Housecall with host David Doman, M.D. invites Puja G. Khaitan, M.D., Director of Esophageal Surgery and a Thoracic Surgeon at Medstar Washington Hospital Center, to share her expertise with Montgomery County residents. Most people have experience with reflux esophagitis or what is commonly known as heartburn.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. Typically they are managed medically, but 30%-40% may require surgical intervention to manage the lower esophageal sphincter if it is loose, it can be tightened. Dr. Doman discusses the many aspects of Dr. Khaitan’s non-cardiac thoracic surgical practices in this episode.
Endoscopic anti-reflux procedures
Radiofrequency Ablation (Stretta)
Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF)
If you are experiencing excess heartburn or having trouble swallowing or regurgitating food one might get an Endoscopy from a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Doman. The surgical approaches to people who have heartburn that don’t respond to medical therapy traditionally use to be Laparoscopic. Where a camera is used to go through the abdomen) or Open fundoplication, the top part of your stomach is wrapped around the lower part of your esophagus. Stretta is another type of endoscopic procedure which is a Radiofrequency Ablations that a Gastroenterologist goes inside of the esophagus and ablates, it basically causes scaring and can prevent ongoing reflux. Linx Magnetic procedure is a series of magnets or rings that is implanted at the bottom of the esophagus. This is designed to stay closed and keep the valve on the esophagus from opening at the wrong time. It prevents stomach acid from coming up from the stomach into the esophagus into the throat.
One complication for heartburn, Barrett’s Esophagus is explained by Dr. Khaitan.
BARRETT’S
Treatment of BARRETT’S
Heidel Hernias is another complication of heartburn. Here are the 4 Types of Heidel Hernias.
Diverticulum is a circumscribed pouch or sac occurring normally or created by herniation of the lining mucous membrane through a defect in the muscular coat of a tubular organ. It can occur any where in the GI tracks and they are multiple types of diverticulum.
Zenker’s Diverticulectomy
Zenker’s Diverticulectomy
To learn more about Puja G. Khaitan, M.D. visit medstarhealth.org/doctor/dr-puja-g-khaitan-md/ or call 202.877.8115.
To watch more episodes of this show or one of MMCTV’s other programs visit our youtube channel.