Esophageal cancer treatment with tumor removal and reconstruction

Removing the part of the esophagus with cancer (esophagectomy) and rebuilding the defect is one of the primary surgical approaches to remove the tumor and prevent it from spreading; at the same time, it helps the patient to digest food and swallow normally. Doctors look at the patient's health records and perform an exam. Then, the patient talks about what to expect from the surgery with a chest surgeon, an oncologist, and an anesthesiologist who helps the patient sleep and feel comfortable after the surgery. The patient then has lab and imaging studies, like a CT scan or an ultrasound, to see the cancer's size and location. First, the patient is put to sleep with anesthesia. Then, the surgeon takes out the part of the esophagus with cancer and rebuilds the esophagus using a piece of another organ (the stomach or large intestine). After the surgery, the patient gets care to help them recover. It includes pain management and infection prevention. Surgery might be the only treatment, depending on the cancer stage and the patient's health, or combined with radiation or chemo. Studies show that tumor removal operation combined with organ reconstruction can make the patient feel better and increase their chances of living longer.