Five Ways to Prepare for Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Surgery is one of the most common forms of treatment for esophageal cancer. During surgery, part or all of the esophagus is removed, sometimes along with the upper portion of the stomach and nearby lymph nodes. The specific kind of esophageal cancer surgery a person will have will depend on factors including the size, stage and location of their tumor, as well as the patient’s age and overall health.

If you have been told you need to undergo esophageal cancer surgery, it is normal to feel anxious or worried about your procedure. However, you may be able to offset some of this fear by preparing as much as you can for your surgery so that you are ready for what is to come during and after your procedure. To prepare for your upcoming esophageal cancer surgery, you may want to:

• Learn more about the procedure you will be having
• Speak with your surgeon about his or her experience and success rate
• Learn about the common side effects
• Pack a hospital bag with everything you will need
• Make any necessary at-home care arrangements for after your surgery

Surgery and other forms of treatment for esophageal cancer are available at Moffitt Cancer Center. Moffitt is a high-volume cancer center, so our surgeons have unparalleled experience treating all forms and stages of esophageal cancer. We offer the latest surgical techniques for patients with esophageal cancer, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures, which can help to reduce complications and the length of patients’ recovery times.

To learn more about our approach to esophageal cancer surgery at Moffitt, fill out a new patient registration form online or call 1-888-663-3488 to schedule a consultation. You do not need a referral to come to Moffitt.