Esophageal Cancer Surgical Overview

Treatment options for esophageal cancer depend on the stage (how advanced) and the overall health of the patient. Roswell Park Cancer Institute offers photodynamic therapy for high-grade dysplasia associated with Barrett’s esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition) and for very advanced cases where cure may not possible, but alleviating pain and obstruction is the goal.

The majority of patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer will be surgical candidates. Individual treatment plans will be created for each patient that may include chemotherapy or radiation therapy. When surgery is needed, and the patient’s medical condition allows for it, RPCI offers a minimally invasive procedure that reduces surgical trauma and speeds recovery time.

The team uses a series of incisions to insert the tools to work on the appropriate part of the chest/abdominal cavity. These small (9 to 10) incisions heal much faster than a procedure that cuts the chest cavity open. (The top photo shows the abdomen with five incisions, the bottom photo shows the chest area with four incisions.)

Although the cancerous part of the esophagus may need to be fully removed (esophagectomy), the remaining parts of the esophagus will be connected to the rest of the digestive system to allow for normal swallowing.

The surgical team is skilled in creating a “tube” from the stomach to replace the esophagus if that is needed. Patients may need to eat smaller, more frequent meals after their recovery is complete.

Please be aware that some patients will still require the more traditional open cavity surgery. In these instances the surgeon will explain the reason during the surgical consultation.

If you need more information about treatment options for esophageal cancer, please call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org. If you are ready to make or request a referral, please call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355).