The esophagus, the tube that carries food, liquids and saliva from the mouth to the stomach, may require surgery for a variety of reasons, such as the treatment of esophageal cancer, motility disorders including dysphagia and achalasia, both swallowing disorders and abnormal growths in the esophagus. According to the University of Utah Health Care System, physicians may prescribe surgery depending on the diagnosis, the complications of which include recurring heartburn, anesthesia reactions and narrowing of the connection between the stomach and esophagus.
Recurring Heartburn
Heartburn, a painful, burning sensation in the chest and throat, occurs when stomach acid reaches the esophagus. According to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, risks of esophagectomy--a surgery that removes part of the esophagus--can cause leakage of the contents of the stomach, leading to heartburn. Heartburn treatments include antacids to neutralize stomach acid, pharmaceuticals to reduce stomach acid and medications that control acid while healing the esophagus.
Anesthesia Reaction
MedlinePlus reports anesthesia reactions as a possible side effect of esophagus surgery. Anesthesia can numb a specific area or an entire region of the body, as well as put the patient to sleep, to block pain. Despite the relative safety of anesthesia, patients may experience allergic reactions, breathing problems, temporary weakness, irregular heartbeat, nausea and vomiting or confusion. More severe reactions include stroke or heart attack, long-term nerve damage and bleeding.
Esophageal Stricture
Narrowing of the connection between the stomach and esophagus, also called esophageal stricture, makes it hard to swallow. According to the Langone Medical Center, esophageal stricture can cause regurgitation of food, unintentional weight loss and pain while swallowing. It can result from surgical scarring, but may also occur from heartburn. Treatments include esophageal dilation to stretch the width of the esophagus or proton pump inhibitors to prevent heartburn conditions.
