• Palliative surgery Bypassing the tumor and creating a new swallowing tube may help some patients whose tumors have invaded the trachea, but otherwise this operation is not recommended for relief of symptoms. A prosthetic indwelling (Celestin) tube inserted through the esophagus may ease swallowing for four to six months. In general, surgery may improve swallowing better than radiotherapy , although the results of chemotherapy and radiation are equal to surgery.
Laser therapy, administered through a flexible tube inserted through the mouth, may open (evaporate) the blockage and relieve dysphagia temporarily. The procedure usually has to be repeated every four to six weeks.
