McKewon Oesophagectomy – Oesophageal Cancer

The operation consists of 3 individual procedures, where incisions are made in the abdomen, thorax and the left side of the neck. In the first, the stomach and abdominal oesophagus are mobilised. In the second stage, thoracotomy is performed and the thoracic oesophagus is mobilised. Finally, in the third procedure the cervical oesophagus is mobilised followed by resection and then anastomosis of the oesophagus with the stomach.

The term “radical oesophageal resection” describes the removal of lymph nodes around the stomach and oesophagus.

Surgical treatment of oesophageal cancer generally involves a radical oesophagectomy.

The type of oesophagectomy performed on each patient is mainly determined by the location of the tumour or disease.

An oesophagectomy is a major operation and can take from five to ten hours.

Anaesthesia and surgery are complex and require a specialist anaesthesiologist and a team of surgeons to perform.

The goal of surgery is to remove the tumour with clear healthy boundaries.

The removed tissue, including the lymph nodes, is sent for histopathological evaluation.

The results of these tests are usually ready within 5 – 7 days.