What does esophageal and gastric surgery cover?
The esophagus runs from the throat, through the chest, and into the stomach below the diaphragm — which is why operating on it draws on both thoracic and abdominal surgical expertise. The conditions treated here include tumors, benign strictures from long-standing acid reflux or from corrosive injury, and achalasia, where the lower sphincter fails to relax.
Investigation starts with endoscopy and biopsy, and adds CT for staging where a tumor is found, and manometry where a motility disorder like achalasia is suspected. Treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis: resection for tumors, dilatation or stenting for strictures, and a myotomy — dividing the tight muscle — for achalasia.
Assessed before any treatment is recommended.
