Esophageal Cancer
Cancer of the tube that runs from the throat to the stomach (oesophagus).
Smoking and poorly controlled acid reflux are significant risk factors for oesophageal cancer. Symptoms include trouble swallowing, unintentional weight loss, chest pain, worsening indigestion or heartburn, and coughing or hoarseness. Treatment focuses on removing cancer through surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation may also be used.
Esophageal Leiomyoma
Esophageal leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors of the esophagus. They are rare lesions that constitute less than 1% of esophageal neoplasms. Approximately two-thirds of benign esophageal tumors are leiomyomas; the others are usually cysts and polyps and cysts.
Esophageal Diverticulum
An esophageal diverticulum is a pouch that protrudes outward in a weak portion of the esophageal lining. This pocket-like structure can appear anywhere in the esophageal lining between the throat and stomach.
Esophageal diverticula (pleural of diverticulum) are classified by their location within the esophagus:
- Zenker’s diverticula (pharyngoesophageal) is the most common type of diverticula of the esophagus. Zenker’s diverticula are usually located in the back of the throat, just above the esophagus
- Midthoracic diverticula, in the mid-chest
- Epiphrenic diverticula, above the diaphragm
Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy
Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that opens the tight lower esophageal sphincter (the valve between the esophagus and the stomach) by performing a myotomy (cutting the thick muscle of the lower part of the esophagus and the upper part of the stomach) to relieve the dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Further, a Dor fundoplication (a partial wrapping of the stomach around the esophagus to make a low-pressure valve) is performed to prevent reflux from the stomach into the esophagus following the myotomy. There is a very small chance that patients may develop reflux despite Dor fundoplication and may need to be treated with antacid medication. This procedure results in a great symptomatic relief.
