Esophagectomy
Our advanced esophagectomy procedures treat esophageal cancer and other conditions and help you recover faster.
Medically reviewed by David Tom Cooke, M.D. on June 20, 2025.
Advanced Esophageal Surgery
At UC Davis Health, our expert thoracic surgeons provide all types of advanced, complex esophageal surgery. When possible, we use advanced robotic-assisted surgical technology to repair or remove the esophagus through smaller incisions. This minimally invasive approach helps you recover faster.
You also benefit from compassionate esophageal cancer care at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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Esophagectomy Surgical Approaches
An esophagectomy surgery removes most or all of the food pipe (esophagus) that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Surgeons may also remove the upper part of the stomach and nearby lymph nodes. They make a new food pipe using part of your stomach or another organ so you can eat and swallow normally.
An esophagectomy treats esophageal cancer. Less commonly, surgeons remove the esophagus to treat:
- High-grade dysplasia, a precancerous condition
- Damaged esophagus that doesn’t work as it should
Esophagus removal is a complex esophageal surgery. There are different ways to remove the esophagus. Our thoracic surgeons have deep expertise in all methods. We specialize in robotic and laparoscopic procedures that promote an easier, faster recovery for you.
Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy
Surgeons use robotic-assisted technology or a scope (thin tube with a light and video camera on the end) to do surgery through smaller incisions in your abdomen and chest.
Robotic-Assisted Three-Hole Esophagectomy
Surgery takes place through cuts in the abdomen, neck and right upper back. This procedure is also called a McKeown esophagectomy.
Transhiatal Esophagectomy
Surgery takes place through cuts in the abdomen and neck.
Robotic-Assisted Transthoracic Esophagectomy
Surgery takes place through cuts in the abdomen and chest. This procedure is also called an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.
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Consumer Resource Center
Preparing for an Esophagectomy
An esophagectomy is a major surgery. Your care team will discuss how to prepare for it and answer all your questions. They’ll also help you understand what to expect during and after surgery. Following your care team’s instructions helps ensure the best outcome and lowers the risk of complications.
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Before an Esophagectomy
You may need imaging tests before surgery. Your provider will tell you how many hours before the procedure to stop eating, drinking or taking medications. Depending on your diagnosis, you may get chemotherapy or radiation therapy before you have cancer (oncological) surgery.
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During an Esophagectomy
Learn more about anesthesiologyEsophagectomy surgery steps depend on the type of procedure your surgeon recommends for you. Our dedicated thoracic anesthesiologists provide you with expert care during complex esophageal surgeries. You sleep pain-free through surgery and have less pain after surgery.
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After an Esophagectomy
Learn more about physical medicine and rehabYou may recover in the hospital for one to two weeks with the help of your care team. A feeding tube provides nutrients while your reconstructed esophagus heals. You may also have tubes inserted to drain fluid and air, which can help relieve discomfort. Respiratory therapists and rehabilitation specialists work with you in the hospital to aid recovery.
Home Care After Esophagectomy
Your at-home recovery will depend on your overall health, condition being treated and surgery type. Be sure to follow your care team’s instructions to ease recovery and minimize complications.
Take Medications
Take medications for pain and other symptoms as prescribed by your provider.
Participate in Therapies
You should continue to do the breathing and swallowing exercises you learn in the hospital. Your provider may recommend speech-language pathology to help improve swallowing and talking.
Slowly Make Food Changes
You may have a feeding tube for several months. When the time is right, our registered dietitians can help you safely return to eating food.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the best in 6 specialties
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and recognized in 23 types of care including acute kidney failure, cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, diabetes & endocrinology, ear, nose & throat surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, geriatrics, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, pneumonia, pulmonology & lung surgery and stroke.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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