Esophageal cancer surgery in Turkey, Prices of Istanbul Clinics 2024

Symptoms of esophageal cancer

Symptoms of esophageal cancer vary and may include:

• Difficulty swallowing that gets progressively worse.
• Involuntary weight loss, even if you have a healthy appetite.
• Chest or abdominal pain, often with swallowing.
• Frequent and intense heartburn.
• Feeling of a lump in the throat.
• Persistent cough and stomach bleeding.
• Difficulty breathing, especially when swallowing.

Although these symptoms may indicate other conditions, you should consult a physician as soon as they occur for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Causes of esophageal cancer

Although the exact mechanisms behind esophageal cancer are not fully understood, several factors are known to significantly increase the risk. The most important include:

• Excessive use of tobacco and alcohol
• Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Certain diseases of the esophagus, such as Barrett's esophagus.
• Advanced age. 
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in processed foods.

To reduce your risk of developing esophageal cancer, you need to make healthy lifestyle choices. Regular screening is also recommended for those at risk.

Different treatments for esophageal cancer

The treatment of esophageal cancer in Turkey depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease, the size of the tumor, the patient's general health and tolerance to treatment. 
Treatments often combine several approaches:

• Surgery: Surgery is often preferred for localized tumors. The affected part of the esophagus and surrounding lymph nodes are removed to remove the cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation is used to destroy any remaining cancer cells or to shrink the tumor before surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs given orally or intravenously to eliminate cancer cells, whether they are localized or spread throughout the body.
• Targeted therapies: These treatments use drugs designed to specifically target cancer cells by exploiting their unique molecular characteristics.

Esophageal cancer surgery in Turkey

If esophageal cancer is detected at an early stage, surgery is often the best treatment option. The goal is to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue to provide the best chance of recovery.

Surgical techniques

Several surgical techniques are available to treat esophageal cancer in Turkey. The choice of technique depends on the location and extent of the tumor, as well as the patient's general health. 

The main techniques include:

• Transthoracic esophagectomy: The main incision is made in the chest.
• Transhiatal esophagectomy: Incisions are made in the abdomen, neck and chest.
• Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy): This less invasive technique uses small incisions and miniaturized surgical instruments. It may be offered in certain cases and offers a potentially faster recovery.

Preparation and procedure course

Before surgery, a complete medical examination is performed to assess the patient's general condition. General anesthesia is administered to ensure that the patient feels no pain during surgery.

During surgery, the surgeon removes the part of the esophagus affected by the cancer and the surrounding lymph nodes. Depending on the technique used, incisions are made in the abdomen, chest, and sometimes the neck. To restore the passage of food, the esophagus is reconstructed using part of the stomach or intestines. The incisions are then closed.

Postoperative period

After esophageal cancer surgery, the patient will be admitted to an intensive care unit for close monitoring. Pain medication will be given. A feeding tube will be inserted to ensure adequate nutrition during healing. 

Drains may also be placed to drain excess fluids.

Recovery and return to normal life

The length of your hospital stay will vary depending on your health. Once you are discharged from the hospital, you will begin a period of convalescence, during which physiotherapy and respiratory re-education sessions will help you regain your strength and improve your breathing.

The return to a normal diet is gradual and may take several weeks. Swallowing problems may occur, and special re-education sessions may be suggested.

Potential complications

As with any surgical procedure, esophageal surgery carries a risk of complications, although these are rare. The most common are:

• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Chest pain.
• Pneumonia.

Your healthcare team will do everything they can to prevent them and treat them if they occur.

Your cooperation is important for the best possible recovery. Don't hesitate to ask your Turkish healthcare team any questions you may have, and follow their recommendations to the letter. A balanced diet, appropriate physical activity and plenty of rest will all contribute to your recovery.