Esophageal Disease Program

Dignity Health's Esophageal Disease Program combines the expertise of physicians who specialize in thoracic surgery and gastroenterology to provide the most advanced techniques and technologies to diagnose and treat complex esophageal conditions such as:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic heartburn
  • Barrett's esophagus
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Pancreatic and bile duct disorders
  • Perforated esophagus

Diagnosis

Dignity Health's specialists use a variety of methods to fully evaluate GERD and Barrett's esophagus, including:

  • 3-D Manometry: This new, state-of-the-art technology in the GI Lab at Mercy San Juan provides high-resolution computer mapping to assist physicians in diagnosing muscle function problems from the pharynx to the stomach
  • 24-hour pH studies: These studies measure acid exposure in the esophagus over a 24-hour period. This test can accurately measure whether or not GERD is present

Treatment

Dignity Health's team of experts use the latest surgical techniques to treat esophageal diseases.

  • BARRX: This minimally invasive outpatient procedure provides a safe, effective endoscopic treatment for Barrett's esophagus. Thermal ablation is used to remove damaged tissue in the esophagus and eliminate this potential precursor to esophageal cancer
  • Spyglass Direct Visualization System: This revolutionary new technology uses a miniature fiber optic probe to provide physicians with a direct view of the patient's pancreas and bile ducts to help diagnose and treat conditions such as obstructions and stones without open surgery
  • Nissen Fundoplication surgery and hiatal hernia repair: These surgical treatments may be used when GERD does not respond to medication therapy or lifestyle modification
  • Perforated esophagus surgery: Surgery to repair ruptures or tears in the esophagus
  • LINX® Reflux Management System: this minimally invasive surgical option for the treatment of GERD consists of a small band of magnetized titanium beads to be wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Once in place, the LINX® System works immediately to keep the LES closed to prevent reflux.

For help finding a Dignity Health-affiliated doctor, use our online physician directory, or call our physician referral hotline at (888) 800-7688.