When is it needed?
Indications- • Cancer of the esophagus (food pipe)
- • Selected junction cancers (esophagus–stomach)
- • Severe, non-cancer conditions rarely (case-by-case)
Patient Guide
Esophagectomy (Minimally Invasive / Robotic)
This page explains the surgery in simple terms — what it means, why it’s needed, the pre-surgery tests, and what recovery looks like. If you are considering robotic / minimally invasive esophagectomy in Mumbai, this guide will help you understand the typical journey and recovery.
Tests before surgery
Preparation- • Endoscopy + biopsy
- • CT/PET scan for staging
- • Lung function & cardiac evaluation
- • Nutrition and anaesthesia fitness
Why MIS/Robotic?
For suitable patients, minimally invasive / robotic approach can mean:
Illustrative (not patient-specific). Suitability depends on tumour stage and overall fitness.
What is an esophagectomy?
An esophagectomy is an operation to remove part (or occasionally all) of the esophagus — the “food pipe” that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. It is most commonly performed for esophageal cancer and selected cancers at the esophagus–stomach junction.
During surgery, the diseased segment is removed and the digestive pathway is reconstructed so you can swallow again. In cancer cases, nearby lymph nodes are also removed for accurate staging.
Types of esophagectomy
The approach depends on where the tumor is located, your overall fitness and the technique that offers the best balance of safety and cancer clearance.
- Transhiatal esophagectomy: incisions in the neck and abdomen.
- Ivor Lewis esophagectomy: incisions in the chest (usually right side) and abdomen.
- McKeown esophagectomy: incisions in the neck, chest and abdomen.
- Thoracoabdominal esophagectomy: a longer incision from chest to abdomen with neck access when required.
Your surgeon will explain the rationale for the recommended approach and what it means for recovery time.
Open vs minimally invasive / robotic esophagectomy
Open surgery uses larger incisions to access the chest and/or abdomen. Minimally invasive (laparoscopic/thoracoscopic) and robotic approaches use smaller incisions with camera guidance. For suitable patients, this may reduce pain and speed up mobilization, while maintaining oncologic principles.
What happens during an esophagectomy?
- You receive general anesthesia so you are asleep and pain-free.
- Incisions are made in the chest and/or abdomen (and sometimes neck) depending on the chosen technique.
- The diseased part of the esophagus is removed; often a small part of the stomach is also removed.
- The stomach is shaped into a tube (or rarely, intestine is used) and connected to the remaining esophagus.
- A temporary feeding tube is placed to maintain nutrition while swallowing heals.
Surgical details vary by patient. This page is general information and does not replace medical advice.
Risks / side effects
After surgery, it is common to feel tired and have reduced appetite initially. Some patients experience reflux, bloating or loose stools as the body adapts. Important risks include lung infection (pneumonia), leak at the join (anastomotic leak), bleeding, infection and blood clots. Your team monitors closely to reduce these risks.
Local search note (Mumbai)
If you are searching for robotic esophagectomy in Mumbai, bring your endoscopy report, biopsy and CT/PET scans. A personalised plan is made after reviewing staging and fitness assessment.
Recovery timeline (typical)
RecoveryDay 0–2
ICU monitoring, pain control, breathing exercises
Day 3–5
Walking, physiotherapy, tubes gradually reduced
Week 1–2
Stepwise diet plan, home care instructions
Weeks 4–6
Improving stamina, follow-up + pathology discussion
Eating after esophagectomy
Diet- • Small, frequent meals (6–8/day)
- • Chew well, eat slowly
- • Sit upright during & after meals
- • Avoid very spicy or very oily foods initially
- • Follow the dietician plan closely
When to call the doctor
- • Fever, breathing difficulty
- • Persistent vomiting or inability to swallow
- • Worsening chest/abdominal pain
- • Any new bleeding
Watch video
Esophagectomy explained simply
Tip: Tap full-screen for easier viewing.
Download brochure
Printable Patient Guide (PDF)
Download and keep a copy with your medical records. Easy to print and written in patient-friendly language.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an esophagectomy take?
Most operations take about 3–6 hours, depending on the technique and complexity.
Will I need a feeding tube?
A temporary feeding tube is commonly used after surgery to support nutrition while swallowing heals.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Many patients stay 7–14 days, but this varies based on recovery and any complications.
When can I start eating normally again?
Diet usually progresses step-by-step: feeding tube → liquids → soft foods, guided by your team and dietitian.
Is robotic esophagectomy right for everyone?
Not always. Suitability depends on tumor stage/location and your overall fitness. Your surgeon will advise the safest approach.
What is the most common complication?
Respiratory complications (like pneumonia) are among the most common—breathing exercises and early walking help reduce risk.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Endoscopy and biopsy reports, CT/PET images (CD/pen drive), medication list, and any prior treatment details.
When should I seek urgent help after surgery?
Go to the ER if you cannot breathe or swallow, have severe chest pain, or vomit blood.
Next step
Want a personalised plan?
Bring your reports and scans. We’ll explain options in simple terms and plan safely.