Patient with esophageal carcinoma should be considered for. neo-adjuvant therapy. They must be discussed at the Tumour Board Meeting Most Esophagectomy involves Laparotomy and Thoracotomy (Ivor Lewis) Pre-operative Pulmonary Function Tests and blood gas analysis are essential
If patients have completed a course of neo-adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy, and are due for surgery, they must have a liver ultrasound scan performed preoperatively.
Up to 25% of patients DO NOT respond to, or DEVELOP disease progression while having neo-adjuvant therapy. Accordingly, re-staging post neo adjuvant therapy is necessary for all patients.
Intensive Care is necessary post-operatively