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Patients who come to Moffitt Cancer Center for esophageal cancer treatment may undergo a transthoracic esophagectomy. This procedure is traditionally performed through the chest to remove part or all of a patient’s esophagus, depending on factors such as the size and stage of the patient’s tumor. Then, the surgeon will connect the remaining portion of the patient’s esophagus to their stomach to allow food to pass through the body normally. This procedure can also be performed robotically. The specific approach a surgeon takes will depend on the nature of the patient’s tumor, its location and accessibility as well as the patient’s overall health.

As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Moffitt is committed to advancing the way we approach cancer treatment. Our surgeons are highly trained and skilled at operating the da Vinci® Surgical System, the latest advancement in robotic surgical technology. This system provides surgeons with better visibility, precision and control during robotic surgery, as it features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and wristed instruments that allow for greater rotation than what is possible of the human hand. Furthermore, patients who undergo a robotic transthoracic esophagectomy may benefit from:

  • Decreased pain and better pain management
  • Less scarring
  • A shorter hospital stay
  • A shorter overall recovery period following surgery

In addition to our state-of-the-art surgical equipment, there are a number of other reasons patients with esophageal cancer turn to Moffitt for treatment. Moffitt is a high-volume cancer center, so the experts in our Gastrointestinal Oncology Program have virtually unparalleled experience treating this form of cancer. Our multispecialty team consists of medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists and radiologists who collaborate to ensure each patient’s treatment plan has been tailored to meet the unique challenges of his or her cancer. Additionally, patients who come to Moffitt may have the opportunity to participate in our robust clinical trials program to benefit from the latest advancements in cancer treatment before they are made available elsewhere.

If you have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and would like to learn if a traditional or robotic transthoracic esophagectomy could be an effective method of treatment for you, schedule a consultation at Moffitt by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. Referrals are not required to make an appointment.