Esophagus Diseases Center

At Memorial Ataşehir Hospital Esophagus Diseases Center; All of the benign and malignant diseases of the esophagus and the most complex esophageal diseases are thoroughly investigated, diagnosed and treated. With the support of the doctor staff and technological infrastructure, the diagnosis and treatment methods are applied in the world standards.

Diagnosis and treatment of esophagus diseases requires a holistic approach. People with esophagus disease are evaluated by many related branches with a multidisciplinary perspective and approach, and the most appropriate and personalized treatment is planned for the patient.

In this context, Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Radiology, Diet and Nutrition, Pathology and when necessary, Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Micro Surgery (for small intestine and skin flaps) departments work together.

What is the duty of the esophagus?

Esophagus is a muscle tube consisting of two layers of tissue that carry food and drink from mouth to stomach. After a bite is swallowed, food and liquids reach our stomach in 4-10 seconds.

Where is the esophagus?

The esophagus starts from the neck to the entrance of the stomach and is about 25 cm long and 2 cm in diameter.It is covered with an inner membrane tissue called mucosa. The esophagus passes behind the trachea and the heart and in front of the spine. Before the esophagus enters the stomach, it passes through the gap in the diaphragm.

Although the reflux disease related to the esophagus is well known among the society, there is a problem with esophagus, especially in many people who have difficulty swallowing.

Diseases diagnosed and treated in the Esophageal Diseases Center

1-Esophageal cancer

• On the neck       
• In the Intra-chest Esophagus      
• Lower end - At the Stomach Entry

2-Diverticulae (vesicles formed in the esophagus)

• On the neck (Zenker's Diverticulum)  
• In the middle of Esophagus (Midthoracic)   
• At the lower end (Epifrenic)

3-Large Hernias

• Conditions when more than 1/3 of the stomach is in the chest cavity

4-Achalasia and Movement Disorders

• Achalasia - Stenosis due to death of nerve endings in the valve at the lower end of the esophagus         
• Esophageal spasm

5-Esophagus Stenosis and Burns

• Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Due to Radiotherapy 
• Due to drinking of caustic material

6-Holes between Esophagus and Trachea (Tracheoesophageal fistula)
7-Benign Tumors of Esophagus - Myomas (leiomyoma)
8-Esophageal Ruptures

Investigations and Researches Used in Esophageal Diseases

• Advanced Flexible and Rigid Endoscopy (compatible for tissue imaging and myotomy)
• Endoscopic Ultrasound
• High resolution Manometer and Impedance measurement (pH)
• Fluoroscopy (Video and normal)
• Tomography, PET Tomography, Magnetic Resonance

Treatments, Interventions and Surgeries to Be Applied in Esophageal Diseases

Esophageal cancer

• Chemoradiotherapy
• Endoscopic Mucosal Resections
• Esophagectomy (minimally invasive - closed and open)
• Operations of making esophagus from the large and small intestine

Diverticula

• Diverticulectomy (Minimally invasive - closed - VATS or laparoscopic by region)

Large Hernias

• Hernia reduction (Laparoscopic - closed)

For Achalasia

• POEM
• Heller Myotomy and Dor fundoplication (minimally invasive - laparoscopic)

For stenosis

• Making a new esophagus with a large or small intestine
• Bougie or balloon dilation

Holes between Esophagus and Trachea (Tracheoesophageal fistula)

• Stent Application
• Correction surgeries (surgery to make esophagus from the small and large intestine)

Benign Tumors of Esophagus 

• Myoma (leiomyoma) Resection (Minimally invasive-closed)

Esophageal Ruptures

• Open - closed repair
• Stent Application