Our Summary

This research paper looks at how a person’s nutrition changes after they have an esophagectomy, which is a surgery to remove part of the esophagus. The researchers found that people often lose weight after this surgery, with some losing as much as 10% of their body weight a year after the procedure. Some people even continue to lose weight three years after the operation. The study also found that people often don’t eat enough calories or protein after surgery. The paper highlights that there are often gastrointestinal symptoms after the surgery, which can last up to 19 years. The researchers suggest that more studies are needed to understand why people lose weight and have difficulty eating after surgery, and whether long-term nutritional support might be helpful.

FAQs

  1. What is an esophagectomy and how does it affect a person’s nutrition?
  2. How much weight can a person potentially lose after undergoing an esophagectomy?
  3. What long-term symptoms can occur after an esophagectomy and what further research is being suggested?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about esophagectomy is to focus on maintaining a well-balanced and nutritious diet to support healing and recovery. This may include eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, focusing on high-protein foods to help rebuild muscle tissue, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It is also important to work with a dietitian to ensure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients and calories to support your body’s needs. Additionally, discussing any gastrointestinal symptoms or difficulties with eating with your healthcare team can help to address and manage these issues effectively.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for esophagectomy are those with esophageal cancer, Barrett’s esophagus, severe esophageal strictures, or other esophageal conditions that cannot be effectively treated with other methods. Additionally, patients who have failed to respond to other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or endoscopic treatments may also be recommended for esophagectomy.

Timeline

Before esophagectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a condition that requires surgery to remove part of the esophagus, such as esophageal cancer or Barrett’s esophagus.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and tests to determine their overall health and fitness for surgery.
  3. Patient meets with a dietitian to discuss nutritional needs before and after surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes the esophagectomy procedure, which can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.

After esophagectomy:

  1. Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for complications and to ensure proper healing.
  2. Patient may experience difficulty swallowing, pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms in the immediate post-operative period.
  3. Patient starts a liquid diet and gradually progresses to soft and then solid foods under the guidance of a dietitian.
  4. Patient may need to make dietary modifications to accommodate the changes in their digestive system, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals.
  5. Patient may experience weight loss due to decreased appetite, difficulty eating, and changes in metabolism.
  6. Patient may require nutritional supplementation or feeding tubes to meet their caloric and protein needs.
  7. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments and monitoring to assess their nutritional status and overall health post-surgery.
  8. Patient may continue to experience gastrointestinal symptoms in the long term, which may require ongoing management and support.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific dietary changes will I need to make after the surgery?
  2. How soon after the surgery can I start eating solid foods again?
  3. Will I need to take any nutritional supplements or vitamins following the surgery?
  4. How can I ensure that I am getting enough calories and protein in my diet post-surgery?
  5. Are there any specific foods or drinks I should avoid after the surgery?
  6. What can I do to manage any gastrointestinal symptoms that may occur after the surgery?
  7. Will I need to work with a nutritionist or dietitian to help with my eating habits post-surgery?
  8. How long will it take for my appetite to return to normal after the surgery?
  9. Are there any long-term complications or risks related to nutrition that I should be aware of?
  10. What can I do to maintain a healthy weight and nutritional status in the long term after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Baker M, Halliday V, Williams RN, Bowrey DJ. Journal: Clin Nutr. 2016 Oct;35(5):987-94. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2015.08.010. Epub 2015 Sep 12. PMID: 26411750