esophagogastrectomy

An esophagogastrectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion of the esophagus and a portion of the stomach. This operation is typically performed to treat cancers located in the lower esophagus or upper stomach. During the procedure, the remaining parts of the esophagus and stomach are reconnected, or a segment of the colon may be used to bridge the gap.1

Esophageal cancer itself is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. There are two main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss.1

Gastrectomy, a related procedure, involves the removal of all or part of the stomach and is used to treat stomach tumors or, less commonly, severe peptic ulcers.2