Anyone have an Esophagectomy for GIST? How long in ICU?

Posted by mimicmckay @mimicmckay, May 20 10:02am

I was recently diagnosed with a GI stromal tumor (GIST) of the esophagus. It is cancerous but not esophageal cancer, per se. I was wondering if any in this group have had an esophagectomy due to a GIST and what other treatments you received besides surgery.

For those that did have an esophagectomy how long where you in the ICU? In the hospital? Did you have a chest tube post op? Did you have a naso-gatric tube (to help with stomach emptying or nutrition)? How long before you were able to eat solid (soft) foods? How long before you felt you could travel? Thank you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.

mrgvw | @mrgvw | May 21 9:56am

Yes I have seen a couple of esophagectomy surgeries for those who don't actually have EC. But the reasons vary... and the bottom line... your esophagus will no longer serve you well, long term, and needs to be replaced (usually by the stomach). Sometimes little kids get esophagectomies because they were born with congenital issues... and theirs simply aren't working properly. I saw one a little ago performed on a 4 year old.

Gary