Questions to Ask Before Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Being told that you need to have esophageal cancer surgery can understandably cause a certain amount of anxiety. One of the best ways to prepare for your surgery is to learn as much as you can about the procedure you’ll be having and what to expect following surgery. That way, you can go into your surgery feeling as prepared as possible. Your physician is likely the best person to go to for information, since he or she will be able to explain the details of esophageal cancer surgery as they relate to your specific case. However, many patients come to realize that the overwhelming emotions that come with cancer make it hard to remember the questions they wanted to ask. So, to help make sure you get all the information you need, you may want to bring to your next appointment a list of questions to ask your physician, as well as a pen and notebook to write down any helpful information they give you.

Talking with your physician

If you are having trouble finding a place to begin, don’t worry. Here are some questions you can ask to help start a conversation with your physician before your esophageal cancer surgery:

• Are there minimally invasive options available to me?
• How long will my operation take?
• How long will I need to stay in the hospital after my surgery?
• Why is surgery the best treatment for my esophageal cancer?
• What will my recovery be like following surgery?
• What are the potential side effects and complications of this surgery?
• Who will be performing my surgery?

When you come to Moffitt for esophageal cancer surgery, you will benefit from the expertise of the multispecialty team in our Gastrointestinal (GI) Oncology Program, including our medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, endoscopic oncologists, radiation oncologists and other experts. You will receive a treatment plan that has been tailored to your needs – and may consist of advanced minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgical techniques – to give you the best chance at a favorable outcome and an improved quality of life.

To discuss your treatment options with a Moffitt physician, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.