Thoracic Key

Introduction Print Section Listen Benign strictures of the esophagus usually result from scarring and subsequent tissue contraction secondary to esophageal wall injury. This pathology is caused in most cases by…

Introduction Print Section Listen Management of the failed reflux operation is emerging as an important challenge in modern surgical foregut practice. Over the last decade and a half, the number…

Introduction Print Section Listen Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by the chronic reflux of gastric acid from the stomach to the esophagus. This may be the result of an…

Introduction Print Section Listen Barrett esophagus (BE) is a condition in which the stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by intestinal columnar epithelium, a process called intestinal metaplasia…

Introduction Print Section Listen For many years, there has been a controversy in the surgical literature regarding the existence or relevance of the short esophagus to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)…

Toupet Fundoplication Print Section Listen The ideal therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a tailored approach with a short, floppy Nissen total fundoplication. This is the current “gold standard”…

Introduction Print Section Listen The management of gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatus hernia has continually evolved in both general and thoracic surgery over the last century. Although the introduction of…

Epidemiology Print Section Listen Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common disorders seen in the general population. Approximately 10% of all people experience heartburn daily, 15% in…

Introduction Print Section Listen Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is one of several nonspecific smooth muscle esophageal motility disorders associated with intermittent debilitating dysphagia and chest pain. The efficacy of long…