Esophagectomy what can I expect?

[eagleyed]

I'm thinking of having an Esophagectomy and from what I read about this procedure really scares me.  Had surgery before but nothing like this and I'm wondering if it's really worth the risk.  Having a feeding tube hooked to an intestine after surgery doesn't sound like much fun and still having a chance of choking is what I'm trying to get away from. I discussed my questions with the surgeon and he said I was the most negative person he talked to all day. I think he fails to realize even though he's done the operation many times anything can happen and most likely to me.

The outcome of the surgery will have a definite affect on the patient, that would be me, not the person doing the surgery. I know the surgery has a high mortality rate as noted by many other hospitals but after talking to him it's a walk in the park. I'm still having a hard time digesting that one. Has anyone had this operation and would you tell me what life is like after having the surgery and how fast was your recovery? When were you able to resume eating a regular diet and what foods you needed to avoid? I'm still undecided on whether I should have the surgery or not.

[eagleyed]

Was wondering how long was he in the hospital? Sounds like the feeding tube was removed at home I'll bet he was glad to get that removed. Thanks for your reply and wish your husband the best of luck too!

[KelDC]

My husband had this surgery done last month.  It is far from a walk in the park, but to him it was worth it to have the cancer gone.  (That was his sole reasoning for the surgery.) He is one month and two days post-surgery, and he is eating regular food (has been for almost a week). Nothing too big or solid (no steak) yet. He is learning which foods are easier than others and which digest well, too. He has to eat much smaller portions and eat more frequently.  His feeding tube was removed over the weekend. So far no issues with swallowing/choking, but they are keeping a close eye on it.
I have read that it takes up to 6 months before you are feeling like "you" again - and eating normally.  
It is not an easy decision - I do not envy you.  Best of luck as you face this and learn all you can!  

[eagleyed]

Your comment was of no help and considering your profile that says it all. You said "for starters the mortality rate of an operation depends on your health". How can you possibly know my health status by a post on a forum? Futhermore saying I'm healthy is another ludicrous statement when in reality you don't know nothing about my health condition except I'm wondering about having surgery. I don't know about you 0-22% mortality rate is nothing to laugh about. When you say I guess he's a good surgeon goes with I think you know what you're talking about and what comes to mind is you don't!

[ZeeshanParvez]

Well, for starters the mortality rate of an operation depends on your health. According to the ASA grading if a person is healthy and fit, like you are, he only has a less than 0.1 percent chance of dying.

Second, the mortality of this procedure ranges from 0-22% based on the hospital you go to. I guess he is a good surgeon, so he is not worried. Just check is past record of success if you are so worried.