Acid Reflux New York

Put an End to Digestive Disorders

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70 million people suffer from digestive complications each year. The physicians at Winthrop Surgical Associates understand how uncomfortable and disruptive these conditions can be. They offer state-of-the-art care for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as achalasia, heartburn, and acid reflux disease using minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques. New York -area patients who suffer from these at times debilitating illnesses can improve their long-term health and comfort through treatment from Dr. Collin Brathwaite and his colleagues. If you believe you may be suffering from any of the conditions detailed below, contact Winthrop Surgical Associates today to schedule a consultation.

Achalasia

Dr. Brathwaite (right) and Dr. Stavropoulos (left)

Achalasia is caused by dysfunction of the esophagus, the muscle that is responsible for carrying food from the mouth to the stomach. This typically occurs when the muscle in the lower part of the esophagus is incapable of relaxing during meal time, and the nerves in the esophagus are not working to help push the food along. This can make it difficult for patients to swallow food or liquids. While the exact cause of achalasia is unknown, some of its most common symptoms are coughing, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of food.

Treatment

At Winthrop Surgical Associates, we are able to treat this painful condition through a procedure known as Heller myotomy. This surgery involves cutting the outer layer of the esophageal muscle to alleviate the pressure and constrictions of the esophagus. By weakening the muscle, this procedure makes it easier for patients to swallow, increasing patient comfort on a daily basis. As an advanced surgical center, Winthrop Surgical Associates, in conjunction with Dr. Stavropoulos, of the institue for Digestive Disorders in the Winthrop Digestive Disease Institute, is proud to offer a less-invasive form of Heller myotomy, known as endoscopic myotomy. This procedure uses a thin surgical camera call an endoscope, which is inserted through the mouth to give the surgeon a clear view of the muscles. Because this procedure does not require any outward incisions, it is considerably less invasive than traditional Heller myotomy, and requires less recovery time, while still yielding exceptional results. As a leader in mimimally invasive surgery, Winthrop Hospital was the first hospital in the United States to offer this procedure in 2009.

Acid Reflux

According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, nearly one third of Americans are affected by acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition is caused by a weakness of the valve in the lower esophagus that is supposed to prevent acids from leaving the stomach. When the valve does not close properly, acid can rise up out of the stomach and lead to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, or stomach discomfort.

Hiatal Hernias

Hernias occur when a portion of the stomach and esophagus pushes through the hiatus - an opening in the diaphragm that is intended to separate the chest from the abdomen. The two types of hernias that can occur are hiatal hernias and paraesophageal hernias, with the latter being less common but more serious. A paraesophageal hernia occurs when the stomach moves up into the chest cavity, but the esophagus remains in place. This can result in chest pain and vomiting, as well as a severe constriction of blood supply, which can lead to more serious health conditions. Many patients who suffer from hiatal hernias also exhibit symptoms of acid reflux disease.

Acid Reflux and Hernia Treatment

Treating hernias and digestive diseases such as GERD and acid reflux is important in order to sustain optimal oral health. We treat these conditions at our New York-area practice through a procedure known as Nissen fundoplication, using laparoscopy and robotic surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and uses a laparoscope to view and evaluate the condition of the stomach and esophagus. The first step of the procedure involves repairing the hernia with stitches by altering the size of the hiatus so that the stomach is not able to bulge through. The surgeon then uses stitches to wrap a portion of the stomach around the end of the esophagus, tightening the esophagus and preventing stomach acids from rising and causing chest pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. By using robotic surgery, the surgeon has more precision from 3D and HD visualization and magnification.

Contact Us Today

Digestive disorders can disrupt daily life and pose a serious threat to your health. If you are experiencing chest pain or stomach discomfort and believe you may be suffering from a digestive condition such as a hernia or acid reflux, contact our New York surgical practice today.