Esophagus Surgery

Best Esophagus Surgeon In Ahmedabad

What is Esophagus ?

The esophagus, a muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach, is vital for proper digestion and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall digestive health.

Common Problems Encountered

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) : Chronic acid reflux causing irritation.
Barrett's Esophagus : Changes in esophageal lining due to prolonged GERD.
Esophageal Stricture : Narrowing causes swallowing difficulties.
Achalasia : Impaired esophageal motility hindering food passage.
Esophageal Cancer : Malignant growth requires specialized attention.

Common Symptoms

Persistent heartburn
Difficulty or pain while swallowing
Chest pain or discomfort
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Chronic cough or hoarseness
Unexplained weight loss

Common Causes

Chronic acid reflux (GERD)
Obesity
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Genetic predisposition
Barrett's esophagus
Certain medications

Treatment

Medication

Antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and prokinetics.

Lifestyle Modifications

Dietary changes, weight management, avoiding triggers.

Endoscopic Procedures

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) : Removal of abnormal tissues.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) : Precise removal at early-stage.

Surgery

Fundoplication : Anti-reflux surgery to prevent GERD.
Esophagectomy : Removal of part or all of the esophagus.

Radiation and Chemotherapy

For esophageal cancer treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common esophageal disorders ?
Common disorders include GERD, esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, strictures, and achalasia.
What are esophageal disorder symptoms ?
Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, heartburn, weight loss, and persistent cough.
What are esophageal disorder treatment options ?
Treatment may involve medications, lifestyle changes, endoscopic procedures, or surgery.

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Although “heartburn” is often used to describe a variety of digestive problems, in medical terms, it is actually a symptom of Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
In this condition, stomach acids reflux or “back up” from the stomach into the esophagus.
Heartburn is described as a harsh, burning sensation in the area in between your ribs or just below your neck. The feeling may radiate through the chest and into the throat and neck.
Other symptoms may also include vomiting, difficulty swallowing and chronic coughing or wheezing.

What Causes GERD?

When you eat, food travels from your mouth to your stomach through a tube called the esophagus
At the lower end of the esophagus is a small ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES acts like a one-way valve, allowing food to pass through into the stomach.
Normally, the LES closes immediately after swallowing to prevent back-up of stomach juices, which have a high acid content, into the esophagus.
GERD occurs when the LES does not function properly allowing acid to flow back and burn the lower esophagus. This irritates and inflames the esophagus, causing heartburn and eventually may damage the esophagus.

What Contributes to GERD?

Some people are born with a naturally weak sphincter (LES). For others, however, fatty and spicy foods, certain types of medication, tight clothing, smoking, drinking alcohol, vigorous exercise or changes in body position (bending over or lying down) may cause the LES to relax, causing reflux.
A hiatal hernia (a common term for GERD) may be present in many patients who suffer from GERD, but may not cause symptoms of heartburn.

How to Diagnosis GERD?

Diagnosis of GERD generally based on a history of your signs and symptoms and a physical examination.

To confirm a diagnosis of GERD, or to check for complications, Dr. Damani might recommend:

Upper endoscopy.
Ambulatory acid (pH) probe test.
Barium swallow (contrast X-ray) of the upper digestive system.
Esophageal manometry: This is typically done in people who have trouble swallowing.

How is GERD Treated?

Treatment is generally in three progressive steps:

1 Lifestyle and dietary changes

Lose weight if you are overweight — of all of the lifestyle changes you can make, this one is the most effective.
Avoid foods that increase the level of acid in your stomach, including caffeinated beverages.
Avoid foods that decrease the pressure in the lower esophagus, such as fatty foods, alcohol and peppermint.
Avoid foods that affect peristalsis (the muscle movements in your digestive tract), such as coffee, alcohol and acidic liquids.
Avoid foods that slow gastric emptying, including fatty foods.
Avoid large meals.
Quit smoking.
Do not lie down immediately after a meal.
Elevate the level of your head when you lie down.

2 Medication

If lifestyle and dietary changes do not work, Dr. Damani may prescribe certain medications.

3 Surgery for GERD

If your symptoms did not improve with lifestyle changes or drug therapy, you may be a candidate for surgery. Some patients prefer a surgical approach as an alternative to a lifetime of taking medications. The goal of surgery for reflux disease is to strengthen the anti-reflux barrier. During the procedure of anti reflux surgery (Fundoplication), Dr. Damani will wrap the upper part of your stomach around the lower esophagus. This enhances the anti-reflux barrier and can provide permanent relief from reflux. Dr. Damani performs this surgery laparoscopically, which means a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time.