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Esophagectomy

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Illustrative Handbook of General Surgery

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Abstract

Resection of the esophagus and proximal stomach followed by reconstruction to reestablish gastrointestinal continuity with a gastric pull-up or other conduit is a complex, multi-step operation that requires considerable attention to detail. An understanding of the surgical anatomy of the esophagus as it courses through the neck, chest, and abdomen is critical, as well as knowledge of the functional changes that occur with this radical change in anatomy.

Esophagectomy is still associated with significant risk of morbidity and mortality, with postoperative morbidity rates of 30–60 % reported in large case series from high volume centers. A technically sound operation, as well as attentive postoperative care and patient education are crucial in order to minimize the risk of post-esophagectomy complications. In this Chapter we present indications for esophageal resection, standards in pre-operative evaluation and describe common surgical techniques and specific complications.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Thoracic Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA

    Ryan A. Macke MD

  2. Division of Bariatric and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1200 East Broad Street, 980519, Richmond, Virginia, 23298, USA

    Guilherme M. Campos MD, FACS

Authors
  1. Ryan A. Macke MD
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  2. Guilherme M. Campos MD, FACS
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ryan A. Macke MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    Herbert Chen

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© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Macke, R.A., Campos, G.M. (2016). Esophagectomy. In: Chen, H. (eds) Illustrative Handbook of General Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24557-7_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24557-7_16

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-24555-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-24557-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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