Esophageal Surgery

The esophagus is a tube about 10 to 16 inches in length and is part of the digestive tract, or alimentary canal. It is located behind the trachea, the tube leading toward the lungs. The major function of the esophagus is to carry food from the mouth to the stomach.

During the process of swallowing, circular muscles in the esophagus squeeze in and orderly fashion to propel the food toward the stomach. Gland-like cells produce mucus that acts like a lubricant to facilitate movement of food through the tube.

There is a valve at the connection between the esophagus and stomach that keeps the contents of the stomach, which are acidic, from backing up and damaging the lining of the esophagus. When this valve is unable to perform its function, the patient has the condition known as acid reflux.

Barrett’s Esophagus is a pre-cancerous condition. Barrett’s Esophagus occurs in almost a quarter of all patients suffering from chronic reflux (acid reflux). Those who develop Barrett’s Esophagus may be experiencing some of the following symptoms: heartburn, indigestion, nocturnal regurgitation that awakens the sleeper, and difficulty swallowing solid foods.

Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus have an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, the most rapidly increasing cancer in the United States.