How To Treat Esophageal Cancer

Esophagogastrostomy

An esophagogastrostomy is a surgical procedure in which a part of the esophagus and upper part of the stomach are removed, and the remaining parts are mechanically reattached. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed during this procedure. An esophagogastrostomy is usually utilized to treat esophageal cancer that occurs in the lower region of the esophagus or certain cases where the esophageal cancer is excessive. During the procedure, a part of the esophagus will be removed entirely along with a sizeable superior portion of the stomach. The surgeon will then reattach the esophagus to the remainder of the stomach after pulling it upwards. Sometimes, a portion of the colon is used to assist with rejoining the stomach and esophagus. There are numerous methods used to reattach or re-embed the esophagus into the stomach, like stitching and stapling. An esophagogastrostomy is used as a last resort treatment because it is the most invasive and carries the highest number of complications out of all the surgical methods used to treat esophageal cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation may also be used before or following an esophagogastrostomy to ensure the eradication of all cancerous tissues.

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