Foregut surgery: Minimally invasive surgery for upper GI issues

Our team offers surgical interventions for managing GERD, such as fundoplication, transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), the LINX Reflux Management System and other endoscopic anti-reflux procedures.

We specialize in repairing hiatal hernias, a condition where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm. Our surgeons utilize advanced techniques to ensure a successful repair and minimize the risk of recurrence.

Our experts are skilled in treating achalasia, a disorder affecting the esophagus that causes difficulty swallowing. We provide a range of treatment options, including paroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), laparoscopic Heller myotomy, endoscopic dilation and Botox, to improve esophageal function.

Our team offers comprehensive evaluations and treatments for esophageal motility disorders, such as esophageal diverticula, jackhammer esophagus and esophageal spasm. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Evaluation methods include high resolution manometry, impedance testing, traditional and wireless pH testing and Functional Luminal Impedance Planimetry (EndoFLIP).

We offer gastric stimulator implants, endoscopic pyloromyotomy and surgical removal of the stomach.

Examples of minimally invasive procedures we perform include laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD and laparoscopic paraoesophageal hernia repair for hiatal hernias.

For patients diagnosed with achalasia or certain esophageal motility disorders, a peroral endoscopic myotomy may be recommended. During the procedure, a flexible endoscope is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus, allowing the surgeon to create a small incision and perform a myotomy, which involves cutting the muscle fibers to relieve obstruction. POEM offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical approaches, with the potential for shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and improved swallowing function for patients.

The LINX system is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with GERD who are seeking an alternative to long-term medication use. It involves placing a small, flexible band of magnetic beads around the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent acid reflux while allowing food to pass through.

In some cases, endoscopic interventions can effectively treat foregut conditions. These procedures are performed using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and specialized instruments. Examples include endoscopic dilation for strictures and endoscopic mucosal resection for certain esophageal conditions.

Gastric stimulation therapy is a treatment for patients suffering from chronic nausea and vomiting caused by gastroparesis, a condition that affects the normal movement of the stomach. This innovative therapy involves the surgical placement of a small device, called a neurostimulator, in the abdomen. The neurostimulator delivers mild electrical pulses to the stomach, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

POP is an incisionless way to improve stomach emptying. Patients with gastroparesis can see improvements in nausea, vomiting and bloating after this procedure.

TIF is an endoscopic procedure designed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by reconstructing the anti-reflux barrier. This incisionless technique uses an endoscope equipped with specialized tools. TIF helps restore the natural function of the esophagus and reduces acid reflux, offering patients a potential alternative to traditional surgical approaches with fewer complications, shorter recovery times and improved quality of life.