Oesophagectomy

SURGERY FOR EARLY-STAGE OESOPHAGEAL CANCER

We can treat early stage oesophageal cancer by removing the part of your food pipe which contains the tumour

Having surgery for early stage oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer affects the oesophagus (the muscular tube which carries food from the throat to the stomach). If it's diagnosed at an early stage, we can carry out an oesophagectomy to treat it.

An oesophagectomy is normally carried out for stage 1-3 oesophageal cancer. It involves removing the part of your oesophagus which contains the tumour. You'll mostly receive chemotherapy (and possibly radiotherapy) before your surgery to make it more effective.

Need to know

What happens during surgery?

An oesophagectomy is carried out under general anaesthetic. Your consultant surgeon will make a few incisions in your chest and tummy (or in your neck and tummy) to access your oesophagus. They will then remove the part which contains the tumour, before reconnecting your oesophagus to your stomach. Your consultant surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes. They'll finish by stitching your incisions.

How to prepare

As you'll be receiving a general anaesthetic, you'll most likely need to limit your food and drink intake in the hours leading up to your operation. Your consultant or nurse specialist will explain this and any other preparations you may need to take. They'll also explain any risks and side effects, and answer any questions you might have.

After surgery

After your procedure, we'll transfer you to our recovery ward, where we'll care for you for a few days. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise.