Achalasia

Achalasia Treatment | Colon Surgery | Small Intestine Surgery | Orlando Achalasia is an uncommon condition that causes difficulty swallowing as a result of the lower esophageal sphincter muscles being unable to relax, making it hard for patients to pass food into the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter is the muscular valve located at the end of the esophagus that allows food and liquid to pass into the stomach, but prevents it from moving back up into the esophagus. Patients with achalasia often experience chest pain, regurgitation and aspiration of the esophageal contents into the lungs. This progressive condition requires prompt treatment in order to relieve symptoms and prevent serious damage.

The cause of achalasia is unknown.

How is achalasia diagnosed?

If you are experiencing symptoms of achalasia, your doctor will likely perform a series of tests in order to determine the cause of your symptoms and confirm the diagnosis of achalasia. These tests may include:

Barium swallow – (an x-ray test)

Endoscopy

Manometry – This test measures the timing and strength of esophageal contractions and relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that allows food to pass through.

If achalasia has been diagnosed, your doctor will develop a treatment plan in order to correct your individual condition.

What does surgical treatment of achalasia entail?

Surgical treatment of achalasia is performed through a procedure called a Heller myotomy, which cuts the sphincter muscles that join the esophagus and stomach. This allows food to pass more easily into the stomach, relieving patients of their symptoms. Since the sphincter muscles can no longer close completely after this procedure, your surgeon may choose to also perform fundoplication to reduce the risk of the patient developing gastroesophageal reflux.

Performed laparoscopically, the Heller myotomy procedure involves tiny incisions and less scarring. Most patients can return home after an overnight hospital stay.

Are there any risks associated with this procedure?

Although laparoscopic Heller myotomy is considered safe for most patients and offers many advantages, there are certain risks and complications associated with any surgical procedure. Some of these may include tearing and leakage of the esophagus, and regurgitation of acid or food from the stomach back into the esophagus.

Colon Surgery

Colon Surgery Orlando The colon, also known as the large intestine, makes up the lower part of the digestive tract. This organ helps move waste material from the small intestine to the rectum and absorbs water and electrolytes from indigestible food, maintaining the body’s fluid balance. When unraveled, the colon is over six feet long.

Common colon conditions include colon cancer, diverticulitis, large bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease and colon polyps. These conditions may develop as a result of aging, a lack of fiber, abnormal cell growth, genetics or several other factors. Patients with colon conditions may experience rectal bleeding, bloody stools, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain, although symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Many conditions affecting the colon do not cause symptoms until they have progressed, reducing the number of treatment options. For severe conditions or those that do not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be required to remove part or all of the colon. These procedure can usually be performed laparoscopically

Surgical Treatment of Colon Conditions

Colon resection is a surgical procedure that involves removal of a portion of the colon. This procedure can be performed to treat many conditions that affect the colon, including Crohn’s disease, volvulus, diverticulitis and benign and malignant tumors. During the laparoscopic procedure, several small incisions are made to insert the laparoscope and tiny surgical instruments. Your surgeon will perform the procedure through these incisions. The abdomen will also be inflated with carbon dioxide in order to improve the visual field for the surgeon and ensure successful results. A portion of the colon will be removed, its size and location depending on the patient’s individual condition.

Once the diseased part of the colon has been removed, the healthy part is sewn back together to restore proper function to the organ after surgery.

As with other laparoscopic procedures, the benefits of laparoscopic colon resection include:

Less scarring
Less bleeding
Shorter recovery time
Shorter hospital stay
Reduced risk of complications

Small Intestine Surgery

The small intestine connects the stomach to the colon and is responsible for the absorption of nutrients. Many conditions, such as ulcers, tumors, Crohn’s disease and obstruction to mention a few, can affect the small intestine. Some can be treated medically while others may require surgery. These can usually be performed laparoscopically.