About Mckeown Procedure
Key Highlights
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Curative intent surgery for localized esophageal cancer.Allows for extensive lymph node dissection, which is crucial for cancer staging and prognosis.Preserves the stomach as the primary organ for reconstruction, avoiding the need for a colonic interposition in most cases.Provides a clear surgical margin by performing the anastomosis (reconnection) in the neck.Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic/thoracoscopic) in selected patients to reduce recovery time.
Who is this surgery for?
- Adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the middle or lower esophagus.
- Locally advanced esophageal cancer that has not spread to distant organs (non-metastatic disease).
- Cases where neoadjuvant chemoradiation has been completed to shrink the tumor.
- Recurrent or persistent cancer after endoscopic or other less invasive treatments.
- Certain benign conditions like end-stage achalasia or severe corrosive injury, though this is less common.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative assessment including CT scans, PET-CT, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and biopsies for accurate staging.
- Nutritional optimization, which may include dietary counseling or placement of a feeding tube (e.g., jejunostomy) if the patient is malnourished.
- Prehabilitation with breathing exercises and light physical activity to improve lung and heart function.
- Smoking and alcohol cessation is mandatory several weeks before surgery.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications like blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the surgeon and cardiologist.
- Bowel preparation may be required.
- Psychological counseling to prepare for the major surgery and recovery process.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, and infection.
- Specific to the procedure: Anastomotic leak (leakage from the reconnection site), which is a serious complication.
- Respiratory complications like pneumonia or pleural effusion (fluid around the lung).
- Cardiac arrhythmias or other heart-related issues.
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, leading to hoarseness of voice.
- Chyle leak (leakage of lymphatic fluid).
- Delayed gastric emptying, causing nausea and vomiting.
- Long-term issues: Dumping syndrome, reflux, and stricture (narrowing) at the anastomosis site requiring dilation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the ICU or high-dependency unit for 1-2 days for close monitoring of vital signs and the surgical site.
- Pain is managed effectively with epidural or patient-controlled analgesia (PCA).
- A contrast swallow study is typically performed around day 5-7 to check for leaks before starting oral intake.
- Diet progresses slowly from clear liquids to pureed foods over several weeks, guided by a dietitian.
- Early mobilization with physiotherapy support is encouraged to prevent blood clots and pneumonia.
- Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing, nutritional status, and for any necessary endoscopic dilations.
- Full recovery of strength and adaptation to new eating patterns can take several months.
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Typical hospital stay: 10-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-8 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering mckeown procedure in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for mckeown procedure 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 mckeown procedure. 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 mckeown procedure 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 basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.23 Million – 2.8 Million | 10-14 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Mckeown Procedure in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing mckeown procedure.
Amit Reddy, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Amit Reddy, a 42-year-old software engineer from Hyderabad, had always been a food enthusiast. For the past three years, he had been struggling with progressively worsening difficulty swallowing, starting with solids and eventually even liquids. He experienced frequent regurgitation of undigested food and severe chest pain after meals, leading to significant weight loss and anxiety around eating. After multiple rounds of medication for 'severe acid reflux' failed, a barium swallow and endoscopy confirmed a diagnosis of advanced achalasia cardia. His surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Sharma, explained that the nerves in his lower esophagus were not functioning, causing it to remain tightly closed. He recommended the McKeown procedure, a minimally invasive surgery, to relieve the obstruction. Amit was terrified of surgery but desperate for relief. The laparoscopic procedure went smoothly. The initial recovery in the hospital was challenging with some pain, but within days, he could sip liquids without choking. Six weeks post-op, after a gradual dietary progression, Amit ate a full meal of soft biryani with his family for the first time in years without pain or fear. Emotionally, he transitioned from a state of constant anxiety and social isolation to one of profound gratitude and regained joy in life's simple pleasures.
Surgical Gastroenterologists for Mckeown Procedure
Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform mckeown procedure 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