condition occurs due to repeated damage to the lower esophagus from stomach acid, resulting in excessive scar tissue. Scar tissue is less flexible and can shrink the length of the esophagus. To perform certain anti-reflux surgeries, a longer esophagus is needed. A Collis gastroplasty can lengthen the esophagus to give patients more options in ERD treatment. Danny Shouhed, M.D. offers Collis gastroplasty through his practice in Los Angeles.
Dr. Danny Shouhed is a top gastrointestinal, board-certified surgeon who specializes in minimally-invasive surgery for treatment of GERD and other GI conditions. One of the effective options in GERD treatment is fundoplication surgery, which wraps part of the stomach around the bottom of the esophagus. This procedure requires a normal-length esophagus to perform. If the esophagus has been shortened from chronic acid reflux, Dr. Shouhed may suggest Collis gastroplasty to lengthen the esophagus before performing treatments like fundoplication surgery.
Collis gastroplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses laparoscopic techniques to extend the length of the esophagus. Small incisions are used to access the upper abdominal cavity to repair the esophagus. Part of the stomach, the fundus, is used to create a longer esophagus through the small incisions using specialized laparoscopic instruments and a camera. This can allow for additional GERD treatments to be performed to strengthen the lower esophagus sphincter (LES) to reduce reflux symptoms.
If you have chronic GERD that has damaged your esophagus, Collis gastroplasty may be an option to lengthen your esophagus and allow for LES alterations. To learn more about the anti-reflux surgeries we have available, contact our office in Los Angeles. Our staff can schedule a GERD treatment consultation with Dr. Shouhed to discuss your options in anti-reflux surgery.