post surgery leak

[JE1983]

hi all. My husband had his oesophagectomy last Thursday (19th) he’s been breathless and swollen and they did a CT just now which shows a leak at the site of the surgery. He’s already on antibiotics for a chest infection. I am really freaking out and worried sick he’s been told he needs to stop eating and drinking and they will just observe for now. The surgeon did say this was a common complication and can heal by itself but I can’t help being so worried. Has anyone been through this?

[whasler]

Hi there, it's a worrying time but hopefully just a temporary setback for you both. I had a chest drain fitted after a leak and after a few weeks, it was removed after I returned to hospital for a small procedure. It's a big op so there are often complications. Mine was three and a half years ago and touch wood, few issues these days. Best of luck but things will improve!

[JE1983 in reply to whasler]

Oh thank you so much for replying I unfortunately started googling and it was the worst idea! So glad to hear you were able to get it sorted out and are doing well now. He’s been doing so well and this has been a shock even though it’s apparently common

[liz_crisp]

Hi it is a huge op and its not uncommon to have a few set backs. The recovery time is a long slow process but it is worth it. Im 14 years on. Just take it one day at a time. Good luck and have a nice Christmas.

[JE1983 in reply to liz_crisp]

Thanks so much Liz, glad to hear you’re doing well x

[xmasbabe59]

My op was in December 2021 and I had the same problem. I was in hospital for three weeks. No food or drink by mouth just tube and drip fed. My leak ( which was 1mm in diameter) healed by itself. This op throws up all sorts of challenges. Take it one step at a time and hopefully it will heal by itself as many leaks do. I wish you both well with your recovery.

[JE1983 in reply to xmasbabe59]

Thanks so much I’m not sure the size of the leak but they did say ‘small’ and the surgeon did tell us about them pre-op I think I’m catastrophising and he does look really well and obs have been all stable overnight

[sallym]

I had the same complication, an extra week to help it heal. It is all a whole new learning curve but travel with hope . Nobody knows what lies ahead I’m still learning, my op was 30yrs ago but still surviving. Best wishes Sally

[JE1983 in reply to sallym]

Amazing Sally this gives me a lot of comfort thank you so much x

[Magicwands]

Like others have said, this seems to be such a common complication, although that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. I had both a chest infection and a leak and was in hospital for four weeks. My surgery was in September 2023 and now feel good and can eat most things! Good luck to you both, and allow the body time to heal.