About Esophageal Cancer
Key Highlights
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Aims for complete removal of the cancerous tumor with clear surgical margins.Can be curative, especially for localized cancers detected at an early stage.Often performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic/robotic) for reduced pain and faster recovery.Part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer care plan.Focuses on preserving or reconstructing swallowing function to maintain quality of life.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of localized esophageal cancer (Squamous cell carcinoma or Adenocarcinoma).
- Tumors that have not widely metastasized to distant organs.
- As a curative treatment for stages I, II, and some stage III cancers.
- To relieve severe symptoms like obstruction, bleeding, or inability to swallow (dysphagia).
- Following neoadjuvant therapy (chemotherapy/radiation) to shrink the tumor before surgery.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative assessment including blood tests, imaging (CT, PET scan), and endoscopic ultrasound.
- Nutritional optimization, which may include dietary counseling or temporary feeding tube placement.
- Smoking cessation and alcohol avoidance are mandatory.
- Review and adjustment of current medications with the surgical team.
- Pre-operative pulmonary exercises (incentive spirometry) to strengthen lungs.
- Fasting as instructed, typically starting the night before surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Bleeding, infection, blood clots (DVT/PE), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Specific risks: Leakage from the new connection (anastomotic leak), pneumonia, or vocal cord nerve injury.
- Long-term complications: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), acid reflux, dumping syndrome, or nutritional deficiencies.
- Risk of recurrence of cancer.
- Potential need for additional procedures or interventions.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital's intensive care or step-down unit for close monitoring.
- Pain is managed effectively with medications.
- Gradual progression from intravenous fluids to clear liquids, then to a soft/pureed diet over several days.
- Early mobilization with assistance to prevent complications.
- Discharge with detailed instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and dietary guidelines.
- Follow-up appointments for suture removal, nutritional monitoring, and surveillance scans.
- Participation in a structured rehabilitation program may be recommended.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering esophageal cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform esophageal cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for esophageal cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
Myra Jones, a 68-year-old retired school...
Myra Jones, a 68-year-old retired school librarian, had always been healthy and active. For months, she dismissed a persistent feeling of food 'sticking' in her chest and occasional heartburn as stress or aging. When she began unintentionally losing weight and felt a constant, dull ache behind her breastbone, her daughter insisted she see her doctor. An endoscopy revealed a tumor in her lower esophagus. Her surgical oncologist, Dr. Chen, explained that due to the tumor's location and early stage, a minimally invasive esophagectomy offered the best chance for a cure. Myra was terrified of the surgery's scale and the thought of never enjoying a proper meal again. The surgery was long, but successful. Recovery in the hospital was difficult, with a feeding tube and learning to eat tiny amounts of pureed food. At home, with support from her family and a nutritionist, she slowly regained strength. Six months later, she manages six small meals a day and has returned to her book club and gentle gardening. The emotional journey was a rollercoaster, from the shock of diagnosis and fear of surgery to profound gratitude for her care team and a renewed appreciation for life's simple pleasures, even a spoonful of smooth soup.
Surgical Oncologists for Esophageal Cancer
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform esophageal cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore