Transhiatal Esophagectomy

A transhiatal esophagectomy is a procedure that is sometimes used in the treatment of esophageal cancer. During an esophagectomy, part or all of the esophagus is removed and the stomach is made into a cylinder, pulled up into the neck and attached to the remaining esophagus. There are several different ways to accomplish this; the word "transhiatal" is a term that refers to one specific method. When performing a transhiatal esophagectomy, a surgeon makes a small incision in the neck and other small incisions on the abdomen, then inserts specialized surgical instruments to remove the cancer and surrounding lymph nodes.

Sometimes, an esophagectomy is performed as a traditional (open) operation or a minimally invasive procedure – such as robotic surgery. At Moffitt Cancer Center, we provide a variety of innovative surgical treatments to meet the wide-ranging needs of our patients.

Moffitt is a high-volume cancer center, which means that our surgeons complete many complex esophageal and thoracic procedures each year. In fact, Moffitt surgeons perform the most robotic esophageal and thoracic procedures in the Southeast of the United States. Additionally, we have a team that:

  • Specializes exclusively in gastrointestinal procedures, rather than performing every surgical technique for every type of cancer
  • Has access to the most advanced surgical technologies, including the da Vinci® Surgical System
  • Works hand-in-hand with the other members of a patient’s treatment team, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and supportive care providers who all practice at the same location

No referral is required to request an appointment at Moffitt. To learn more about our approach to esophageal cancer surgery or any of the specific procedures we perform, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. Your expert treatment team will help you determine if a transhiatal esophagectomy is the most appropriate option for your specific needs.