Surgical care for the stomach and esophagus
The stomach and esophagus are hollow organs that play key roles in digestion. Muscles in our esophagus push food and fluids down to the stomach, where digestive juices further break them down to extract nutrients. As with any organ in the body, sometimes issues can arise, from swallowing problems to chronic, severe heartburn and more.
In some cases these problems can be treated with medications, but in others, surgery is needed. We work closely with you to develop a solution that brings symptom relief and improves your quality of life.
Conditions we treat
Our surgeons can address a variety of common and rare gastroesophageal problems.
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Acid reflux / gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
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Many adults experience occasional acid reflux (also known as heartburn). But when acid reflux is severe and long-lasting, it can have a significant impact on quality of life. This form of acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
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Barrett’s esophagus
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Often a complication of GERD, Barrett’s esophagus refers to changes in the tissue that lines the esophagus. This condition is associated with an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.
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Hernias
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A hernia happens when an organ, tissue or part of the intestine breaks through a weak area in the abdominal wall. Caused by a combination of weak muscles or connective tissue and excess straining, hernias can occur in the groin, upper thigh or stomach. Not all hernias require surgery, but sometimes emergency surgery may be necessary if a hernia is causing pain, swelling, or vomiting, or preventing you from using the bathroom.
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Esophageal motility disorders
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Esophageal motility disorders can happen when the muscles in the esophagus and digestive tract don’t contract properly. Some of the esophageal motility disorders we treat through surgery or other methods include:
- Achalasia — a rare disorder where food backs up into the esophagus
- Dysphagia — trouble swallowing
- Nutcracker esophagus — spasms of the esophagus
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Benign tumors and cancers of the esophagus and stomach
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When growths (tumors) occur in the esophagus or stomach, they can be benign or cancerous. Benign tumors, such as leiomyoma, do not spread, but cancerous tumors may spread to other tissues or parts of the body. Our surgical teams collaborate with oncology specialists at MultiCare to treat these conditions. Learn more about treatments for esophageal and stomach cancers (also known as gastric cancer).
Types of gastroesophageal surgery
MultiCare surgeons have extensive expertise in performing gastroesophageal surgery, offering some of the latest treatments available. We specialize in minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. Some of the procedures we offer include the following:
- Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic upper endoscopy
- Anti-reflux surgery
- Hernia repair
- Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) or Heller myotomy
- Esophageal or gastric resections for benign tumors or cancers