Serving patients throughout the Portland, Oregon, community, Jonathan Daniel, MD, undertakes minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Among the areas in which Jonathan Daniel, MD, has knowledge is esophageal surgery, which involves the esophagus, a muscular tube that runs from the back of the throat to the stomach.
A common issue addressed through minimally invasive surgery is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which involves a leakage of acidic stomach juices into the bottom part of the esophagus. The causes of this condition are typically a loose connection where the stomach and esophagus meet from a flaccid sphincter muscle. The consistent acid exposure can lead to changes within the esophageal cells and in rare cases can even develop into cancer.
Minimally invasive surgical approaches to the condition entail on a number of small abdominal incisions and a laparoscopic technique. This surgery strengthens the connection between the esophagus and stomach, with the upper stomach part wrapped around the esophagus’ valve structure, which forms a collar-like support. Known as Nissen fundoplication, this technique may be performed in conjunction with hiatal hernia repair. A stay of one night in the hospital is typically required to ensure proper patient recovery. Some patients are candidates for newer even less invasive techniques including endoscopic tightening of the valve or an internal fundoplication. The most important thing is being evaluated by an experienced esophageal surgeon.
