Minimally Invasive Oesophageal Cancer Surgery of 74-year-old Patient

Mr. Lal Mani Singh, a 74-year-old patient, came to Sarvodaya Hospital, Sec 8, Faridabad with persistent difficulty in swallowing and breathing. These symptoms had gradually started affecting his daily routine, and so he consulted Dr. Amit Kumar, Associate Director and Head Unit (I), Interventional Cardiology. What he expected to be a heart condition, turned out to be more severe.

During his initial evaluation and investigations, doctors identified a serious underlying condition, cancer of the food pipe (oesophagus).

Further diagnostic tests revealed a tumour located in the lower part of his oesophagus, which was obstructing the normal passage of food. What made his case more complex was his existing health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and a previous heart procedure.

Despite these challenges, he remained determined to undergo treatment and improve his health.

Tumour Board: Multidisciplinary Approach

Considering the complexity of his condition,his case was discussed in a multidisciplinary tumour board with experts from surgical oncology, laparoscopic surgeryy, interventional cardiology, and endocrinology carefully evaluated his reports and overall health status.

After detailed planning, a decision was made to proceed with a carefully structured and life-saving surgical approach that would ensure both safety and effectiveness.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Cancer of Food Pipe (Oesophagus)

Sarvodaya Hospital stands as the only hospital in the city offering minimally invasive surgery for oesophageal cancer using both laparoscopic and robotic techniques. In Mr. Singh’s case, the surgical team opted for a minimally invasive oesophagectomy, a highly specialised procedure that requires precision and coordinated expertise.

The surgery was successfully performed by Dr. Arjun Goel, Senior Consultant and Head (Unit II), General and laparoscopic Surgery; Dr. Naveen Sanchety, Director, Surgical Oncology; and Dr Jyotsana Goyal, Consultant, Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery.

During the surgery, the cancer-affected portion of the oesophagus was removed with the help of laparoscope with pin hole incision, and the stomach was reshaped and pulled up to recreate the food passage so that the patient can swallow without obstruction.

If this case had been done with traditional approach, the surgeons would have to make a long cut on the patient’s chest, causing more trauma, pain and blood loss. It would have involved more risk considering the age of the patient.

But with minimally invasive approach, no major cuts were required. This advanced approach helped reduce surgical trauma, less pain, less blood loss and allowed quicker recovery, and improveed overall outcomes of the surgery.

Following the procedure, the patient  was closely monitored in the ICU. Over time, he regained his strength and began adapting to a new way of eating and recovery. Today, he is stable, recovering well, and has returned home with a renewed chance at life.

What is Oesophageal Cancer?

Oesophageal cancer is cancer of the food pipe, where abnormal cells grow in the lining of the oesophagus (food pipe), which carries food from the mouth to the stomach. If not detected early, it can gradually block the passage of food and spread to nearby structures leading to swallowing and breathing difficulty along with chest discomfort and pain.

Common Symptoms of Oesophageal Cancer

The symptoms of oesophageal cancer often appear gradually and sometimes can get ignored in early stages, such as:

• Difficulty in swallowing (food feels stuck)
• Breathing difficulty
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Persistent cough or hoarseness
• Vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
  
  

It is hence imperative to consult with the best cancer doctor in Faridabad and Delhi NCR for prompt treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors of Cancer of Food Pipe

While the exact cause of food pipe cancer is not always clear, several factors can increase risk, such as:

• Long-term tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
• Alcohol consumption
• Chronic acid reflux (GERD)
• Obesity
• Poor dietary habits (low fruits and vegetables)
• Age (more common in older adults)
• In some cases, repeated irritation of the food pipe can lead to changes in cells over time.

It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle to prevent the disease. Consult with the best cancer surgeon in Delhi NCR for lifestyle guidance and tips.

Minimally Invasive Oseophageal Cancer Surgery

Minimally invasive oesophageal cancer surgery is an advanced surgical technique to treat cancer of the food pipe using small cuts instead of a large open surgery. This approach is safer for many patients, especially older adults, and helps them recover faster.

At Sarvodaya Hospital, the surgeons offer both laparoscopic and robotic surgery with smart surgical robot for oesophageal cancer ans several other cancers.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery

Compared to traditional open surgery, the minimally invasive cancer surgery offers several advantages:

• Smaller cuts or incisions, which means less pain
• No to minimal visible scars
• Less blood loss during surgery
• No harm to surrounded tissues and muscles
• Lower risk of infection
• Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
• Quicker return to daily activities
• Suitable for older patients as no major cuts are required