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Ask The Expert/FAQsMain | About Us | Ask The Expert | News
Q. What conditions of the esophagus require surgery? A. Diseases of the esophagus such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal and paraesophageal hernias, achalasia, benign tumors as well as cancer of the esophagus are all treated with surgery. Each can be performed through minimally invasive approaches using a series of small (less than half-inch) incisions. Most esophageal surgeries require only an overnight stay in the hospital prior to going home. Q. What diseases of the esophagus are best treated without surgery?? A. Motility and connective tissue disorders such as Scleroderma, diffuse esophageal spasm and infectious diseases such as candidal esophagitis are best treated medically. Q. What procedures are used to treat GERD, hiatal and paraesophageal hernias? A. GERD, hiatal and paraesophageal hernias are treated using a minimally invasive approach in which the esophagus and stomach are repositioned in their appropriate locations, the diaphragm defect which exists is repaired and the stomach is fixated so that reherniation and reflux disease to not return. GERD can now be treated with endoscopic approaches as well which involve a flexible scope being passed through the mouth into the stomach with fixation of the stomach and esophagus being performed without incisions on the outside of the abdomen. Achalasia surgery is performed by cutting the restricting muscles of the lower esophagus and stomach to allow easy passage of food through the esophagus. Benign tumors of the esophagus can be enucleated from the esophageal wall using minimally invasive approaches through the abdomen and chest. Early cancer of the esophagus requires resection of the esophagus and part of the stomach using a minimally invasive approach through the abdomen and chest in which the esophagus is removed and the remaining stomach is moved up to replace the resected segment. Q. What are the outcomes from esophageal surgery? A. Like other minimally invasive surgeries, esophageal surgery patients benefit from reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery and reduced incisional complications when compared to traditional open surgery. Many esophageal surgery patients only stay one night in the hospital and return to regular activities within 1-2 weeks thereafter. Q. What should I be aware of when considering esophageal surgery? A. It is important when considering esophageal surgery, that your primary or gastroenterology doctor selects a surgeon who performs esophageal surgery on a regular basis. You should feel comfortable asking your surgeon about the various treatments which include medical, endoscopic and surgical approaches for your particular situation. Questions? Contact esophageal/gastric surgery services at |
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