Treat esophagus problems denver? (2023)

What doctor do I see for esophagus problems?

A gastroenterologist is a physician with specialized training in managing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver).

Surgery. Surgery is the most common treatment for cancer of the esophagus. Part of the esophagus may be removed in an operation called an esophagectomy. Esophageal stent.

A GERD doctor such as a gastroenterologist is usually the best choice for diagnosing and treating this condition. In some instances, an ENT specialist may also be used to diagnose and treat GERD.

Difficulty swallowing. Painful swallowing. Swallowed food becoming stuck in the esophagus, also known as food impaction. Chest pain, particularly behind the breastbone, that occurs with eating.

Imaging tests for cancer of the esophagus

Computed tomography (CT) scan for esophageal cancer uses X-ray images to present detailed images of the esophagus and surrounding tissues. It also helps to identify the spread of cancer to other distant organs, such as the liver.

The esophagus is a complex organ comprising nonredundant tissue that does not have the ability to regenerate. Hence, surgical repair and/or replacement of the esophagus are the only feasible treatment options upon extensive structural damage.

As a result, the esophagus tries to repair itself from inflammation or ulceration by repairing the original cell lining. In 12% of patients, this replacement lining will not be the original type found in the esophagus, but more like that of the stomach.

The esophagus is replaced using another organ, most commonly the stomach but occasionally the small or large intestine. In most circumstances, esophagectomy can be done with minimally invasive surgery, either by laparoscopy, robot assisted or a combination of these approaches.

How long does a damaged esophagus take to heal?

It might take 1 to 3 weeks to heal. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems.

During a procedure known as a Nissen fundoplication, your surgeon wraps the upper part of your stomach around the lower esophagus. This enhances the anti-reflux barrier and can provide permanent relief from reflux.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can be diagnosed in the office, without the need for expensive tests such as endoscopy. Learn how to make the right diagnosis while avoiding confounding symptoms that might steer a patient toward the wrong specialist.

It is important for someone with chronic heartburn symptoms to have an endoscopy. The most important thing to look for is Barrett's esophagus, a change in the lining of the esophagus that is associated with an increased cancer risk.

A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your health care provider examine the esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine, called the duodenum. Your health care provider might be able to diagnose GERD based on a history of your signs and symptoms and a physical examination.

This can help prevent acid reflux symptoms. According to a 2019 case study , frequent sips of water can help clear acid from the esophagus. Beverages such as coffee, soda, and acidic juices may increase the risk or severity of reflux symptoms.

If you've had trouble with heartburn, regurgitation and acid reflux for more than five years, then you should ask your doctor about your risk of Barrett's esophagus. Seek immediate help if you: Have chest pain, which may be a symptom of a heart attack. Have difficulty swallowing.

. A very serious injury is rupture of the esophagus. Ruptures can be caused by surgical procedures, severe vomiting, or swallowing a large piece of food that becomes stuck... read more .

Esophageal cancer may not show symptoms in its early stages and is most often found in men over the age of 50. Your doctor may perform a physical exam, chest x-ray, chest CT, Upper GI x-ray, esophagoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, or PET/CT to help determine if you have cancer and if it has spread.

Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure to see inside your esophagus, stomach, and the beginning part of the small intestine (duodenum). The endoscope is a tube with a special type of camera that sends high-definition pictures of the lining of your gastrointestinal tract to a video screen.

What are the symptoms of esophageal polyps?

Most esophageal polyps arise from the cervical or upper esophagus. No symptoms are initially perceived, but with the growth of the neoplasm, symptoms such as dysphagia, vomiting, retrosternal pain, shortness of breath, and/or asthma may occur. A fresh mass may also be regurgitated into the mouth.

Specific testing is necessary to diagnose an esophageal stricture. An esophageal stricture can be diagnosed on a barium swallow study and/or upper endoscopy (EGD). In general, an upper endoscopy is needed to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate for the cause of the stricture.

Drinking water, low fat milk, and herbal teas may help manage it. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and sodas may worsen symptoms, however. Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows up into a person's esophagus, or food pipe. It is common for people to experience acid reflux intermittently.

GERD can be a problem if it's not treated because, over time, the reflux of stomach acid damages the tissue lining the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain. In adults, long-lasting, untreated GERD can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus.

2. Bananas. This low-acid fruit can help neutralize stomach acid by coating an irritated esophageal lining. And not only are bananas alkaline, they're also rich in pectin — a soluble fiber that helps keeps food flowing nicely through the digestive tract.

Symptoms include heartburn, food coming up with a burp, stomach ache, pain when swallowing, excess belching, hoarse voice, sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. During the later stages of Barrett's esophagus, there may be difficulty swallowing solids or liquids.

With the guidance of a video camera located inside the EsophyX^®, the surgeon creates sutures and tissue folds around the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, ultimately tightening and repairing it. This procedure is performed using general anesthesia and takes up to one hour.

The survival rates after transthoracic or transhiatal esophagectomy were respectively 31.2% and 27.8% by 5 years, and 21.3% and 16.6% by 10 years, and the median time of survival after transthoracic or transhiatal esophagectomy was 20.5 months (95% CI: 10.4–57.6) and 16.4 months (95% CI: 10.6–28.7), respectively.

How Stretta Therapy Works. The Stretta system delivers low power, low temperature radiofrequency (RF) energy to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle and gastric cardia. This energy remodels the tissue, resulting in improved barrier function and fewer random relaxations that cause reflux symptoms.

How do you get your esophagus checked?

An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube called an endoscope down your throat and into your esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your health care provider examine the esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine, called the duodenum.

The most common problem with the esophagus is GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). With GERD, a muscle at the end of your esophagus does not close properly. This allows stomach contents to leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus and irritate it. Over time, GERD can cause damage to the esophagus.

Otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat doctors) have extensive experience with the tools that diagnose GERD. They are specialists in treating the complications associated with GERD, including sinus and ear infections, throat and laryngeal inflammation, Barrett's esophagus and ulcerations of the esophagus.

An ENT doctor can also treat complications associated with acid reflux, such as: Sinus and ear infections. Throat and laryngeal inflammation. Ulcerations of the esophagus.

The ultrasound is used to find out if the tumor has grown into the wall of the esophagus, how deep the tumor has grown, and whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other nearby structures. An ultrasound can also be used to help get a tissue sample from the lymph nodes. Bronchoscopy.

Use high protein, thick liquids and higher calorie items, such as milkshakes, custard, pudding, macaroni and cheese, etc. Some other soft or liquid-‐type foods are applesauce, cooked cereals, strained cream soup, mashed potatoes, Jello, rice pudding, etc.

Endoscopy is a test that an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist uses to look at the: back of your throat (pharynx) voice box (larynx) upper part of the food pipe (oesophagus)

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication

With the guidance of a video camera located inside the EsophyX^®, the surgeon creates sutures and tissue folds around the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, ultimately tightening and repairing it. This procedure is performed using general anesthesia and takes up to one hour.

If swallowing is challenging on a consistent basis, you should consult with an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist – or an otolaryngologist. ENT specialists are specifically trained to diagnose and treat conditions related to the throat and voice so they are equipped to diagnose and treat issues with swallowing.

Can an ENT stretch your esophagus?

What is Esophageal Dilation? Esophageal dilation is a procedure that allows your doctor to dilate, or stretch, a narrowed area of your esophagus [swallowing tube]. Doctors can use various techniques for this procedure. Your doctor might perform the procedure as part of a sedated endoscopy.