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Swallowing
Disorder (GERD)
DEFINITION:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results when gastric
acid, food, and liquid from the stomach chronically flow up
into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the
stomach). GERD is caused by a weakness or transient relaxation
of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. The LES sits
at the juncture between the esophagus and the stomach. When
you eat, food and liquid travel down the esophagus to the
stomach. Once they arrive, the tone of the LES helps keep
stomach contents from refluxing or moving backward into the
esophagus. But when the LES is weakened, it does not work
properly. Stomach contents may reflux into the esophagus,
which can cause the burning sensation in the chest known as
heartburn.
TREATMENTS The goals of treatment
include reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach,
strengthening the sphincter muscle and reducing the amount
of food, liquid, and stomach acid that flows backward into
the esophagus from the stomach. Minimally invasive treatment
options include laparoscopic fundoplication and myotomy, minimally
invasive esophagectomy and an endoscopic approach to create
a functional sphincter.
BENEFITS
Minimally invasive solutions are preferred whenever possible,
allowing less tissue damage, faster recovery time, and less
scarring than open surgery.
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FIND
A DOCTOR
This
surgery is performed by the following physician(s). Click
on a name for a complete profile and contact information.
Scott
Swanson, MD
Steven
Herman, MD
Daniel
Krellenstein, MD
Jorge
Camunas, MD
Paul
Waters, MD
Fouad
Lajam, MD
To
Find a Doctor, you may also click
here or call the toll-free Physician Referral number:
1-800-MD-SINAI
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