Esophagectomy

Overview

Mayo Clinic is one of the world's largest and most experienced medical centers for esophageal surgery. Mayo surgeons perform more than 100 esophageal resections each year.

Esophagectomy (surgery) is the a common treatment for several esophageal disorders including esophageal cancer. For esophageal cancer, surgery is done either as a therapy for the cancer itself or as a way to relieve symptoms. It's also recommended for patients who consistently have very abnormal cells (high-grade dysplasia) occurring with Barrett's esophagus and for some patients who have achalasia.

During an esophagectomy, the surgeon removes a portion of the esophagus. The esophagus is reconstructed using one of several other organs, most commonly the stomach or large intestine. Occasionally, the surgery can be accomplished without an incision in the chest cavity. This technique, which is called transhiatal esophagectomy, often results in reduced pain and faster recovery for patients who are candidates for it. Improvements in surgical techniques have resulted in marked improvments in patient outcomes over recent years. Read about the specifics of surgery.

Minimally Invasive Esophageal Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (sometimes called laparoscopic surgery) is done through small incisions. Using specialized techniques, miniature cameras with microscopes, tiny fiber-optic flashlights and high-definition monitors, surgeons can perform surgery through incisions that requires only a stitch or two to close. This innovative method is not performed as often as a traditional esophagectomy, and is not appropriate for all patients. Read more about minimally invasive surgery.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota