This is a general overview of what to expect after surgery. The process varies from hospital to hospital, and everyone will respond to surgery differently.
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Recovery timeYou will probably be in hospital for 7–10 days, but you may stay longer if you have any complications. It may take 6–12 months to feel completely better after an oesophagectomy. |
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Eating and drinkingImmediately after oesophageal surgery, you will not be able to eat or drink. Often a temporary feeding tube is inserted at the time of the surgery. Once you begin eating, it is common to start with fluids such as soup, and then move onto pureed and then soft foods for a few weeks. It is best to eat 5–6 small meals or snacks throughout the day. |
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Drips and drainsYou’ll have a feeding tube to get the nutrition you need and another tube (nasogastric tube) to drain fluids from the stomach. The tubes will be removed before you leave hospital. |
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BreathingControlling pain will help avoid problems with breathing that can lead to pneumonia. A physiotherapist can teach you breathing or coughing exercises to help keep your lungs clear. You may also be taught how to use an incentive spirometer, a device you breathe into to help your lungs expand and prevent a chest infection. |
For more on this, see our general section on Surgery.
Dr Spiro Raftopoulos, Gastroenterologist, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, WA; Peter Blyth, Consumer; Jeff Bull, Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Nurse Consultant, Cancer Services, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, SA; Mick Daws, Consumer; Dr Steven Leibman, Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW; Prof Michael Michael, Medical Oncologist, Lower and Upper Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, and Co-Chair Neuroendocrine Unit, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Andrew Oar, Radiation Oncologist, Icon Cancer Centre, Royal Brisbane Hospital, QLD; Rose Rocca, Senior Clinical Dietitian: Upper Gastrointestinal, Nutrition and Speech Pathology Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Letchemi Valautha, Consumer; Lesley Woods, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA.
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