What causes esophageal stenosis after esophageal cancer surgery?

The causes of esophageal stenosis after esophageal cancer surgery are mainly related to postoperative scar formation, intraoperative manipulation, postoperative infection or radiotherapy. Abnormal scar hyperplasia during surgical wound healing is the main mechanism of esophageal stenosis.

As for genetic factors, although genetics has a certain influence on the occurrence of esophageal cancer itself, its relationship with postoperative stenosis is weak. Environmental factors such as spicy and irritating foods in the postoperative diet may aggravate local mucosal inflammation, affect healing and cause excessive proliferation of scar tissue. Among physiological factors, poor local blood circulation and insufficient mucosal regeneration during the patient's postoperative recovery process may cause stenosis. If the intraoperative suturing technique is improper or a large range of tissue damage is caused during the operation, it may induce postoperative scar widening. In addition, esophageal cancer patients may receive adjuvant radiotherapy after surgery, which can damage local tissues and lead to fibrosis, which is another common cause. Postoperative local infection such as anastomotic inflammation, if not properly controlled, can also cause severe scar reaction and aggravate stenosis.

In order to reduce the risk of esophageal stenosis after esophageal cancer surgery, patients need to pay attention to postoperative management. After surgery, the diet should be kept soft and light, and spicy, acidic and overheated food stimulation should be avoided. At the same time, regular follow-up visits are recommended to monitor the healing of the anastomosis through endoscopic examinations. If early signs of stenosis appear, endoscopic esophageal dilation can be performed in time for intervention. Patients undergoing radiotherapy should pay attention to local care and use anti-fibrotic drugs under the doctor's advice when necessary. Patients with a high risk of postoperative infection should use antibiotics in advance and pay attention to local anti-inflammatory care to reduce the chance of scar formation caused by inflammation.

If obvious dysphagia or food regurgitation occurs after surgery, you should seek medical attention immediately for further examination and treatment to avoid worsening the condition and affecting recovery. The risk of postoperative esophageal stenosis can be effectively reduced through regular follow-up, standardized treatment and scientific care.