Esophageal Dysphagia

Medications may be prescribed to reduce acid production and relax the esophageal muscles. Antibiotics may be prescribed for esophageal infections.

During an endoscopy, a balloon is passed into the esophagus. The balloon is then inflated to stretch narrowed areas that impede swallowing. Another type of dilation procedure uses a dilator passed through the esophagus during an endoscopy.  This is performed as an outpatient procedure.

During this minimally invasive procedure, your surgeon makes several small incisions and passes small surgical instruments through a laparoscope to reach the esophagus. Small cuts are made in the esophageal muscle to relieve pressure. If necessary, your surgeon may also wrap part or all of the stomach around the lower esophagus to strengthen the muscle. This is called a fundoplication.

This minimally invasive procedure helps people with achalasia eat and drink comfortably again. An endoscope is passed through the mouth and into the esophagus. This allows doctors to see and cut the esophageal muscle that cause the swallowing disorder. There are no surgical incisions.

If you have moderate to severe Zenker’s diverticulum, your surgeon may use an endoscope to reach the esophagus and remove or change the position of the pouch that is causing your swallowing discomfort.

If your esophagus is partially blocked or narrowed, your doctor will use a small cylinder called a stent to open the esophagus and ease your symptoms. This procedure is performed through an endoscope.