What is the meaning of esophagectomy?

(ee-SAH-fuh-JEK-toh-mee) An operation to remove a portion of the esophagus. Enlarge. Esophagectomy. A portion of the esophagus is removed and the stomach is pulled up and joined to the remaining esophagus.

What are the types of esophagectomy?

McKeown esophagectomy: The incisions are made in the neck, chest and abdomen (belly) to remove the esophagus and rebuild the gastrointestinal tract. Thoracoabdominal esophagectomy: A single incision is made from the chest to the abdomen on the left side, and an incision is made in the neck.

How does esophagectomy affect quality of life?

Esophagectomy is a complex surgery associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Complications can lead to lengthy hospital stay and can negatively affect postsurgical quality of life by altering or interrupting the ability to swallow.

When do you need an esophagectomy for cancer?

It is most often performed for esophageal cancer, a condition in which malignant (cancerous) tumors develop in the esophagus. It may also be performed for benign (nonmalignant) diseases of the esophagus where the esophageal function has deteriorated to the point that the individual can no longer swallow.

What kind of surgery is done to remove the esophagus?

An esophagectomy is a surgery to remove part or all of the esophagus (the tube through which food travels from the throat to the stomach). It is most often performed for esophageal cancer, a condition in which malignant (cancerous) tumors develop in the esophagus.

Can a transhiatal esophagectomy be performed on a benign patient?

Patient Selection. Transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) may be used to treat patients with either benign or malignant esophageal disease because the reconstructive result cervical esophagogastric anastomosis yields an excellent functional result with a minimum of gastroesophageal reflux.