Confirm resectability
Confirm whether a locally advanced tumor can be resected after neoadjuvant treatment.
Reviewed by Dr. Juan José Torrent · Updated: April 30, 2026
Specialty
Surgery for esophageal cancer
At Quenet-Torrent Institute we treat esophageal cancer with high-complexity surgery, minimally invasive techniques and multimodal treatment with curative intent.
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Clinical summary
Esophageal cancer is treated with minimally invasive esophagectomy (Ivor Lewis or McKeown techniques) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. At Quenet-Torrent Institute (Barcelona · Madrid), the team of Dr. Quenet and Dr. Torrent performs this approach in hospitals with a specialized ICU, which helps reduce postoperative complications.
What is esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that arises in the cells of the esophagus. There are two main types: squamous cell carcinoma (more common in the upper and middle third) and adenocarcinoma (associated with Barrett's esophagus, more common in the lower third).
Risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, chronic gastroesophageal reflux, Barrett's esophagus, obesity and achalasia. The main symptoms are progressive dysphagia, weight loss, pain behind the breastbone and regurgitation.
Multimodal treatment combining chemoradiotherapy and surgery has significantly improved results in recent years.
Symptoms of esophageal cancer
The most characteristic symptom is progressive dysphagia, that is, difficulty swallowing that first appears with solid foods and, over time, extends to liquids as well. As the tumor grows and narrows the esophagus, this sensation becomes more constant and significantly limits eating.
Along with dysphagia, other symptoms may appear, such as odynophagia (pain or discomfort when swallowing), unintentional weight loss, pain behind the breastbone or in the back, regurgitation of food, hoarseness or a persistent cough. If any of these signs is present, especially in people with known risk factors, it is important to see a specialist without delay to begin the diagnostic workup.
Causes and risk factors of esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer includes two histological types with different risk profiles. Squamous cell carcinoma is mainly associated with tobacco and alcohol use, as well as with regularly drinking very hot liquids and a diet low in fruit and vegetables. Adenocarcinoma, on the other hand, is closely linked to chronic gastroesophageal reflux and Barrett's esophagus, a premalignant condition resulting from sustained inflammation of the esophageal lining.
Other factors that raise the risk regardless of the histological type are obesity, older age and male sex. Several of these factors together multiply the likelihood of developing the disease, so people with long-standing reflux, a smoking habit or significant excess weight should have regular check-ups that allow premalignant changes to be detected before they progress.
Why ask for a second opinion on esophageal cancer?
A second opinion can change the proposed treatment.
Assess response to treatment
Assess the response to chemoradiotherapy and the indication for surgery.
Evaluate the surgical technique
Evaluate the best approach: transthoracic, transhiatal or minimally invasive.
Optimize nutritional status
Plan preoperative nutritional support to optimize results.
It is mainly useful to decide the order of treatment and whether surgery is indicated.
How do we treat esophageal cancer?
Treatment is usually multimodal, combining chemoradiotherapy and surgery.
Transthoracic esophagectomy
Resection of the esophagus with extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy.
Transhiatal esophagectomy
Approach without thoracotomy, indicated in selected cases.
Minimally invasive esophagectomy
A combination of thoracoscopy and laparoscopy for less surgical trauma.
Reconstruction
Gastric pull-up, colon or jejunum interposition depending on the case.
The strategy is tailored to location, stage and response to treatment.
Our technology
Technology for esophageal cancer surgery
These are the tests and techniques we use for staging and surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery
Thoracoscopy and laparoscopy with fewer complications.
Robotic surgery
Greater precision in the confined spaces of the mediastinum.
Endoscopic ultrasound
Precise staging of the depth of invasion.
PET-CT
Complete staging and assessment of response.
Bronchoscopy
Assessment of airway invasion in proximal tumors.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Experience in high-complexity esophageal surgery
Quenet-Torrent Institute treats esophageal cancer with teams specialized in oncological esophageal surgery.
Experience in complex cases
We focus on advanced cancer and complex cases, with techniques such as minimally invasive or robotic esophagectomy, which not every center offers.
Comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach
Surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nutritionists and psychologists review your case together.
Research
We follow the published scientific evidence and review our protocols when new data appear.
Surgical technology
We have thoracoscopy, laparoscopy and robotic surgery, endoscopic ultrasound, PET-CT and bronchoscopy to stage and operate with precision.
Personal, close care
We explain each step of the treatment and answer your questions throughout the process.
Our team
Esophageal cancer specialists
Surgeons on the team who treat esophageal cancer.
