Procedure - Esophagus Resection

What to Expect: Esophagus Resection

We perform esophagus resection surgery using the least invasive means possible. Sometimes, we perform your procedure through just two small incisions.

Working with experts within our Esophagus Center, our thoracic surgeons deliver personalized care. Our active participation in clinical research and extensive esophagus resection experience help us select the most appropriate technique for your condition. We do this by considering factors, such as the location and characteristics of your dysplasia as well as your overall health.

We offer the full range of esophagus resection techniques, including:

• Ivor Lewis esphagectomy: This technique works by removing your esophagus through incisions in your abdominal and chest walls. We reconnect your stomach and remaining esophagus (esophagogastric anastomosis) in your upper chest.
• Minimally invasive esophagectomy: We remove your esophagus through small incisions in your abdominal wall and the right side of your chest (thoracoscopy). We reconnect your stomach and remaining esophagus in your upper chest.
• Three-incision esophagectomy: We remove your esophagus through an abdominal incision near your right lung (right thoracotomy) and a left neck incision. We reconnect your stomach and esophagus in your neck.
• Transhiatal esophagectomy: This technique works by removing your esophagus through an abdominal incision and left neck incision. We reconnect your stomach and esophagus in your neck.

After your procedure:

• You stay in the hospital for a few days, depending on which technique we use.
• You go a special diet, starting with clear liquids and foods that are easy to digest. We may place a feeding tube in your stomach to allow your esophagus time to heal.
• As you start to incorporate solid foods, experts from our GI Nutrition Services program reintroduce solid foods and show you special ways to ensure eating and digestion go smoothly. Over time, you can expect to resume a normal diet.
• A few weeks after your procedure, we perform special imaging tests, such as esophageal manometry, to see how your esophagus is healing.