Yes , but it is a progress another words you have to meet some qualifications.
I had esophagus cancer and was horrified to think Esophagectomy was the best solution, after reading all the side affects, I didn’t want to go that route. After a lot of research I found out in Japan it was very common to have a Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection, a surgeon removes cancer from inside of the esophagus. Eventually a few U.S
Doctors received training and as of now there are a scatter few who can do this very delicate surgery, the cancer can not be any deeper than the 2nd layer of the inside of the esophagus. Unfortunately mine was at layer 3. So I didn’t qualify.
I received both Chemo & Radiation. Shortly afterwards I could not swallow. Although I was cancer free I needed some help and was referred to a wonderful Gastroenterologist who began dilation. I had 4 dilations and every time with end 2 weeks my esophagus closed because of scar tissue.
Dr suggested we try a stent. The same thing happened, I had the stent for 6wks. After a few weeks we decided for a longer term stent.
Even with stent placement I
had to be very careful to chew very thoroughly.
I felt that I dodged a bullet not having a Esophagectomy and a feeding tube. But realizing I could not have a long term solution, I kept researching and found by accident a procedure called Esophageal Recanalization. A very difficult surgery that required high skilled surgeon. Again only a very few cancer hospitals offered this type of surgery. To remove scar tissue. Think scar tissue as wallpaper, when you try to scape it off the wallboard comes with it. The same goes with scar tissue. Again after research I found Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake does this procedure but there are again equivalent procedures
after reviewing all my history in there Cancer Board meetings the agreeded I qualify.
I meet for a consult in December and probably surgery early January.
My message to all of you, do your homework stay positive.