Upper GI Oncology

Oesophageal (Food Pipe) Cancer

Comprehensive surgical treatment for oesophageal cancer — including minimally-invasive oesophagectomy and multidisciplinary care.

Understanding Oesophageal Cancer

Oesophageal cancer includes squamous cell carcinoma (often in the upper/middle oesophagus) and adenocarcinoma (typically at the lower oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction). Treatment is multidisciplinary — neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by oesophagectomy offers the best results for locally advanced disease.

Two main types: squamous cell and adenocarcinoma
Risk factors include smoking, alcohol, obesity, Barrett’s oesophagus
Progressive difficulty swallowing is the hallmark symptom
Treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or combinations

MISMinimally Invasive

3-FieldLymph Nodes

Multi-DTumour Board

NutritionPre-hab Focus

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of oesophageal cancer?

Progressive difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is the commonest — initially with solids, later with liquids. Weight loss, chest pain, regurgitation, persistent cough and hoarseness may occur.

How is oesophageal cancer diagnosed?

Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Staging uses CT chest/abdomen, endoscopic ultrasound and PET-CT.

What is an oesophagectomy?

Oesophagectomy is surgical removal of all or part of the oesophagus. The stomach is usually pulled up into the chest to restore continuity. It can be done via open, laparoscopic or robotic approaches.

Do I need chemotherapy before surgery?

Most locally advanced oesophageal cancers benefit from neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CROSS protocol) or perioperative chemotherapy (FLOT), which significantly improves survival.

What is Barrett’s oesophagus?

Barrett’s is a pre-cancerous change in the lower oesophagus caused by long-standing acid reflux. It slightly increases the risk of adenocarcinoma and requires surveillance endoscopy.

Is minimally invasive oesophagectomy safer?

Yes — minimally invasive or robotic oesophagectomy reduces pulmonary complications, blood loss and hospital stay compared with open surgery, while giving equivalent oncological outcomes.

How long is recovery?

Hospital stay is 10-14 days. Full recovery takes 6-12 weeks. Eating habits need to change permanently — smaller, more frequent meals.

Will I be able to eat normally after surgery?

Yes, but with adjustments. Most patients tolerate a near-normal diet in 3-6 months. A nutritionist helps guide the transition.

What are the survival rates?

Stage I: 70-80% 5-year survival. Stage II-III: 30-50%. Stage IV: palliative. Early diagnosis dramatically improves outcomes.

What are the complications of oesophagectomy?

Anastomotic leak, pneumonia, voice changes, reflux and dumping syndrome. Experienced high-volume centres have significantly lower complication rates.

Dr. Abhishek Aggarwal — Senior Consultant GI & HPB Oncosurgeon, BLK-Max Delhi

Meet Dr. Abhishek Aggarwal

12+ Years Experience500+ Cancer SurgeriesBLK-Max Delhi

Dr. Abhishek Aggarwal is a highly skilled GI & HPB surgeon with over 10 years of experience in managing complex gastrointestinal and hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases, with a special focus on oncological surgery. He currently serves as Associate Director – GI Oncosurgery at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, where he is actively involved in delivering advanced surgical care for GI and HPB malignancies.

He has trained and worked in reputed high-volume centres, gaining extensive expertise in complex oncological procedures and multidisciplinary cancer care. His clinical practice is firmly grounded in scientific, evidence-based medicine, ensuring that patients receive treatment aligned with the latest global standards and research.

OPD Timing: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM

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