An esophagectomy (say "ee-sof-uh-JEK-tuh-mee") is surgery to remove all or part of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Nearby lymph nodes and other tissue may also be removed. The doctor connects the remaining healthy part of the esophagus to the stomach so that you can still swallow and eat food. This surgery is mainly used to treat esophageal cancer. But it can also be used for other problems with the esophagus.
Esophagectomy may be "open" or "laparoscopic." Open surgery is done through cuts in the belly and the upper chest or neck. These cuts are called incisions. Laparoscopic surgery is done through several small cuts. The doctor puts a lighted tube, or scope, and other surgical tools through small cuts. The doctor is able to see your organs with the scope.
You have to be very careful about what you eat for 1 to 2 months after surgery and maybe for the rest of your life. You may have a feeding tube (J-tube) in your belly when you go home. This is to be sure you get enough nutrition. This will come out when you are able to eat normally. How long this takes varies. For many people, it takes 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Your doctor will give you detailed information on your diet and how to use the J-tube.
You may feel weak after surgery. Take good care of yourself. Get enough rest and stay active. This can help you heal faster. You will probably need to take at least 6 to 12 weeks off from work. This depends on the type of work you do and how you feel. You will need more time to get better if you need other treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy.
Your diet will go from a clear liquid diet, to a full liquid diet, and then to a soft diet before you can eat normally. This generally takes 1 to 2 months. Your doctor will give you specific information about what you can eat. In general:
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
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An esophagectomy (say "ee-sof-uh-JEK-tuh-mee") is surgery to remove all or part of the esophagus. Your doctor made large cuts in the belly and the upper chest or neck to do the surgery. Where the cuts are depends on where the problem was.
When you leave the hospital, the area around the cuts (incisions) may still be swollen or bruised. It may also feel numb. This is normal and may continue for a few weeks. You will probably need to take pain medicine for a few weeks.
You will have to be very careful about what you eat for several months after surgery and maybe for the rest of your life. You will probably have a feeding tube (J-tube) in your belly. This will come out when you can eat normally and get enough nutrition. This could be about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, but it could take longer. Your doctor will give you detailed information on what you can eat, how you should eat, and how to use the feeding tube.
You may also have digestive problems for a few months. These include weight loss, a lot of gas, and a problem called dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome usually occurs after you eat rich or fatty meals. It may cause you to feel lightheaded or sick to your stomach, or to have cramps and diarrhea.
Most people go back to work or their normal routine after 6 to 12 weeks. You will need more time to get better if you need other treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy. It will take 3 to 4 months to get back to your usual activities.
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