Surgery for Esophageal Cancer

Oesophagal cancer surgery is performed by leading Israeli surgeons at Tel Aviv Medical Clinic. One of the important advantages of treating cancer of the oesophagus in a leading private clinic in the country is the ability to carry out all the necessary diagnostic procedures, comprehensive therapy and follow-up within a single medical centre that meets the highest standards of quality of care.

Oesophagal cancer is a malignant disease in which tumour cells appear in the tissues of the oesophagus. The oesophagus is a hollow muscle tube through which solid and liquid foods pass from the throat to the stomach. Factors in the development of the disease are unbalanced nutrition (lack of fruits and vegetables), consumption excessively hot food and drinks, abuse of alcohol and tobacco products (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, etc.).

Diagnostic methods 

To determine the size of the tumour, the stage of development of the disease and the presence of oncological processes of other organs and tissues, the following diagnostic tests are prescribed: 

• Computed tomography;
• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• PET-CT;
• X-ray of the oesophagus;
• Video thoracoscopy and video laparoscopy.

Also, a biopsy is done to the patient and a histological examination is performed to determine the nature of the formation. Diagnosis is necessary not only for making an accurate diagnosis but also for prescribing the most effective course of treatment. 

Surgery

The decision on the method of surgical treatment of oesophagal cancer is made by doctors depending on the size of the neoplasm, its location, the involvement of nearby organs in the pathological process and the presence of metastatic foci. There are two main types of surgical treatment: 

• Radical operations are most often performed for cancer of the oesophagus. The task of a radical surgical procedure is to completely remove the tumour and nearby lymph nodes. Radical surgery for cancer of the thoracic oesophagus prevents recurrent tumour growth and promotes complete recovery;
• Palliative procedures are performed if it is not possible to completely remove the tumour (inoperable cancer of the oesophagus). The goal of palliative surgery for oesophagal cancer is to prevent the development of symptoms of the disease and preserve the possibility of enteral nutrition.

Before deciding to perform a particular procedure, oncological surgeons of the clinic explain to patients in detail the advantages of choosing this treatment, as well as the possibility of further postoperative rehabilitation.