Confused about different ops

Can someone explain to me the difference between an ivor Lewis op and keyhole and robotic surgery thanks

[slobjohnb]

The Ivor Lewis operation can be performed using open surgery, or keyhole surgery. Robotic surgery is just another way of performing the same op but with high precision. Keyhole surgery is the best option if it is physically possible as it leaves less scarring and heals faster. This reduces pain and improves recovery levels. Keyhole requires highly skillful surgery and is not universally available. Imagine trying to remove the esophagus and part of the stomach through tiny openings and then joining the throat and stomach together again with precise suturing, leaving no holes or gaps and getting it dead right first time.

[jeffw663]

slobjohnb has explained it spot on, I had keyhole IL and during recovery I had no pain from the op and was swimming 3 months after.

[Hidden]

SLO John has described it very well. However I had open surgery and recovered equally well. I don’t suffer from post surgery pain except for the odd twinge which I only notice in my idle moments. So I’ve been very happy with that.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply i.m waiting for an appointment to see the surgeon . I.m dreading the after surgery effects problems with eating etc everyone seems to have some problems how have you been .

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Molly the surgery was tough and we all dread it. It does take time to recover but you really can get over it. The problems you get afterwards are pretty manageable. You get stronger and stronger every day/week/month and more and more of your life back. It’s as much a learning process as anything else as you have a slightly altered body I think the wait between the chemo/radiation and the surgery is almost the worst bit as it’s only after the surgery that you know the worst is over and you can and do get your life back. My surgery was in March and I think yours will probably be about then too. It means you have the summer and better weather to convalesce and enjoy things . So good luck get rid of the wretched cancer and look forward to life! I felt much as you do three years ago! But feel blessed every day to have this extra life. I think of these as my bonus years. Good luck. Suzyx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that it's just that I feel so well at the moment and I dread being ill . I know I have to get on with it and stop being a wimp but as you say a lot of it is the waiting and the waking up in the middle of the night thinking x

[Hidden]

Molly I’m so pleased you’re feeling well. I think you wrote about being worried about the chemo radiation and now that’s behind you and you’re ready to face the next hurdle. So it won’t be too long before that’s behind you too. You do get over the op and generally each week feels better than the last! So good luck !

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi yes I was dreading the chemeoradiotherapy but as you say I got through it and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be so hopefully the op will be manageable its when I read about the problems a lot of people on here have to cope with I find upsetting and then I worry I,ll have a lot of these problems I know I have to cope and it's great when I read positive stories I sometimes feel really positive then other times I feel a bit panicky but I do think the waitings getting to me so I,m trying to keep busy . After you get home from the op are you up and about and able to do some everyday gentle activities or can you not be bothered to do anything much .

[Hidden]

Well yes not a lot at first definitely need to recuperate. I was in hospital for a while afterwards as I had a complication so my experience is different to others. I think it’s very important to bear in mind that when people write on a forum like this they have a problem. The ones who don’t haven’t a need to write therefore I think it looks as though it’s constant problems. The anxiety waiting is hideous! The other thing is the better and fitter you are before surgery the quicker you recover. And you sound good to go! I would speak to you if there was a way of exchanging phone numbers securely!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks it really helps to speak to you I don't know any way of exchanging phone numbers securely otherwise it would be good to be able to ring you for a chat . What area do you live in I,m in lancashire and will be having my op at Preston Royal . Where was yours ?

[Hidden]

I live at the far end of Cornwall. My op was in Derriford. I think they are all done in Centres of excellence so in a way doesn’t matter so much where you go!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Plus have you got a date yet?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

You live in a beautiful place I,ve visited Cornwall quite a few times it's a lovely place . I,m still waiting for a date for my op I finished chemo 4 weeks ago so I,m expecting to hear anytime now . I agree with you about hearing from people with problems obviously the ones that are fine don't come on n here.

[Hidden]

I made a friend who had the same treatment when I was ill. She uttered the phrase “this chemo really knocks you out. I can only run I mile on the treatment. Usually it’s three! She was 76 at the time! She know runs 10 miles a day as she nears her 80 th birthday!!!!! She doesn’t write on here. I certainly don’t run! The chemo is still working while you wait. Cornwall will still be here when you’re better. It’s been grey today but we’ve had a couple of lovely days lately!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thats so lovely to hear about your friend its really made me smile 😀

[Mentalmicky6]

I had the full two part open surgery Ivor Lewis six years ago and thanks to the systems in place there was no real pain, they keep you on an epidural for three days afterwards for starters, I'v got no idea how they manage the same op by keyhole surgery, it mind boggling

[tallbear]

Just a note for you,

You will find a very descriptive article on the Ivor Lewis procedure on the internet with diagrams, but beware it is a bit scary. Just google it.