About Esophagocoloplasty
Key Highlights
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Restores the ability to swallow and eat normally after severe esophageal damage.Provides a durable, long-term solution for esophageal replacement.Utilizes the patient's own tissue (colon), reducing rejection risks compared to synthetic grafts.Can be a life-saving procedure for patients with esophageal cancer or corrosive injuries.Performed by specialized Surgical Gastroenterologists with expertise in complex reconstruction.
Who is this surgery for?
- Advanced esophageal cancer requiring esophagectomy.
- Severe corrosive injury (e.g., from acid or alkali ingestion) causing strictures.
- Failed previous esophageal surgery or reconstruction.
- Long-gap esophageal atresia in pediatric patients (though less common in adults).
- Benign strictures unresponsive to dilation or stenting.
- Esophageal perforation or fistula not amenable to primary repair.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray.
- Nutritional optimization, which may include feeding tube placement if swallowing is severely impaired.
- Bowel preparation (cleansing) to empty the colon segment to be used.
- Informed consent process detailing the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- Pre-operative counseling with a dietitian and physiotherapist.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications as advised by the surgeon.
- Smoking and alcohol cessation to improve healing.
Risks & possible complications
- Anastomotic leak (leakage from the surgical connection sites).
- Infection at the surgical site or in the chest/abdomen.
- Bleeding during or after the procedure.
- Graft ischemia (loss of blood supply to the colon segment).
- Stricture formation at the anastomosis, causing narrowing.
- Pulmonary complications like pneumonia or pleural effusion.
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury affecting voice.
- Long-term issues like reflux, dumping syndrome, or nutritional deficiencies.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the ICU or high-dependency unit for close monitoring.
- Pain management with epidural or patient-controlled analgesia.
- Gradual initiation of oral feeding, starting with clear liquids, often after a contrast swallow study confirms no leak.
- Chest physiotherapy and early mobilization to prevent lung complications.
- Wound care and monitoring for signs of infection or leakage.
- Dietary guidance to adapt to the new anatomy, focusing on small, frequent meals.
- Long-term follow-up to monitor swallowing function, nutritional status, and for any signs of stricture.
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Typical hospital stay: 10-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering esophagocoloplasty in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for esophagocoloplasty in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform esophagocoloplasty. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists 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 esophagocoloplasty compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 350 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 10-14 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.23 Million – 2.8 Million | 10-14 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Esophagocoloplasty in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing esophagocoloplasty.
Aadya Brown, a 58-year-old retired school...
Aadya Brown, a 58-year-old retired school librarian, had been struggling for years with severe, chronic acid reflux that had progressed to Barrett's esophagus. Despite maximal medication and lifestyle changes, she developed a high-grade dysplasia, a pre-cancerous condition. Her persistent symptoms included painful swallowing, regurgitation of food, and a constant fear of esophageal cancer. Her surgical gastroenterologist recommended an esophagocoloplasty, explaining it was the best option to remove the diseased portion of her esophagus and prevent cancer, using a segment of her colon to reconstruct her swallowing pathway. The surgery was long and complex, requiring a stay in the ICU. The initial recovery in the hospital was challenging, with a temporary feeding tube and careful monitoring of her new anastomoses. After six weeks of a strict liquid then soft diet at home, guided by a nutritionist, Aadya began to eat blended foods without pain. A follow-up endoscopy showed no signs of dysplasia. Emotionally, Aadya moved from a state of constant anxiety and dread about cancer to one of profound relief and cautious optimism. She mourned the loss of eating certain foods freely but felt she had regained her future and could enjoy meals with her family again, free from pain and fear.
Surgical Gastroenterologists for Esophagocoloplasty
Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform esophagocoloplasty and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 4 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist