Surgery for oesophageal cancer

Surgery is the most common treatment if your cancer hasn't spread. Surgeons remove all or part of your oesophagus. For very early cancer, the surgeon just removes cancer from the lining of your oesophagus. 

Endoscopic surgery for oesophageal cancer

This is surgery to remove abnormal cells or very early stage cancer from the lining of your oesophagus.

Surgery to remove your oesophagus

Surgery to remove your oesophagus is called an oesophagectomy. There are different ways of having an oesophagectomy. 

Before your operation for oesophageal cancer

Before your operation, you have tests to check your fitness and you meet members of your treatment team. 

On the day of your oesophageal cancer surgery

You have a general anaesthetic so you can't feel anything during the operation. This sends you into a deep sleep. 

After your operation for oesophageal cancer

Surgery to remove oesophageal cancer is major surgery. You wake up in the intensive care unit or a high dependency recovery unit.

Problems after surgery for oesophageal cancer

There is a risk of problems or complications after any operation. Many problems are minor but some can be more serious. 

Last reviewed: 
20 Sep 2023
Next review due: 
21 Sep 2026