Experts in Traditional and Minimally Invasive Esophageal Surgery

Our surgeons are internationally recognized specialists in treating common and complex esophageal conditions. These conditions include any health concern related to the esophagus, the tube that runs from the throat to the stomach.

Our surgeons are skilled in traditional and minimally invasive surgical treatments for esophageal cancers and pre-cancers, as well as digestive-related esophageal complications. Our team works collaboratively — drawing expertise across an interdisciplinary network of gastrointestinal specialists and oncologists — to provide skilled and effective treatment plans for all esophageal disorders.

Comprehensive Esophageal Care

No matter what condition brings you to Keck Medicine, you should feel assured that you are in skilled hands with our experienced esophageal surgical team.

Depending on your diagnosis, our teams may recommend treatment via a traditional, open surgical procedure or a minimally invasive technique such as robotic or laparoscopic surgery. Our esophageal specialists have training in the full array of esophageal surgery types, including treatments for cancer and digestive distress.

Treatments for Esophageal Cancer We Offer

Esophageal cancer surgery involves removing cancerous portions of the esophagus. Our providers may also recommend surgical removal of pre-cancerous esophageal growths or blockages before these irregularities become cancerous.

Some cancer-related esophageal surgeries may include reconstructing the esophagus after tumor removal. For example, one esophageal tumor surgery known as en bloc esophagectomy uses part of the patient’s stomach to replace damaged sections of the esophagus.

Treatments We Offer for Digestive Distress

Our surgeons are also experts in treating a range of gastrointestinal tract (GI) conditions and complications, many of which affect the flow of food from the esophagus to the stomach. These conditions include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Our teams specialize in GERD surgery, or reflux esophagitis surgery. This procedure reduces GERD symptoms by reinforcing the connection between the esophagus and stomach to prevent stomach acid backflow. We also offer an alternative GERD treatment known as the LINX® Reflux Management System. This minimally invasive surgery involves placing magnetic beads around the lower end of the esophagus to block stomach acids.
• Barrett’s Esophagus: A specialized, minimally invasive procedure known as endoscopic mucosal ablation, or EMA, can remove damaged sections of the esophagus in patients diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus. Often found in patients with GERD, this condition occurs when irregularities in the cellular structure of the esophagus develop. Barrett’s esophagus can lead to cancer if left untreated.
• Gastroparesis: Our providers offer minimally invasive gastric pacemaker surgery to treat gastroparesis, a condition that prevents the stomach from emptying properly. This procedure corrects stomach muscle misfunction to relieve chronic symptoms of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.