Your Recovery
An esophagectomy (say "ee-sof-uh-JEK-tuh-mee") is surgery to remove all or part of the esophagus. Your doctor made large cuts in the belly and the upper chest or neck to do the surgery. Where the cuts are depends on where the problem was.
When you leave the hospital, the area around the cuts (incisions) may still be swollen or bruised. It may also feel numb. This is normal and may continue for a few weeks. You will probably need to take pain medicine for a few weeks.
You will have to be very careful about what you eat for several months after surgery and maybe for the rest of your life. You will probably have a feeding tube (J-tube) in your belly. This will come out when you can eat normally and get enough nutrition. This could be about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, but it could take longer. Your doctor will give you detailed information on what you can eat, how you should eat, and how to use the feeding tube.
You may also have digestive problems for a few months. These include weight loss, a lot of gas, and a problem called dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome usually occurs after you eat rich or fatty meals. It may cause you to feel light-headed or sick to your stomach, or to have cramps and diarrhea.
Most people go back to work or their normal routine after 6 to 12 weeks. You will need more time to get better if you need other treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy. It will take 3 to 4 months to get back to your usual activities.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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