Staging laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to determine the extent of esophageal cancer and whether it has spread beyond the esophagus. This procedure helps doctors decide on the most appropriate treatment plan by providing real-time insights into cancer staging. Esophageal cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes, organs, or the lining of the abdomen ( peritoneum ). Imaging tests like CT scans and PET scans provide useful information, but they may miss very small cancer deposits. A staging laparoscopy offers a more accurate assessment by allowing direct visualization of the abdominal cavity. Heading into the procedure Tony's staging is T3N1M0. Why is Staging Laparoscopy Performed? The primary goals of staging laparoscopy in esophageal cancer include: Detecting metastases – Identifying whether the cancer has spread to areas not visible on scans. Assessing operability – Determining if the tumor is resectable (removable by surgery). Guiding treatment dec...
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