Minimally Invasive Surgery for Oesophageal Cancer
Minimally invasive oesophagectomy is used in the surgical treatment of oesophageal cancer. The operation combines a thoracoscopic approach in the chest and a laparoscopic approach in the abdomen, using a camera and special instruments inserted through small incisions.
- Incisions
- 3 or 4 small incisions
- Hospital stay
- Up to 1 week
- Return to work
- 2 to 3 weeks
What is minimally invasive oesophagectomy?
Minimally invasive oesophagectomy removes the cancerous part of the oesophagus through small incisions. The stomach is reshaped to form a new oesophagus to replace the removed section.
This approach allows organs and their functions to be preserved as far as possible. Compared with open surgery, it has less impact on the body and the patient's psychological wellbeing.
Indications for surgery
Early-stage and locally advanced oesophageal cancer
Cases that do not respond to endoscopic treatment
A general condition suitable for surgical intervention
Localised tumours without metastases
How is the operation performed?
A thoracoscopic approach means working with a camera and instruments through small openings in the chest, while a laparoscopic approach uses small openings in the abdomen. The operation is performed through 3 or 4 small incisions instead of a large incision.
Endoscopic imaging allows precise removal of cancerous tissue. Special instruments and technological equipment are used, and the operation is performed by an experienced surgical team.
Benefits of the minimally invasive approach
Less tissue damage due to small incisions
Reduced pain and blood loss
Precise tissue removal using endoscopic imaging
Preservation of organs and their functions as far as possible
Shorter hospital stay and earlier recovery
Greater safety and a lower likelihood of complications than open surgery when performed by an experienced surgeon
Recovery after surgery
There may be pain after surgery. Small incisions cause less tissue damage, so pain is less severe than after open surgery.
A special dietary plan must be followed during recovery. The stated time for returning to daily activities does not mean everyone will have fully recovered by then.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the removed part of the oesophagus replaced?
The cancerous part of the oesophagus is removed during the operation. The stomach is reshaped to form a new oesophagus to replace it.
Is this operation suitable for every patient with oesophageal cancer?
This technique may be used for early-stage and locally advanced oesophageal cancer without metastases. The patient's general condition must also be suitable for surgery. Cases that do not respond to endoscopic treatment are also among the indications.
How do you see and remove cancerous tissue through small incisions?
A camera inserted into the chest and abdominal cavity provides a view of the surgical field. Guided by this view, the surgeon removes the cancerous tissue using special instruments.