ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

What Is Esophageal Cancer?

It is cancer that arises in the tissues of the food pipe (esophagus) which is a muscular tube that allows consumed food to travel from mouth to stomach.
Two types of cancer arise from the esophagus – SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA & ADENOCARCINOMA.
Squamous cell carcinoma arises from the lining of the esophagus.
Smoking and Alcohol usage is known to be associated with an increased risk of Squamous cell carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma arises from the mucus glands of the esophagus.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett’s esophagus predispose to the development of adenocarcinoma.
ESOPHAGEAL CANCER is usually diagnosed at an advantage stage because there are no early signs or symptoms.
Surgical treatment of esophageal cancer is very complex with high chances of complications, thereby necessitating an experienced and skilled surgeon.

Robotic Esophagectomy-New era of surgery!

 

Robotic Esophagectomy

A procedure is performed to surgically remove esophageal cancer.
Robotic surgery uses computer-assisted instruments that are remotely controlled by the surgeon from a console.
It is being advocated more frequently in view of better mobilization of intra abdominal esophagus and stomach without the necessity of large open wound which causes significant pain and hence delayed recovery.
Multiple small incisions are made on the trunk, abdomen and neck through which robotic arms are docked and surgery performed.

Advantages of robotic surgery are –

  • Superior surgical precision.
  • Enhanced dexterity and range of motions.
  • Greater depth of visualization up to 10times compared to the naked eye.
  • Enhanced tissue identification and handling of normal tissues.