Precautions after esophageal cancer surgery

Now with the development of economy, the improvement of people's living standards, and the gradual improvement of medical standards, the first consideration for the treatment of esophageal cancer patients is surgery. However, any surgery has certain risks, so there are many precautions after surgery. The following is a description of the precautions after esophageal cancer surgery.

1. The esophagogastric anastomosis is still in the healing process in the short term after surgery. Excessive mechanical stimulation may aggravate scar hyperplasia and lead to anastomotic stenosis. Therefore, you should avoid eating hard food within 3 months after surgery. It is better to eat soft semi-liquid food, and then gradually transition to a normal diet. You can eat more fish, soy products and other foods with high protein content. If you have swallowing choking symptoms, you should seek medical attention in time and perform endoscopic dilation treatment if necessary;
2. After esophagectomy or gastric esophagectomy, the stomach moves from the abdominal cavity into the chest cavity, changing the original anatomical position. Overeating will cause gastric expansion, which will cause compression on the heart and lungs, causing chest tightness and shortness of breath. Therefore, in the future, you should follow the principle of "small meals and frequent meals". You should not eat too much each time, about half of the original amount. You should increase the number of meals per day, 5 to 6 times a day, and do not be afraid of trouble and keep the same eating habits as your family;
3. After esophagectomy and gastric esophageal replacement surgery, the original anti-reflux mechanism is destroyed, which may aggravate gastric acid reflux and lead to anastomotic inflammation and even aspiration. Therefore, please do not lie flat immediately after eating. You should do some proper activities for 1 hour before lying in bed. In addition, try to keep a sloped lying position when sleeping at night (with more pillows). If you often have acid reflux and heartburn, you should go to the hospital to control the reflux symptoms.
4. Postoperative incision pain and paresthesia are normal phenomena. Tissue healing and nerve regeneration are a long process, so there is no need to worry too much. Postoperative pain may last for 3 months to half a year. If fixed and persistent pain occurs in a certain part, consult a doctor or come to the hospital for treatment.
5. After esophagectomy or gastric esophagectomy, due to the interference with the abdominal organs, digestive dysfunction may occur, and symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation may occur. If the symptoms are mild, you can adjust them through diet by yourself, eat more vegetables and fruits, and eat less spicy and greasy food.