Esophagectomy

An esophagectomy is a surgical procedure that is commonly used to treat esophageal cancer. Depending on the size and extent of a patient’s tumor, the surgery can be adjusted to remove part or all of the esophagus, then rebuild a passageway for food from a section of the patient’s stomach or large intestine.

There are two ways that an esophagectomy can be performed: as a traditional (open) surgery and as a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) procedure. The specific approach that a surgeon selects for a patient will depend on a number of factors, such as:

• The size of a tumor
• The location and accessibility of a tumor
• The patient’s overall health

Compared to a traditional esophagectomy, a minimally invasive esophagectomy can result in a shorter hospital stay and a shorter overall recovery period, as well as less scarring and a reduced likelihood of complications. However, it’s important for each patient to discuss the potential advantages and outcomes of each approach with an experienced surgical oncologist.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, our surgeons are highly experienced with many forms of esophageal cancer surgery, including traditional and minimally invasive esophagectomies. A collaborative team of specialists reviews each patient’s case to determine the best approach to surgery, taking into consideration both outcomes and quality of life. And, after surgery, our patients have access to a complete range of supportive care services, helping to ensure the smoothest recoveries and the best possible results.

No referral is required to consult with the experienced oncologists at Moffitt. If you’re considering an esophagectomy or another type of surgery for esophageal cancer, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online to schedule a consultation.