Esophagectomy with intenstine reconstruction.

[peggy05]

I am a 60 yr old femae suffering with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease for the last 5 yrs. The Systemic Scleroderma had taken a toll on my Esophagus and stomach rendering them 0% motility. I am aspirating all the time and it is taking a toll on my lungs due to scarring. The now need to remove my Esophagus and attach my intestines to it as the stomach cannot be used. I am looking at Sept for this surgery and am having no luck finding some info from those experiencing this> I know my diet wil be changed drastically but am hoping for some good feed back that the outcome is positive and better than the quality of life if I dont do anything. Thans all

[Hidden]

There are a fair number of people who have had their oesophagus and all/part of their stomach removed who would be members of the OPA, so a good idea would be to go along to one of their support groups opa.org.uk to talk to them about their experience. 90% of the surgery is because of cancer, but the remaining 10% is because of conditions like yours, which is unusual. There are some hints and tips in the booklet 'Life After oesophagectomy' that are obtainable by downloading it.

I would say that it is major surgery, and recovery does take a long time, but people can achieve a good quality of life afterwards. You do have to be careful about your diet though. Eat little and often, and avoid sweet / sugary things that will create insulin spikes because 'dumping syndrome' can be an issue when semi-digested food progresses quickly into your intestines. Complications like this are not compulsory though, and many people do not suffer unduly from them provided that they are careful.

You have the advantage over many patients in the OPA that you will not have had to undergo chemotherapy. It is the last resort for you but it is a surgical procedure that surgeons in centres of excellence are familiar with and I give you my very best wishes for a good outcome from it.

[peggy05 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I will go to that site.. Appreciate your kind words and knowledge on the matter. It will all help me to educate myself.. I really want a positive outlook as it helps healing for sure..

[chris_usa]

My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

One of the most important considerations in a surgery like this is the quality and experience of the surgeon. You want a surgeon that averages at least 1-2 esophagectomies per month, and the more the better. And I would ask to speak to some of the surgeon's previous patients to get an idea of their post-op course.

This is a massive surgery, but can be handled. Things will change post-op. I think you are doing the right thing by talking to patients pre-op. Knowing in advance about the hurdles post-op is a big benefit, and helps a patient deal with this better.

[flower2013]

I wish you well on this long medical path you are embarking on. I recmmend you go along to a OPA support group, I and my husband have found these very helpful.. The Royal Surrey Hospital staff who treat the OG cancer patients often give very useful talks and open discussions. ogcancerproject.org.uk.