Esophageal Surgery

The expert surgeons of Dignity Health – Norton Thoracic Institute offer a variety of options for chronic and episodic esophageal conditions, including robotic-assisted surgery for when conservative (nonsurgical) treatments are no longer appropriate.

Esophagectomy
An esophagectomy may be required if the esophagus is no longer working well in moving food to the stomach.  It may also be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for cancers of the esophagus. In this procedure, part of all of the esophagus is removed, and an esophagus is reconstructed from part of your large intestine or stomach.

When robotic surgery is used to perform this procedure, tiny instruments and a small scope are inserted through tiny incisions in the skin. The surgeon controls the instruments while sitting at a console in the operating suite.  The result of robotic intervention versus a traditional “open” procedure? A quicker return to your life.

Please visit Norton Thoracic Institute for more information.

Hiatal Hernia
When conditions affecting your digestive tract lower your quality of life, and if lifestyle changes, medicines, and other options don’t improve your symptoms, your doctor may suggest surgery. IF you suffer from Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, you know how the heartburn, ongoing acid indigestion, and difficulty swallowing creates ongoing issues and can lead to more serious conditions.  

The cause may be hiatal hernia – when the upper part of your stomach bulges through the large muscle separating your abdomen and chest (diaphragm).  Depending on the size of the hernia and the efficacy of nonsurgical treatments, your doctor may suggest surgery.  

If you are an appropriate candidate, robotic surgery may be recommended to treat the hernia. The procedure involves your surgeon using robotic technology to create one or a few small incisions to repair the tear that is causing such digestive distress.  The benefits include less pain after the procedure, significantly reduced recovery team, fewer complications, and less scarring.

Please visit Norton Thoracic Institute for more information.

Heller Myotomy
If you suffer from achalasia, a rare esophageal disorder that makes it difficult to swallow solid foods or liquids, a robotic Heller Myotomy may be your answer.  In this procedure the circular muscle of the lower esophagus is cut and divided. The end result is less pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter muscle and improved swallowing abilities.

Robotic surgery uses small instruments and tiny incisions to help reduce recovery times, improve outcomes, and, of course, bring you back to enjoying eating again!

Is this procedure right for you? please visit Norton Thoracic Institute for more information.