What are the risks and recovery expectations?

Risks include anastomotic leak, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury causing hoarseness, infection, and pulmonary complications. Recovery involves a hospital stay of 12–15 days, with gradual return to oral feeding. Full recovery takes 6–8 weeks, during which patients may need nutritional support and physical therapy. Most patients resume normal activities within 2–3 months, with close follow-up for cancer surveillance.