I was given my treatment plan three weeks ago, so on Monday I am undergoing the ESD procedure. The Surgeon told me this week that the during the procedure further biopsies will be taken, checked and future decision about treatment depend results and if not as we would wish then very much on being alcohol and smoke free- I have recently stopped both. So far so good. Then he discussed risks of the procedure which again was as I expected. He discussed that following the procedure I will likely go home the same day but equally I could end up staying in overnight. Finally he told me that I would need a liquid diet for a week and a very soft (described as very runny mashed potato consistency) diet for a further week and gradual introduction of solids during week three.
My questions if anyone knows the answers are-
1) Has anyone had this procedure that is willing to let me know how it went?
2) Can anyone suggest what liquids I can use for a week following surgery? I was told they will give me more information following the procedure but I would prefer to be prepared getting things in ready. I am happy making things from scratch and have bought a blender ready for this!
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Hi Laddo
I am sorry that you have not yet had a reply to your post but this can happen sometimes. By responding it will hopefully bring it to the attention of someone who has undergone similar surgery to you.
I have done a search to see if there are any recent posts containing the ESD procedure and have not been able to find any.
These links may be of some help while you are waiting for a reply.
Endoscopic surgery for oesophageal cancer | Cancer Research UK
With the dietary advice, I can understand that you want to be prepared. Hopefully you will be given the information you need at the hospital however it may be worth posting in the Ask an Expert section on here to help prepare. The nurses will have the medical knowledge to help you with some ideas.
(+) Ask a Nurse | Get answers about cancer | Macmillan Online Community
I wish you well for your surgery and for your recovery.
Jane
1) My husband was diagnosed in early 2024 with a small T1 squamous tumour and dysplasia in his upper oesophagus. He had an EMR in March 2024 and recovered quickly. However at a follow-up appointment in October of that year the cancer was found to have returned and he had an ESD, the same procedure you are having. Afterwards I'm afraid he was unable to swallow solid food due we were told to an oesophageal stricture due to scarring. In December he had the first of three balloon dilatations which were not successful. In April of this year further biopsies and a CT scan confirmed the presence of another small tumour which together with the scar tissue prevents my husband eating anything other than liquids. He has had a peg tube fitted but at present is able to have prescribed Fortisip drinks orally. Because of the type and position of my husband's cancer he is unsuitable for an operation so it was decided to proceed with chemoradiation and he has just completed his first cycle of chemo and first week of radiotherapy.
2) After the endoscopic procedures my husband had soups (no lumps), smoothies both vegetable and fruit (not citrus), cheesy mashed potatoes, pureed vegetables, very soft scrambled eggs, porridge, custard, mousse and ice-cream. As I mentioned my husband has been prescribed Fortisip protein drinks, perhaps your dietitian will recommend these for you.
I hope this is helpful and wish you well with your procedure today.
Thank you, the procedure was abandoned because they have found the cancer has spread to the muscle layer so could not be detached. The Team will meet on Friday and decide next steps. So my wife and I are now awaiting this.
I have been prescribed Fortisip Protein drinks twice daily for the past 5 weeks. Currently I am to have fluids and runny mashed foods for the next week to ten days.
I hope that your husband improves with the Chemo, this is truly a horrible diagnosis!
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007