Esophageal Surgery

The esophagus plays a crucial role in the digestive process, and diseases affecting it can lead to significant discomfort and health complications. Dr. Aasima Boxwalla, a leading Consultant in Surgical Gastroenterology, G.I., and HPB Oncology, specializes in esophageal surgery, offering minimally invasive procedures to treat conditions like esophageal cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), achalasia, and other esophageal disorders. With a focus on precision, faster recovery, and improved outcomes, Dr. Aasima provides comprehensive care to restore esophageal function and alleviate symptoms.

Understanding Esophageal Surgery

Esophageal surgery encompasses a variety of procedures aimed at treating diseases and disorders affecting the esophagus. Common conditions that may require esophageal surgery include:

• Esophageal Cancer: Malignant tumors that require surgical removal.
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Chronic acid reflux that can damage the esophagus and lead to complications like Barrett’s esophagus.
• Achalasia: A condition where the esophagus has trouble moving food into the stomach, causing swallowing difficulties.
• Esophageal Strictures: Narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissue, which can cause difficulty swallowing.
• Esophageal Perforation: A tear in the esophagus, usually due to injury or medical procedures, that requires immediate surgical intervention.

Esophageal surgery may involve techniques such as esophagectomy (removal of part or all of the esophagus), fundoplication (to treat GERD), or dilation (to widen strictures). These surgeries can be performed using traditional open surgery or through minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques, depending on the condition.

The Role of Esophageal Surgery in Treating Esophageal Conditions

Esophageal surgery is necessary to treat conditions that cannot be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, or non-invasive treatments. Some common indications for esophageal surgery include:

• Esophageal Cancer: Surgical removal of cancerous tissue to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Chronic GERD: Surgery may be required when medications and lifestyle changes no longer control acid reflux or when complications like esophageal damage occur.
• Achalasia: Surgery such as a Heller myotomy to relieve symptoms and improve the ability to swallow.
• Esophageal Strictures: Surgery or endoscopic procedures to widen narrowed areas of the esophagus.
• Esophageal Perforation: Immediate surgical intervention is required to repair the tear and prevent infection.

Surgical intervention can improve symptoms, prevent further complications, and restore normal esophageal function.

Why Choose Us for Esophageal Surgery?

Dr. Aasima Boxwalla offers specialized care for patients undergoing esophageal surgery. Here’s why she is the ideal choice for your treatment:

• Specialized Expertise: Dr. Aasima has extensive experience in performing esophageal surgeries, including both cancer treatments and procedures for conditions like GERD, achalasia, and strictures.
• Minimally Invasive Techniques: Whenever possible, Dr. Aasima uses advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted technologies to reduce pain, minimize scarring, and promote faster recovery.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Each surgery is tailored to the patient’s specific condition, ensuring the most effective treatment for long-term relief.
• Comprehensive Care: Dr. Aasima provides holistic care before, during, and after surgery, guiding patients through the entire process for optimal outcomes.

Esophageal Surgery Procedures

Esophageal surgery can involve a variety of approaches, including:

• Esophagectomy: Surgical removal of part or all of the esophagus to treat esophageal cancer or advanced damage due to GERD or achalasia.
• Fundoplication: A procedure to treat GERD, where the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to prevent acid reflux.
• Heller Myotomy: A surgery to treat achalasia by cutting the muscle at the lower end of the esophagus to allow food to pass more easily into the stomach.
• Endoscopic Dilation: A minimally invasive procedure to widen esophageal strictures or narrow areas caused by scarring.
• Esophageal Stenting: In cases of esophageal cancer or other blockages, a stent may be placed to keep the esophagus open.

Dr. Aasima ensures the most appropriate technique is used for each individual, providing the best results while minimizing recovery time.

Post-Surgery Recovery and Support

Recovery from esophageal surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s health status. Dr. Aasima and her team provide comprehensive care during recovery, including:

• Pain Management: Advanced pain relief strategies to ensure a comfortable recovery.
• Dietary Guidelines: Post-surgery dietary recommendations to help patients gradually return to normal eating habits while promoting healing.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to help regain strength and improve swallowing function, if necessary.
• Emotional and Psychological Support: Providing support to help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of surgery and recovery.

Begin Your Journey to Better Esophageal Health

Esophageal surgery offers long-term relief for a variety of esophageal conditions, improving quality of life and restoring digestive health. Dr. Aasima Boxwalla’s expertise ensures that each patient receives the best possible care, leading to a smoother recovery and better outcomes.

If you are suffering from an esophageal condition that requires surgery, contact Dr. Aasima today. Let her guide you through this advanced surgical treatment and help you achieve better health and a higher quality of life.