What is the life expectancy after an esophagectomy?
The survival rates after transthoracic or transhiatal esophagectomy were respectively 31.2% and 27.8% by 5 years, and 21.3% and 16.6% by 10 years, and the median time of survival after transthoracic or transhiatal esophagectomy was 20.5 months (95% CI: 10.4–57.6) and 16.4 months (95% CI: 10.6–28.7), respectively.
How long does an Ivor Lewis take?
The entire operation takes 6- 8 hours and the hospital stay afterwards is around 2 weeks. During your operation the surgeon will also remove some of the lymph nodes from around your oesophagus.
Can you live a normal life after esophagectomy?
Most people report improved quality of life after esophagectomy, but some symptoms usually continue. Your doctor will likely recommend comprehensive follow-up care to prevent complications after surgery and to help you adjust your lifestyle.
What is the most common complication after esophagectomy?
Pulmonary complications are the most common postoperative complications, occurring in 16 to 67 percent of patients [7,14-16], but anastomotic leak is the most dreaded, occurring in 0 to 40 percent of patients [7,17,18].
Can you eat normally after esophagectomy?
You will be on a liquid diet at first. Then you may eat soft foods for the first 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. A soft diet contains only foods that are mushy and do not need much chewing. When you are back to a normal diet, be careful eating steak and other dense meats because they may be hard to swallow.
How long does it take to recover from esophagectomy?
Recovery and Follow-up
Patients should expect six to eight weeks of recovery and adjustment in eating patterns after the procedure. Most patients benefit from eating smaller, more frequent meals after esophagectomy.
How painful is an esophagectomy?
Esophagectomy is a major complex surgical procedure and is associated with severe postoperative pain. Pain in the early period after esophagectomy can lead to fear, anxiety, immobility, and ineffective breathing, contributing to the development of respiratory complications.
How do you sleep after esophagectomy?
You can sleep in any position that is comfortable. However, the head of the bed should be raised slightly.
How serious is a esophagectomy?
Esophagectomy is a serious procedure and carries some risks. Short-term risks include: Blood clots in the lungs and other parts of the body. Infections.