Cancer of the esophagus is technically demanding to treat surgically. Dr. Pavan Addala, GI oncology surgeon at Medicover Hospitals, Secunderabad, offers VATS esophagectomy, and, for certain early tumours, STER.
Esophageal cancer generally falls into two main types: squamous cell carcinoma, linked to smoking and alcohol, and adenocarcinoma, linked to long-standing reflux and Barrett's esophagus.
Diagnosis usually starts with an upper endoscopy, followed by imaging (CT, sometimes PET) to assess extent. Accurate staging matters significantly for treatment planning.
For cancers requiring esophagectomy, Dr. Addala offers VATS, often combined with chemotherapy/radiation before surgery for advanced cases. For certain very early, superficial tumours, STER may be an option. Dr. Addala was the first surgeon in Andhra Pradesh to perform STER, in 2017. For suitable cases, a robotic-assisted approach may also be considered alongside VATS.
Learn more about STER →Hospital stay is typically one to two weeks, with dietary adjustments continuing for months as the digestive system adapts.
Esophagectomy is one of the more demanding operations in GI surgery given the chest and abdominal anatomy involved, with risks including leakage at the reconnection site, breathing complications, and infection. Surgical volume and experience are directly linked to how well these risks are managed, which is worth asking about directly when researching your options.
Esophageal cancer treatment involves genuinely different paths depending on staging. A second opinion that carefully reviews your specific staging is a valuable step before committing to a plan.
Book a second-opinion consultation →No. Treatment depends heavily on how early it's found.
A scarless endoscopic technique for certain early, superficial tumours only.
A change in the esophageal lining from chronic acid exposure. Increases risk but doesn't guarantee cancer — monitoring is typically recommended.
Hospital stay is typically one to two weeks, with dietary adjustments continuing for months.
Long-standing, poorly controlled reflux is associated with changes that can, over time, increase risk.
Cost depends on the extent of surgery and hospital stay. Most insurance plans cover cancer surgery when medically indicated — confirm specifics with your insurer.
Before finalising a treatment plan. Dr. Addala's team offers second-opinion consultations for patients who can't travel to Hyderabad immediately.
Persistent difficulty swallowing or long-standing reflux deserves proper attention.
