Esophageal Disorders

Esophagus Function

The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth into the stomach. The wall of the esophagus is composed of layers of muscle that propel food to the stomach by rhythmic waves of contractions called peristalsis. There are muscle rings at each end of the esophagus, – called sphincters. These sphincters open to allow food to move forward and then close to prevent food and acid from moving backward, helping prevent acid reflux and aspiration or choking.

Upon swallowing, the upper esophageal sphincter opens and the esophageal muscles contract to push food downward. The lower esophageal sphincter opens temporarily to allow food to pass into the stomach. Then the sphincter closes to prevent food and stomach acid from flowing back up the esophagus.

Primary Esophageal Diseases and Disorders

Cancer
GERD and Barrett’s esophagus
Hiatal Hernia and
Achalasia

GERD, Barrett’s Esophagus, Esophageal Cancer, and Hiatal Hernia

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic disease where the acid from the stomach comes back up into the esophagus. The anatomical barriers that keep stomach acid from flowing upward are the lower esophageal sphincter and the diaphragm. Symptoms include heartburn ( acid indigestion), chest pain, regurgitation, and hoarseness.

A Hiatal Hernia is an opening of the diaphragm that allows part of the stomach to slide into the chest. A hiatal hernia can contribute to or worsen symptoms of GERD. A hiatal hernia can be seen on an endoscopy, X-rays, and CT scans among other studies.

When GERD constantly irritates the esophagus, it can damage the lining of the esophagus and result in Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition. About 8% of people with GERD go on to develop Barrett’s esophagus.

Esophageal cancer accounts for 3% of cancer deaths in the U.S. Symptoms of esophageal cancer include difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, chest pain, worsening GERD, cough, or weight loss. Risk factors include GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. There are two primary types of esophageal cancer –adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma involves the upper and mid esophagus and is the most common esophageal cancer worldwide. Adenocarcinoma involves the lower esophagus and is the most common type in the United States.

Achalasia is a rare disease of the esophagus where people have difficulty swallowing because the muscles of the esophagus fail to relax and allow food to pass into the stomach. It is believed to be caused by a malfunction of the nerves in the esophagus.

Both GERD and Achalasia are related to a malfunction of the esophageal sphincters.

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Monday: 9AM–5PM
Tuesday: 10AM–5PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9AM–6PM
Friday: 9AM–4PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

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Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics

81 Veronica Avenue, Suite 205,
Somerset, NJ 08873
Office Tel # (732) 640-5316
Fax:800-689-2361

https://www.bariatricsurgerynewjersey.com/
https://www.bariatricsurgerynewjersey.com/contact/somerset-nj-office/

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Nearby Locations:
Somerset | Hillsborough | Franklin Park | North Brunswick | New Brunswick | Piscataway
08873 | 08844 | 08823 | 08902 | 08901| 08854