Thoracic surgery focuses on diseases of the thorax (chest), including lung disease and other conditions.
Muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
Occurs when the LES becomes too relaxed and lets stomach acid seep into the esophagus, causing reflux. In some cases, long-term reflux leads to a change in the cells of the lower end of the esophagus. These altered cells may eventually become cancerous, beginning with the inner layer of the lining and growing outward.
A muscle located at the bottom of the esophagus that opens to let food enter the stomach.
The term used when liquid backs up into the esophagus from the stomach. Also commonly referred to as heartburn.
The muscle at the top of the esophagus that relaxes to let food or liquid enter.
An esophagectomy is a procedure for the treatment of esophageal disorders including esophageal cancer.
In this procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia, part of the lower esophagus, nearby lymph nodes and the upper part of the stomach are removed. The surgeon either attaches the esophagus directly to the stomach or will replace the removed part of the esophagus with a piece of intestine.