When choosing a surgeon to perform my esophagectomy for cancer, what should i consider?

Expertise: Esophagectomy or removal of the esophagus for cancer is a difficult operation. However, the surgeons who have good outcomes are the ones who expertise with the procedure. Things to look out for: do they do more than 12-15 esophagectomies per year? To they have a post-op care pathway? Are their nurses skilled in the care of the esophagectomy patient? Do they have a plan for when you go home? And do they explain things to you and your family clearly?

Experience: The surgeon doing an occasional esophagectomy may be good, but it is unlikely they will be as up to date in the newer details of surgery, and more importantly, post- operative care. This is an example of where experience really does matter.