Post op narrowing of esophagus

Hi all-I had a transhiadal essophogasterectomy on Dec 2, 2011. Pathology report showed no tumors or residual cancer in any parts removed. This indicated good therapy results. However, i am experiencing narrowing of the astenosis (where the stomach was joined to my remaining esophasgus or whatever). I have had this scarring dilated several times over the last 2-1/2 months. Recomendations vary by individual from my team of doctors.

I know others experience this post operation narrowing. What are your experiences? Thanks!

My situation apparently is a result of scarring where the two pipes were joined. I had most of my esophogus removed even thought the cancer was at the junction of my stomach. I just could not swallow. I have had the area dilated about 6-7 times overe  the last 3 months. It seems to last about 2-1/2 weeks.

Andy when you say doctor you should mean the gastroenterologist in this case, right? He should decide whether to do a dilation based on an endoscopy of your pipes. The chest pain I don't know about, unless you think it is heartburn possibly from acid reflux. Mike 

Good luck!

It was suggested to me by one of my doctors that the pressure may come from the stomach being so much higher than it was.  As you eat more the stomach expands and puts pressure against the heart and lungs.

On apr 25, 2012 1:09 doggone wrote:

Hi all-I had a transhiadal essophogasterectomy on Dec 2, 2011. Pathology report showed no tumors or residual cancer in any parts removed. This indicated good therapy results. However, i am experiencing narrowing of the astenosis (where the stomach was joined to my remaining esophasgus or whatever). I have had this scarring dilated several times over the last 2-1/2 months. Recomendations vary by individual from my team of doctors.

I know others experience this post operation narrowing. What are your experiences? Thanks!

 

 

Hi,

I was operated for EC february 2011 with the same pathologic history as you, I also had the same problem post surgery. It first showed after app 1 mth. Did the dilating procedure 5-6 times, and have been ok after.

The doctors told me that as much as 40-50% of all operated EC patients would face these symptoms, so i guess its a common issue?

The number of treatments needed differ from each patient, i know a woman that does the dilating procedure every 6th week, and have done this for the last 3 years....

She also tried stenting for a period, but had some painful weeks before they finally removed it.

Anyway, this is a minor problem measured against the alternative.

NG

My husband experienced narrowing following essophogasterectomy.  He had it dialated 16 times in a 3 month period.  The doctor was getting quite concerned that all the stretching might cause a tear or rupture in the connection site of the esophagus and stomach so he made the decision to insert a stent which was in for 6 weeks.  Since it was removed he has only needed mild dialation, about 4 times over the last 18 months.

Thanks for the information, and good luck to you!