This condition makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass through your esophagus to your stomach. You may often have the sensation that food is stuck in your throat. We offer the advanced diagnostic techniques necessary to correctly diagnose this condition and are experts at the various nonsurgical and surgical options to treat it.

This condition occurs when the lining of the esophagus changes. It can lead to esophageal cancer and should be monitored over time. If you have precancerous cells, our doctors will check your esophagus frequently so we can begin treatment before it becomes cancerous.

Noncancerous tumors or cysts can form along the esophagus, blocking it and causing symptoms. Surgery can remove these benign masses to clear the esophagus.

This type of cancer occurs when cells in the esophagus grow and divide out of control. Our surgeons work closely with doctors at the Memorial Cancer Institute to create a multidisciplinary, individualized care plan for you. Your treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and then surgery. Sometimes we may start with surgery. Or we may recommend using stents to control symptoms.

A diverticulum is a pouch that forms in the wall of the esophagus. Diverticula can develop in any part of the esophagus, from the top (Zenker’s diverticulum) to the bottom (epiphrenic diverticulum) and everywhere in between. Diverticula affect your ability to swallow and keep food down, sometimes causing symptoms such as bad breath and regurgitation. Our surgeons are experts at accurately diagnosing the problem and offering the most appropriate surgery to treat it.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be very uncomfortable and lead to more serious conditions. Memorial offers several treatments and support to minimize GERD symptoms. We also offer surgical options when symptoms are severe and not controlled by medication, or if you want to avoid the long-term use of medication.

Learn more about GERD.

A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach slides up through the hiatus into your chest. The hiatus is the gap between the chest and abdomen where the esophagus passes to enter the stomach. We offer multiple ways to diagnose and surgically correct a hernia and alleviate symptoms.

Learn more about hiatal hernia.

A stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus. It can occur after cancer treatment or because of reflux disease. We offer procedures to open or dilate the esophagus using balloons and stents.