Esophageal cancer affects approximately 14, 520 people in the US each year. Surgery remains the mainstay in treatment for localized esophageal cancer. Some patients will receive chemotherapy and radiation before surgery and others will be treated after their operation.
Esophageal cancer can be removed through the abdomen or chest, sometimes both, and the neck. All types of surgery require removal of the diseased esophagus and replacement with stomach or colon. Temporary feeding tubes are placed to provide nutrition support if it is needed during the healing process or if it is needed during chemotherapy and radiation. One to two days may be spent in the ICU or intermediate ICU following esophageal surgery. Patients usually stay in the hospital for 5-10 days following their operation.
Esophageal surgery is serious. Our PENN surgery team is available to answer your questions in person. To schedule an appointment to discuss your esophageal surgery, call 215-615-5858.
|
