Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) impacts 1 in 5 people in the United States. While this condition is treatable, GERD can cause damage to your esophagus and digestive system. At the Center for Advanced Surgery, with locations in Dallas, Plano, and Tyler, Texas, board-certified gastroesophageal surgeons Dr. Marc Ward and Dr....
If you’ve been diagnosed with a swallowing disorder like achalasia, you can’t maintain this essential bodily function on your own. Swallowing is an essential part of hydration and nutrition, and problems with swallowing are uncomfortable and have many potential complications. The team at the Center for Advanced Surgery can help....
The bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is commonly found around the world. More than half of all people will have an H. pylori infection at some point in their lives. Often, H. pylori affects children. While H. pylori infections are often asymptomatic and don’t present immediate problems,...
Your digestive tract includes many parts, from your mouth to your throat to your intestines. Digestive tract problems can be uncomfortable, and they’re also potentially dangerous to your health. If you suspect you might have a digestive tract disorder like Zenker's diverticulum, a condition that affects your esophagus at the...
You are considering surgery for GERD and that requires a surgeon. This is a very important decision because mismanagement of GERD and choosing an inappropriate surgery is essential to its success. Hence, choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision you can make. You probably can rely on the...
Your esophagus connects your throat to your stomach. Muscular and tube-shaped, your esophagus contracts when you swallow, pushing your food down into your stomach for digestion. Esophageal issues, like esophageal motility disorders or esophageal cancer, can cause serious complications for your long-term digestive health. That’s why a complete esophageal workup...
Your body functions in large part due to autonomic nerves, which control essential functions that you likely don’t think about until there is a problem. Examples are your breathing and your heart rate. Another example of autonomic nerve control is in your digestive system, where food is broken down in...
Up to 20% of people in the United States deal with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at some point in their lives. This condition, which occurs when acid from your stomach travels up into your esophagus, can cause serious complications if left untreated. Acid reflux and heartburn symptoms of GERD can...
Hiatal hernias can seriously interfere with your health. At the Center for Advanced Surgery, with offices in Dallas, Plano, and Tyler, Texas, board-certified gastroesophageal surgeons Marc Ward, MD, FACS, and Steven Leeds, MD, FACS, can diagnose and treat your hiatal hernia. Whether you need help adjusting your diet or a...
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...
If you have stomach or gastric cancer, harmful mutations take place in the different types of cells that make up your stomach. To deal with this serious condition, you need expert treatment and care. That’s why you should turn to our team at the Center for Advanced Surgery. Our specialized...
Your digestive tract connects your mouth with your stomach and, eventually, your intestines. It’s important for your digestive tract to function smoothly, so your body can absorb needed nutrients from your food and efficiently eliminate waste. If you have a digestive tract condition like diverticulosis, which involves the formation of...
How often do you think about your esophagus? Probably not very often, as long as you’re not having trouble with the food you eat getting from your mouth to your stomach with no discomfort. The esophagus is the tube that connects those points. Several forms of cancer, including squamous cell...
Achalasia can cause symptoms that mimic those related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, medications and other therapies that physicians use to treat GERD are ineffective for achalasia because of the underlying cause of the condition. Our gastroenterology team at Center for Advanced Surgery, with locations in Dallas and Plano,...