Esophagectomy

Esophagectomy (US English) or oesophagectomy (British English) is the surgical removal of all or part of the esophagus.Diagram showing before and after a partial oesophagectomyDiagram showing before and after a total oesophagectomyAn esophagectomy using the bowel (colon) to replace the esophagus Esophagectomy (US English) or oesophagectomy (British English) is the surgical removal of all or part of the esophagus. The principal objective is to remove the esophagus, a part of the gastrointestinal tract ('food pipe'). This procedure is usually done for patients with esophageal cancer. It is normally done when esophageal cancer is detected early, before it has spread to other parts of the body. Esophagectomy of early stage cancer represents the best chance of a cure. Despite significant improvements in technique and postoperative care, the long-term survival for esophageal cancer is still poor. Currently multimodality treatment is needed (chemotherapy and radiation therapy) for advanced tumors. Esophagectomy is also occasionally performed for benign disease such as esophageal atresia in children, achalasia, or caustic injury. In those who have had an esophagectomy for cancer, omentoplasty appears to improve outcomes.