Zenica Cantonal Hospital performs first complex esophageal cancer surgery

The Department of Surgical Diseases at the Zenica Cantonal Hospital has successfully performed a transhiatal esophagectomy for distal esophageal carcinoma for the first time. This complex procedure is a significant advancement in oncological surgery for the facility.

The transhiatal method involves removing the diseased segment of the esophagus through the abdominal and neck regions, avoiding the traditional opening of the chest cavity. For selected patients, this approach can lead to less surgical trauma, reduced postoperative pain, lower risk of pulmonary complications, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays.

The surgical team included Prof. Dr. Goran Krdžalić, Prof. Dr. Anhel Koluh, Dr. Mahir Omanović, and Dr. Orhan Čaušević, supported by surgical technicians Edina Isaković and Amar Hadžić. The anesthesia team consisted of Dr. Asmira Ljuca and Dr. Ajla Hadžić. This milestone expands the hospital's ability to provide advanced oncological treatments locally, reducing the need for patients in the Zenica-Doboj Canton to seek care at other tertiary centers.