Mortality ranges from 5 to 10 percent, but the removal of the esophagus relieves swallowing problems in over 90 percent of patients and is the only method with a chance of cure.
Tumors in the upper half of the esophagus have usually invaded the trachea or larynx, so reconstruction (with a high risk of complications) will be required.
• Palliative surgery Bypassing the tumor and creating a new swallowing tube may help some patients whose tumors have invaded the trachea, but otherwise this operation is not recommended for relief of symptoms. A prosthetic indwelling (Celestin) tube inserted through the esophagus may ease swallowing for four to six months.
