Esophagectomy - minimally invasive - Risks

Risks:

Esophagectomy is major surgery and has many possible risks. Some of them are serious. You should discuss these risks with your surgeon.

The risks from this surgery, or for problems after surgery, may be greater than normal if:

• You are unable to walk even for short distances, which increases the risk of blood clots, lung problems, and pressure sores
• You are still growing
• You are older than 60 to 65
• You are a heavy smoker
• You are obese
• You have lost a lot of weight from your cancer
• You are on steroid medications

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• Allergic reactions to medicines
• Breathing problems

Risks for any surgery are:

• Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs
• Blood loss
• Heart attack or stroke during surgery
• Infection, including in the surgical wound, lungs (pneumonia), bladder, or kidney

Risks for this surgery are:

• Acid reflux
• Injury to the stomach, intestines, lungs, or other organs during surgery
• Leakage of the contents of your esophagus or stomach where the surgeon joined them together
• Narrowing of the connection between your stomach and esophagus