PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which treatment is commonly indicated for esophageal cancer?

1. Radiation therapy

2. Esophagectomy with gastric pull-up

3. Chemotherapy

4. Endoscopic resection

The correct answer is: Esophagectomy with gastric pull-up

Esophagectomy with gastric pull-up is commonly indicated for esophageal cancer, especially in cases where the cancer is localized and there has not been significant metastasis. This surgical procedure involves the resection of the esophagus and constructing a new passage for food by pulling up the stomach to connect with the remaining esophagus or directly to the throat. This approach is often used for curative intent, allowing for the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue that might contain cancerous cells. The procedure is particularly beneficial in cases where the cancer is not amenable to a less invasive treatment and where the overall health of the patient allows for extensive surgery. The effectiveness of this approach hinges on careful patient selection, considering factors like tumor size, location, and the patient's overall health status. Other treatment options such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also play roles in the management of esophageal cancer but are typically used in conjunction with surgical interventions like esophagectomy. Chemotherapy often serves as neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy to improve surgical outcomes or manage symptoms in advanced stages, while radiation therapy can be used primarily to shrink tumors before surgery or in palliation for advanced disease. Endoscopic resection is generally reserved for early-stage esophageal cancer confined to the mucosa