Esophagectomy Tunisia

Esophagectomy in Tunisia

Esophagectomy is the operation that involves removing the esophagus, either completely or partially.

This surgical procedure is necessary when transit in the viscera is obstructed by:

• The presence of a tumor;
• Inflammatory stenosis;

Esophageal cancer is linked to lifestyle and, in particular, to eating habits.

There are precancerous conditions, that is to say, clinical situations that can evolve into esophageal cancer, including:

• Barrett’s esophagus, induced by gastroesophageal reflux (GERD);
• Dysplasia caused by food stagnation, typical of achalasia;

However, in some cases, the tumor develops without any prior clinical picture.

Esophageal carcinoma is not one of the most frequent solid neoplasms, but precisely because of its location, the esophagus is the only viscus that crosses three anatomical compartments, namely the neck, thorax and abdomen, and because of its relative rarity, it requires treatment in specialized centers, capable of managing a large number of patients and with a multidisciplinary approach.

Another indication for esophagectomy is inflammatory stenosis. This includes, among others, narrowings – even total narrowings – of the esophagus induced by the scarring of lesions caused by:

• Significant gastroesophageal reflux;
• Accidental or suicidal ingestion of caustic substances;

The use of esophagectomy in pediatrics is rare. However, when a child undergoes this operation, replacement of the esophagus must be planned. Colonic interposition is one of the surgical options in children when esophageal replacement is necessary, particularly when the stomach is not usable as an esophageal substitute. Conventional open surgery with blind mediastinal dissection has reasonable morbidity, which can be reduced by guided microsurgery.

Price of Esophagectomy in Tunisia

The price of an esophagectomy in Tunisia varies depending on the technique used by the surgeon. To find out the prices of esophagectomy in Tunisia, request a free personalized quote online on our website. One of our advisors will contact you, process your request and answer all your questions.

Esophagectomy Procedure

There are several ways to perform an esophagectomy, including:

• Transhiatal (through the diaphragm). Incisions (cuts) are made in the abdomen and neck to allow the surgeon to reach the esophagus;
• Transthoracic (through the chest cavity). Incisions (cuts) are made in the abdomen and on the side of the chest to allow the surgeon to reach the esophagus;
• Thoraco-abdominal (through the abdominal cavity). A large incision (cut) is made from the chest to the abdomen to allow the surgeon to reach the esophagus;
• Minimally invasive laparoscopic esophagectomy. Many small incisions (cuts) are made, allowing the insertion of surgical instruments and a lighted camera, which are used during the procedure;

During one of these types of esophagectomy, lymph nodes may also be removed to check for the possible spread of cancer.

Esophagectomy surgery always involves a reconstruction phase: that is to say, it is necessary to restore the continuity of the digestive tract by replacing the removed section of esophagus with another viscus. Whenever possible, the stomach is the natural organ assigned to this function.

When the stomach is not usable, one can use:

• The jejunum;
• Colon;

The colon is frequently used in caustic stenosis, esophago-coloplasty

Risks of Esophagectomy

Since it is a fairly complex procedure, like any other type of surgical intervention, esophagectomy can also lead to certain complications, including:

• Pneumonia;
• Hoarseness;
• GERD;
• Cardiac arrhythmia;
• Fistula (leakage from the connection between the esophagus and the stomach);

Many people will experience pain after the procedure, but this can be relieved by specific medications prescribed by the doctor. The stomach may take longer to empty because the nerves that control the organ and its contractions may be affected by the procedure, and at the same time, lead the patient to have frequent nausea and vomiting. When the surgeon connects the esophagus to the stomach during the operation, the patient may experience some swallowing problems, easily treatable by upper digestive endoscopy.

Esophagectomy Results

During the first few days following the esophagectomy, there will be physiological weight loss. At the time of discharge, the patient will receive instructions regarding subsequent outpatient checks during which the doctor communicates the diagnostic and therapeutic progress of the case based on the final histological examination, the report of which generally takes 15 days.

Postoperative Esophagectomy Care in Tunisia

After an esophagectomy in Tunisia, the patient must follow an adequate diet and be kept under constant medical supervision. Note that postoperative weight loss is normal. The minimally invasive approach is less traumatic for the body because the surgical maneuvers are performed through very small incisions into which cannulas are placed that allow the passage of very fine instruments manipulated from the outside. Minimally invasive esophagectomy gives excellent clinical and oncological results, but it must be performed by experienced surgeons.

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