Dr. François Quenet
Oncological surgeon
View doctor: Dr. François Quenet"Surgeon with expertise in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tumors and in highly difficult operations."
Dr. Juan José Torrent
Oncological surgeon
View doctor: Dr. Juan José Torrent"Specialist in gynecological tumors, peritoneal carcinomatosis and complex oncological surgery."
Frequently asked questions about esophageal cancer
Answers to the most common questions about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Can esophageal cancer be cured?
Yes, especially with multimodal treatment and a complete resection. The response to prior chemoradiotherapy is one of the most important prognostic factors: patients whose tumor disappears or shrinks a great deal before surgery are the ones with the best long-term results.
Why is treatment given before surgery?
Because prior chemoradiotherapy shrinks the tumor, makes a complete resection easier and significantly improves survival compared with operating first. It also gives information about the biology of the disease: the response to treatment is one of the best predictors of how it will evolve afterwards.
Can it be operated on with minimally invasive techniques?
Yes. Minimally invasive esophagectomy reduces respiratory complications, which are the most common in this surgery, and shortens recovery. It can be done by laparoscopy, thoracoscopy or with a robot, and the oncological results are equivalent when it is performed by a team with specific experience.
What is eating like afterwards?
It requires gradual adaptation. The stomach is pulled up into the chest and acts as a new esophagus, with less capacity, so small, frequent meals are needed and lying down after eating should be avoided to prevent reflux. Nutritional support during the first months is part of the treatment.
How long does recovery take?
The hospital stay is usually 10 to 14 days and full recovery takes between 2 and 3 months. The first days are spent in an intensive care unit because of the respiratory risk. Readjusting to eating continues after discharge and sets the pace of recovery.
What is Barrett's esophagus?
It is a change in the lining of the esophagus caused by chronic reflux: the normal lining is replaced by one similar to that of the intestine. It increases the risk of adenocarcinoma, so it requires regular endoscopic follow-up. If detected in time, dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus can be treated endoscopically, without surgery.
Is a second opinion necessary?
It is advisable, especially to confirm the order of treatment and whether surgery is indicated after chemoradiotherapy. In this tumor, the sequence and timing of surgery affect the result, and the criteria vary between centers. A second opinion clarifies those decisions before starting.
Where can I receive this treatment safely?
At centers with proven experience in esophageal surgery and enough case volume. Esophagectomy is one of the operations where the relationship between team volume and postoperative mortality is most noticeable. It is worth asking how many they perform each year and whether they have a multidisciplinary board.
Where to treat esophageal cancer?
We operate in two private hospitals in Spain. The same medical team treats you in Madrid and in Barcelona, with the same surgical and oncological protocols.
Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology.
View Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Private hospital in Barcelona where the team performs high-complexity surgical oncology.
View Centro Médico Teknon
Real cases
Patients treated by the Quenet Torrent team
Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Debra's case
66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.
Read the full caseRosario (Charo)'s case
73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology, with good survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseFelipe's case
A mistaken diagnosis of terminal colon cancer that a second opinion revealed to be pseudomyxoma peritonei, treatable with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
Read the full caseSantiago's case
Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of survival.
Read the full case
Verified reviews
See on Google
4.5/5
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
5/5
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The personal care is excellent and so are the results. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
5/5
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
5/5
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
5/5
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
5/5
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
5/5
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. When I sent my diagnosis to every center, practically all of them agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time, since I had a very aggressive type of cell. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life, because during the operation the harmful cells that everyone had diagnosed, and that were the reason nobody would operate on me, were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
M
6 years ago
5/5
The best decision of my life was finding this excellent team of surgeons who saved my husband's life. At a prestigious international clinic in Madrid he was given up for lost with advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer, and thanks to them, the best professionals in this field, he was operated on very successfully. A perfect recovery with no complications, because they were on top of his progress at all times. They have a great quality: from the start they were very honest and close. I can only be deeply grateful; we went to buy time and thanks to them my husband got his life back.
E
7 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent is a brilliant surgeon and a very approachable and warm doctor, whose manner reveals all the qualities that make him a great person and professional: perseverance, innate curiosity and a desire to learn, humility, sincerity and empathy. Going through an operation is undoubtedly an intense experience, physically and emotionally, in which anxieties arise and you feel very vulnerable. All of that is normal, and as his former patient I can say that his care and professionalism throughout the process were absolutely exceptional. I felt very supported by him, with the confidence of knowing I was in the best hands. I will always be grateful to him. Moltes gràcies Dr. Torrent!
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