The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Surgery to address esophageal issues may be necessary in cases of esophageal cancer, benign growths, or conditions related to esophageal motility.
Before the esophageal surgery, the doctor will conduct a physical examination, blood and urine tests, and various imaging studies such as chest X-rays, abdominal ultrasounds, and sometimes computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the condition.
In preparation for the surgery, the patient must inform the doctor about any regular medications they are taking. The doctor may advise stopping certain medications, like aspirin or blood thinners, in the week leading up to the operation. Patients should refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight before the surgery. In some cases, preoperative antibiotics will be given as a preventive measure.
The esophageal surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts for several hours. The patient is intubated, meaning a tube is inserted into the airway to assist with breathing. The surgeon will make an incision in the neck, chest, or abdomen, depending on the area of the esophagus that requires attention. If needed, nearby lymph nodes might be removed.
After the surgery, it's normal to experience some discomfort and pain. Pain management will be provided as needed, and the patient may be prescribed pain relievers to help with the recovery process. Depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient's condition, the hospital stay may range from a week to a few weeks.
Before discharge, the medical team will provide instructions regarding diet and activities, tailored to the patient's specific recovery needs. Special compression stockings may be recommended to prevent blood clots and physical therapy may be employed to aid with appropriate breathing exercises.
If any concerning symptoms appear after the discharge, such as signs of inflammation, fever, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, breathing difficulties, changes in urine or bowel movements, or swelling in the extremities, the patient should seek immediate medical attention.