Page Contents
Patients at Fred Hutch Cancer Center receive esophageal cancer surgery from top surgeons at UW Medicine's Thoracic Surgery Clinic and Center for Esophageal & Gastric Surgery, among only a few sites in the country that specialize in diagnosing and surgically treating thoracic and esophageal cancers. Here, the same experts take care of people with cancer in their stomach, esophagus or the place where these structures meet (gastroesophageal junction).
Studies show that performing a high volume of esophagectomies, as our surgeons do, is a strong predictor of better patient outcomes, including lower risk of major complications.
Esophageal Cancer Care Tailored to You
You and your family are our top priority. At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care — personalized to you. You'll have access to the latest treatment options, clinical trials and supportive care services.
When Surgery is Needed
Your care team may recommend surgery to remove part or all of your esophagus (esophagectomy) if:
- You have early-stage cancer that cannot be removed with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).
- You have locally advanced cancer (which may have spread through layers of your esophagus and to nearby structures, such as lymph nodes).
There are many ways to perform an esophagectomy.
- The method your surgeon uses will depend on the location of your tumor.
- UW Medicine surgeons are on the leading edge of developing new techniques and teaching these techniques to other physicians.
- Whichever procedure you have, your Fred Hutch team will work with you to ensure you receive the care you need before, during and after, as you recover.
People with metastatic esophageal cancer (which has spread to distant parts of the body) have other treatment options. They typically do not have surgery because surgery cannot remove the cancer completely.
Types of Surgery to Treat Esophageal Cancer
There is a range of surgeries for esophageal cancer. Our experienced surgeons offer all types of esophageal cancer surgeries. Your exact procedure will depend on many factors. Your care team will take into account things like the site, size and stage of your cancer and your health, weight and wishes. You and your team will talk about your options and decide together what is best for you.
Transhiatal Esophagectomy
Your surgeon removes most of your esophagus through incisions in your neck and abdomen. Typically they attach your stomach to your remaining esophagus in your neck. Sometimes, a segment of the colon is used to connect the esophagus to the stomach. There’s no incision in your chest, and your lungs do not have to be deflated to reach your esophagus, so this method may reduce complications like pneumonia.
Ivor-Lewis Esophagectomy
Your surgeon removes the lower half of your esophagus through an incision in your abdomen. They attach your stomach to your upper esophagus through an incision in your chest along your ribs.
Total Esophagectomy
For large tumors in the middle of your esophagus, your surgeon removes the entire esophagus. They separate your esophagus from other chest structures and organs through incisions in your neck, chest and abdomen, and they create a new passage for food from your throat to your stomach, typically with a segment of your intestine.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Many Fred Hutch patients with early-stage esophageal cancer can have minimally invasive surgery, called an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). This procedure is done with a fiber-optic camera and small instruments through incisions only one-quarter to one-half inch long. The benefits include less pain, faster recovery and fewer problems than with longer incisions.
Why Choose Fred Hutch for Esophageal Cancer Surgery
As a patient at Fred Hutch, you’ll have surgery done by a UW Medicine surgical oncologist. Your surgeon will be specially trained and board certified in esophageal cancer surgery. They know the most advanced surgical options for treating your disease. Your surgeon will design a personalized treatment plan to fit your needs.
Whenever possible, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques. Knowing when to do an open or minimally invasive procedure is important. This is part of the expertise offered by our surgeons. They are among the country’s leading experts in both techniques. To help you recover, Fred Hutch care teams follow evidence-based guidelines (“early-recovery after surgery” protocols).
Like with any surgery, you will probably have some pain after your operation. Your care team will give you pain medicines to help with this.
Your Fred Hutch care team will talk with you about common side effects and signs to watch for. We’ll make sure you know what to do and how to reach us if any concerns come up.