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Transhiatal esophagectomy surgery: What is recovery like?
I am a 72 year old male that had a Hiatel hernia for years which was surgically repaired in 1994. As result of having the hernia for at least 20 years I developed Barrett's esophagus. During my most recent upper scope, that was performed on November 20, several areas were found to contain cancer cells. I was not having any symptoms and if they had not told me I have cancer I would not know I have it.
I am now scheduled for surgery on January 15 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO where 10 to 12 inches of my esophagus will be removed and lymph nodes will be harvested to see if the cancer has spread. I was told I will be in the hospital 9 to 10 days and on a feeding tube for two to three weeks as I heal from the surgery. I am wondering what post-operative recovery is like, especially using the feeding tube, and the life style impact and change. Thank you and Merry CHRISTmas!
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Enjoyed our 90 minute chat last night. We discussed many many things, yet only scratched the surface. Now you know where I am should you have questions. I'll give you the free Zoom call info as well.
Take care,
Gary,
Southern California
Hi @trooperken, as you prepare for surgery, I think you might find the posts in this related discussion helpful:
- Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/esophagectomy-surgery/
I'm also tagging fellow members in addition to Gary, like @zzonner @dkoehne @gdj @beckydm @lori57216 @survivorsuz @puprluvr @manlybythesea57 @sjw6358 @ajfromchicago @kissingrhino @esop @socalkelly to share their experiences with the feeding tube and recovery.
Trooperken, once released from the hospital, will you be recovering home alone or with family or caregivers?
I’m happy to talk with you too, having been through all of this in 2023. With excellent results.
If you tell me your phone number, I will call. We can talk about whatever you want to talk about as long as you want.
GDJ
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1 ReactionHi Trooperken, I had my esophageal cancer diagnosis, proton radiation and chemo, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and subsequent surgery (Ivor Lewis) @ St Mary's Hospital in Rochester from January of 2019 to April of 2019. During surgery, a feeding tube was inserted into my intestine. I was discharged from the hospital on my 9th day. I stayed across the street from the hospital for a couple of days to make sure my care giver and I could manage the feeding tube without any problems. I had the feeding tube apparatus in a portable carrier and did go out walking each of the two days without any problems, I was however, very fatigued and remembering my surgeon telling me weeks before the surgery to walk up to 3 miles daily-good advice!
I think it was on day 2 or 3 after surgery that I was taken to PT to work on getting my lungs clear of fluid, and walking daily was a game changer-felt good to be moving and alive!!
Having a good caregiver with me on the drive home made all the difference because we had to stop several times to unplug it. Don't let that scare you-it's very doable-take your time. I can tell you the feeding tube kept me from losing a lot of weight while I slowly transitioned to eating normal food, starting with liquids. It's a slow process as you discover what foods your new anatomy can tolerate. If I remember correctly, I had my feeding tube for 5-6 weeks.
I have the utmost respect and gratitude for Mayo Clinic and St Mary's Hospital for the wonderful care I received. How can I ever thank this team of specialists, and nurses for giving me a 2nd chance at life?
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