Laparoscopic Esophageal Surgery and Heller Myotomy
Board certified laparoscopic surgeon, Dr. Anthony Vine uses minimally invasive techniques to treat complex esophageal disorders including, Achalasia, esophageal cancer, GERD and esophageal diverticula.
Laparoscopic Esophageal Procedures
- Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication – treats GERD (acid reflux) by wrapping the top of the stomach around the esophagus, strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This technique creates a valve preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.
- Laparoscopic Esophageal Diverticulectomy – Dr. Vine uses this minimally invasive procedure to remove an esophageal diverticulum (pouch or sac) that protrudes from the wall of the esophagus causing difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of undigested food and aspiration.
- Laparoscopic Esophagectomy – removal of part or all of the esophagus to treat esophageal cancer.
Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy
During this minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Vine successfully treats Achalasia by carefully cutting the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle to allow for easier passage of food and liquid into the stomach. This procedure is often followed by a fundoplication to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
- Less invasive – tiny incisions cause minimal damage to surrounding tissue and less blood loss.
- Minimal pain – smaller wounds mean little discomfort and less anesthesia needed.
- Barely visible scars – small incisions heal with little to no scarring.
- Faster recovery – patients heal more quickly than with open surgery, returning to their daily routine sooner.
- Ambulatory procedure – the majority of patients return home the same day. Occasionally an overnight stay is required.
- Lower risk of infection – smaller incisions reduce the chance of infection.
- Greater accuracy – the laparoscope provides a clear, magnified view for precise surgery.
For more information, please visit our “What is Laparoscopic Surgery?” page.
Dr. Anthony Vine is an Attending Surgeon and Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. His office is located at 1010 5th Avenue at the Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York.