When Jennie Watkins imagined retirement, she pictured time with her grandchildren, shared meals with family and the freedom to travel. Instead, after treatment for tonsil cancer, she faced the prospect of a devastating and uncommon complication. Her esophagus completely closed, leaving her unable to swallow 鈥 and dependent on a feeding tube for nearly two years.
鈥淚 had been through so much,鈥 Watkins said. 鈥淚 was prepared to just live with the feeding tube.鈥
After exhausting other options, Watkins was referred to , an assistant professor of laryngology in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at the , who also performs surgery at Her case required a highly specialized approach and the resources of a leading academic medical center.
Lifelong Support Throughout and Beyond Cancer Care
Jennie Watkins, USF Health and TGH patient
Watkins was diagnosed with severe post鈥憆adiation esophageal stenosis, a complication that can occur after head and neck cancer treatment. The condition causes scarring that can narrow or close the esophagus, making swallowing extremely difficult or impossible.
Dr. Abdel鈥慉ty advised a multi-step approach to best treat Watkins. To start, a complex operation was performed at Tampa General that combined upper airway endoscopy, laser surgery and a novel double balloon dilation technique to reopen her esophagus.
鈥淭ampa General provides the operating room technology and expert teams that allow us to safely treat some of the most challenging cases,鈥 Dr. Abdel鈥慉ty said. 鈥淭hat level of support is critical for patients like Jennie.鈥
As the primary teaching affiliate of USF Health, Tampa General, through its Head and , brings together advanced surgical care, research and clinical expertise for patients with head and neck conditions.
Continuing Care Through Innovation and Partnership
Dr. Yassmeen Abdel鈥慉ty
Surgery was only part of Watkins鈥 recovery. Following her procedure at Tampa General, she began a self鈥慸ilation program through the USF Health Voice Center, an approach designed to prevent the esophagus from narrowing again, which is a risk after head and neck radiation treatment.
This unique program allows patients to perform esophageal dilation safely at home, helping maintain the surgical results while giving patients an active role in their recovery.
鈥淎t first, I did not think I could do it,鈥 Watkins said. 鈥淏ut now we have it down to a science. It takes less than 15 seconds, and it gave me my life back.鈥
Research led by Dr. Abdel鈥慉ty shows that self鈥慸ilation can improve swallowing function, reduce aspiration risk and help patients return to eating by mouth after head and neck cancer treatment.
A Life Renewed
Today, Watkins no longer relies on a feeding tube. She cooks with her husband, goes out to eat and enjoys everyday moments that once felt out of reach.
鈥淚 missed cooking. I missed being social,鈥 she said. 鈥淣ow I can do those things again. I have been through the fire and come out the other side.鈥
Her journey reflects what is possible when expert surgical care at Tampa General is paired with thoughtful follow鈥憉p care through USF Health. For patients facing head and neck and airway conditions, that collaboration can mean not just recovery, but a renewed quality of life.