Oesophageal surgery is a branch of surgery that focuses on the surgical treatment of oesophageal disorders. The oesophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach and is responsible for transporting food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Oesophageal diseases can be caused by a variety of factors, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), oesophageal cancer and oesophageal motor disorders. Oesophageal surgery is one of the main treatment options for many of these diseases.
There are several types of oesophageal surgery, including:
Funduplication: This surgery is performed to treat GERD. During fundoplication, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the oesophagus to strengthen the muscle that prevents acid reflux.
Oesophageal resection: This surgery is performed to treat oesophageal cancer and other serious oesophageal disorders. During oesophageal resection, part or all of the oesophagus is removed and the digestive system is reconstructed to allow proper feeding and digestion.
Oesophageal myotomy: This surgery is performed to treat oesophageal motor disorders, such as oesophageal motility disorder and achalasia. During oesophageal myotomy, the muscle that prevents the passage of food from the oesophagus to the stomach is cut.
It is important that patients undergoing oesophageal surgery are well prepared for the procedure. This includes a thorough evaluation of their health status, including diagnostic tests such as endoscopy and CT scan, as well as a complete physical examination and a detailed discussion of the risks and benefits of surgery.
After surgery, patients will need time to recover and adjust to the changes in their digestive system. They may need to follow a special diet for a period of time and may need physiotherapy to help them regain strength and flexibility in their muscles.
In summary, oesophageal surgery is an effective treatment option for many oesophageal diseases. Patients should be well prepared before undergoing oesophageal surgery and should work with their medical team to ensure that they understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. Recovery can take time and may require changes in diet and physical therapy, but oesophageal surgery can significantly improve patients' quality of life.