| NYU Medical Center does a full range of esophageal surgical procedures, which includes standard and minimally invasive treatment for benign and malignant esophageal conditions. Esophageal cancer is a malignancy that develops in the tissue that lines the hollow muscular canal of the esophagus. It can become a very painful condition because the cancer can obstruct the passage of food and liquid, making it difficult to swallow. The way a surgeon approaches esophageal cancer surgery is often dependent on tumor size, type and location. Our surgeons work to optimize patient care in conjunction with different departments; including oncology, radiation therapy and head and neck surgery. Some swallowing disorders of the esophagus result from a diverticulum (out-pocketing) of the esophagus. A curative surgical procedure can now be approached through a small incision in the neck without having to open the chest to access the site of the diverticulum. The surgeon removes the diverticulum re-enabling swallowing and avoiding aspiration of food or liquids which can cause pneumonia. |
|
Another minimally invasive esophageal procedure done here is surgery for achalasia. This swallowing disorder of the esophageal muscle may occur at any age but as a person gets older the chances increase. The surgeons at NYU Medical Center perform both elective and emergency surgery for all appropriate esophageal diseases.
Useful Definitions
Achalasia - a spastic esophageal disorder, characterized by the loss of contractions in the smooth muscles which may include spasms of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES).