a serious procedure and carries some risks.
Short-term risks include:
Other risks include:
Some of the complications from an esophagectomy can be life-threatening. It is important you speak with your doctor to understand the risks.
Purpose of Esophagectomy
An esophagectomy may be performed for a number of reasons.
Most commonly, an esophagectomy is needed to treat cancer in the esophagus.
Other reasons for an esophagectomy include:
Esophagectomy is major surgery and requires preparation. Your doctor will tell you what you need to do to prepare for your procedure.
Leading up to surgery, it is generally recommended that you try to stay healthy and fit. That might mean eating more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and gently exercising regularly if you are able.
If you smoke, your doctor will likely advise you to stop smoking. This will help reduce the risk of infection and leakage from where the stomach attaches to the esophagus in the chest following surgery.
Prior to surgery, you will attend a variety of appointments and will undergo testing. Your doctor will guide you through this process.
What to Wear
If you’re going to the hospital for an esophagectomy, it is important you wear comfortable, loose clothing.
You may not be able to wear things you normally do. Most hospitals discourage wearing:
Food and Drink
In the month leading up to your surgery, eat a healthy diet.
The day before surgery, you will be asked to fast, consuming a liquid-only diet.
Examples of clear liquids that are allowed include:
During the day before surgery, drink at least one 8-ounce glass of clear liquids hourly when awake.
You will be given instructions about when to start fasting from food and liquids prior to surgery.
Medications
In the lead up to surgery, you may be advised to stop taking certain medications.
A Week Before Surgery
Seven days prior to surgery, you may be advised to stop taking:
It is important you closely follow the directions of your doctor. Only stop taking the above medications if you are advised to. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
Three Days Before Surgery
Three days prior to your surgery, your doctor may ask you to start taking a medicine called doxazosin that helps lower blood pressure. This may not be necessary for everyone.
Day of Surgery
What to Bring
When going to a hospital for any length of stay, it is important to leave valuable items at home.
You may like to bring a few personal items for comfort before and after surgery. Some items suggested are:
What to Expect the Day of the Procedure
On the day of the surgery, follow your doctor’s instructions about taking any medications and arrive at the hospital on time.
Before the Procedure
A number of things will happen when you arrive at the hospital before surgery begins. You will:
During the Procedure
During an esophagectomy, you will be asleep. You will be asked to lie down on the surgical table and will be given anesthesia to put you to sleep.
There are several ways to perform an esophagectomy, depending on how much of the tube needs to be removed. Generally, during the procedure a surgeon will:
After the Procedure
In the days following surgery you will:
An esophagectomy is a major surgery, and recovery is a slow process. For some people, it can take months for their digestive system to recover from surgery.
During recovery you may:
You will likely need help to monitor, clean, and maintain your feeding tube, and check the healing of your incisions. Your healthcare provider will schedule follow-up appointments to check on your healing progress. You may also have a nurse or aide help with your recovery at home.
If you have any concerns during your recovery, you should speak with your doctor.
A Word From Verywell
An esophagectomy is a major surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of the esophagus. This may be performed due to cancer of the esophagus, or trauma to the esophagus. The surgery carries risks, some of which may be life-threatening. Recovery from the procedure can take time. If you have concerns about your health or an upcoming surgery, you should speak with your doctor.
An esophagectomy can vary in length based on the type of esophagectomy performed. Surgery may range from three to six hours or even longer.
Immediately following surgery, you won’t be able to eat or drink.
Your doctor will advise you when it is safe to start eating solid foods.
An Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is a surgical technique in which a tumor of the esophagus is removed via incisions in the abdomen and chest. In this technique, the reconnection between the stomach and the remaining part of the esophagus is made in the upper chest.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mount Sinai.Esophagectomy - open.Medline Plus.Esophagectomy - minimally invasive.American Cancer Society.Surgery for esophageal cancer.NHS.Oesophagectomy.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your esophagectomy surgery.Cleveland Clinic.Esophagectomy.Stanford Health Care.Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mount Sinai.Esophagectomy - open.Medline Plus.Esophagectomy - minimally invasive.American Cancer Society.Surgery for esophageal cancer.NHS.Oesophagectomy.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your esophagectomy surgery.Cleveland Clinic.Esophagectomy.Stanford Health Care.Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mount Sinai.Esophagectomy - open.Medline Plus.Esophagectomy - minimally invasive.American Cancer Society.Surgery for esophageal cancer.NHS.Oesophagectomy.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your esophagectomy surgery.Cleveland Clinic.Esophagectomy.Stanford Health Care.Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy.
Mount Sinai.Esophagectomy - open.
Medline Plus.Esophagectomy - minimally invasive.
American Cancer Society.Surgery for esophageal cancer.
NHS.Oesophagectomy.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your esophagectomy surgery.
Cleveland Clinic.Esophagectomy.
Stanford Health Care.Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy.
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