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Esophagectomy - open - Risks

Alternative Names

Trans-hiatal esophagectomy; Trans-thoracic esophagectomy; En bloc esophagectomy; Removal of the esophagus - open

Risks:

Esophagectomy is major surgery and has many possible risks. Some of them are serious. You should discuss these risks with your surgeon.

The risks from this surgery, or for problems after surgery, may be greater than normal if:

You are unable to walk even for short distances. This increases the risk of blood clots, lung problems, and pressure sores.
You are an older child who is still growing.
You are older than 60 to 65.
You are a heavy smoker.

Risks for any anesthesia are:

Allergic reactions to medicines
Breathing problems

Risks for any surgery are:

Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs
Infection, including in the surgical wound, lungs (pneumonia), bladder, or kidney
Blood loss
Heart attack or stroke during surgery

Risks for this surgery are:

Injury to the stomach, intestines, lungs, or other organs during surgery
Leakage of the contents of your esophagus or stomach where the surgeon joined them together
Narrowing of the connection between your stomach and esophagus

Reviewed last on: 2/17/2009
Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Maish M. Esophagus. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 41.

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