Esophagectomy

Operations on the oesophagus are diverse. Some of the bottoms are performed by abdominal surgeons. Thoracic surgeons operate on cancer of the oesophagus, diverticulum of the oesophagus and stricture. The main operation for cancer of the oesophagus is esophagectomy – an operation to remove the oesophagus with its replacement by the stomach or intestinal tube. This is a complex operation for both the patient and the surgeon. It requires an autopsy of the chest and abdomen, and sometimes an additional incision in the neck. There are many different options for implementation. The choice of access for esophagectomy depends entirely on the preferences of the surgeon and the particular location of the tumour.

Doctors at Israel’s leading Tel Aviv Medical Clinic can remove the oesophagus without opening the thoracic or abdominal cavities (thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy). We can also thoracoscopically remove the diverticulum (protrusion of the wall) of the oesophagus, oesophagal cysts, benign tumours (leiomyomas). on the oesophagus, the doctor leaves a special thin probe, which passes through the patient’s nose to his gut. This allows you to start early feeding and prevent stretching of the stitches placed on the oesophagus.

Preparation for surgery

The patient is required to undergo the necessary examination before the procedure. The patient should have a card with data from previous studies. Also, a person should notify the doctor about taking the drugs, about problems with blood coagulation, about installing a pacemaker, about an allergy to drugs, about problems with anaesthesia.

Operation 

During the operation, the oesophagus is removed and an artificial one is formed from the stomach, which is connected to the remaining part of the oesophagus. Since the healthy part is connected to the stomach, patients can eat naturally. In some cases, part of the small or large intestine can be used to connect the oesophagus with the stomach.

An important point is the removal of the lymph nodes of the oesophagus for further examination under a microscope for the presence of malignant cells. In the case of a tumour blocking the lumen to maintain food patency, in some cases during surgery for cancer of the oesophagus, it is possible to place a metal or plastic oesophagal stent.