Esophageal Surgery at UPMC

Surgery to treat problems with the esophagus — from reflux to esophageal cancer — is complex. It requires vast expertise from an entire health care team.

Surgeons at the UPMC Esophageal and Lung Surgery Institute have the skill to not only provide a precise diagnosis, but also perform procedures with a delicate touch.

Once commonly linked to smoking and drinking, esophageal cancer is on the rise in the United States.

A new type of tumor is becoming more common. Obesity and heartburn, or more specifically — gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — seem to be risk factors associated with this tumor.

GERD Treatment Options

In some people, GERD and other esophageal conditions are hard to treat. Doctors will seek all medical and lifestyle options possible before suggesting esophageal surgery.

But — when surgery is your best option — you want to find a center with doctors skilled at diagnosing, treating, and managing these conditions.

At the UPMC Esophageal and Lung Surgery Institute, our team of experts will help you understand your disease and find the best possible treatment plan.

Because getting the right treatment plan and best surgery the first time can dramatically improve the course of your esophageal disease and your life.

Surgery for GERD and other esophageal conditions

Our surgeons are world leaders in minimally invasive and robot-assisted techniques for esophageal surgery. This means less pain and faster recovery for you.

Surgeries we perform include:

• LINX^® for Reflux Management — During this procedure, a surgeon inserts a magnetic ring in the esophagus to help the muscles work properly. LINX^® is for people who haven't found relief with other GERD treatments.
• Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (MIE) — This procedure treats cancer by removing the esophagus. UPMC surgeons perform MIE robotically through small incisions. In fact, UPMC has performed more robotic MIEs than any other center in the world.
• Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) — This incisionless procedure treats swallowing disorders, such as achalasia.

To learn more about esophageal surgery, contact the UPMC Esophageal and Lung Surgery Institute with questions.