diffulty of swallowing

[lilypoppyfre]

my Italian brother-in-law has had some difficulty swallowing for some time. Medical exams have found his oesophagus narrowed and he has been told that he will have some of his oesophagus removed and replaced. Is this a serious operation ? he is 76 and a long life smoker and drinker. My sister-in-law cannot get any answer from his consultant apart from that it is necessary to operate and that there are always risks in an operation. I would welcome some comments from readers having undergone the procedure. Thank you

[society]

Just curious, if he was of a different nationality do you think that he'd perhaps not have difficulty swallowing?

[Sqad]

This sounds like cancer of the oesophagus.

Yes it is a big deal.

[bednobs]

sorry, i have not had this procedure (well i'm not sorry, but you know what i mean) but firstly any operation in a 76 year old is serious. I agree with squad that this sounds like cancer and it will also depend on his general condition how well and quickly he recovers

[lilypoppyfre]

thank you society, sqa, bednobs. Yes, I also thought cancer but wanted to hear from others.Thank you all

[anneasquith]

i suggest your sil.talks to the consultant and asks what is the diagnosis?

[society]

Hope everything works out for your brother-in-law. Lots of luck to him.

[Sqad]

anneasquith

<<<My sister-in-law cannot get any answer from his consultant apart from that it is necessary to operate and that there are always risks in an operation.<<<

[anneasquith]

yes i read it.........................but knowing the diagnosis surely is important ?

[Sqad]

anneasquith....you have been a nursing sister in a famous London Teaching Hospital.

Here is a man...aged 76...lifelong smoker......drinker....Consultant wants to remove his oesophagus...........replace it............narrowing of oesophagus.

In your opinion......what do you think the diagnosis is?..........!!!

[anneasquith]

not getting into a debate with you sqad................im not qualified to give a diagnosis on the interweb,,,,but the consultant should give a diagnosis prior to surgery if the patient / family want one.................