Esophageal replacement is a highly specialized procedure performed to reconstruct or replace a damaged or diseased esophagus. At Emirates Hospitals, patients benefit from a team of skilled surgeons and multidisciplinary care designed to restore function and improve quality of life. Whether due to cancer, severe injury, or congenital conditions, esophageal replacement is performed using advanced techniques tailored to each patient’s needs.
Why Esophageal Replacement is Necessary
Esophageal replacement may be required in cases such as:
- Esophageal Cancer: Advanced stages where the esophagus is no longer functional.
- Severe Strictures or Stenosis: Irreversible narrowing that obstructs swallowing.
- Trauma or Injury: Damaged esophageal tissue from accidents or ingestion of harmful substances.
- Congenital Abnormalities: Rare conditions where the esophagus does not develop properly.
Surgical Techniques
- Colonic Interposition: A segment of the colon is used to replace the esophagus.
- Gastric Pull-Up: The stomach is reshaped and moved upward to act as a replacement for the esophagus.
- Jejunal Interposition: A segment of the small intestine (jejunum) is used in specific cases.
These techniques are chosen based on the patient’s overall health, the extent of esophageal damage, and the surgeon’s expertise.
The Procedure and Recovery
- Pre-Surgical Preparation: Comprehensive diagnostic tests, including imaging and endoscopy, are performed to plan the procedure.
- Surgery: The procedure is typically carried out under general anesthesia and may involve minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time.
- Post-Surgery Care: Patients are closely monitored in a specialized care unit. Gradual reintroduction to oral feeding is managed under expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Esophageal replacement is a surgical procedure to reconstruct or replace the esophagus using parts of the stomach, colon, or small intestine.
It is needed in cases of esophageal cancer, severe narrowing, trauma, or congenital abnormalities that prevent normal function.
Recovery may take several weeks, including a hospital stay and gradual reintroduction to eating, with ongoing monitoring.
Emirates Hospitals offers expert surgical care, advanced technology, and comprehensive pre- and post-surgery support tailored to patient needs.
Request an appointment
Please complete the details and we will book you shortly.
Request an appointment
Please complete the details and we will book you shortly.