Esophagus and foregut surgery

We offer several leading weight-loss surgery options through our Bariatric Surgery and Weight Management specialty. No other center in Philadelphia performs more minimally invasive bariatric (weight loss) surgeries than we do. We deliver better outcomes, with a shorter hospital stay and smaller scars.

Penn’s surgeons have extensive experience performing high volumes of surgery for complicated esophageal cancer removal. We perform most esophagectomy surgeries (removal of part of the esophagus) with minimally invasive techniques. Smaller incisions and increased precision ease your recovery while preserving healthy tissues.

Gastrectomy surgery removes part or all of the stomach. Our surgeons are experts at performing gastrectomy procedures to treat or prevent gastric (stomach) cancer. We are known for treating stomach cases other centers can’t, using less invasive surgical techniques to ease your recovery. Our surgeons specialize in preventative gastrectomy (removal of the entire stomach). People at high risk for aggressive stomach cancer (due to the CDH1 genetic mutation) may choose this elective surgery to prevent stomach cancer. Penn offers the only support group in the region to help patients navigate this care journey.

We also use vertical sleeve gastrectomy to treat obesity. This procedure greatly reduces the stomach’s size to encourage weight loss.

Gastric stimulation using a gastric pacemaker is a surgical procedure that implants a small battery-powered device (similar to a heart pacemaker) under the skin in the lower abdomen. The device releases impulses that reduce nausea and other symptoms for some people with gastroparesis. Penn is one of few centers in the Northeast to offer this gastroparesis surgery.

Surgery to treat persistent acid reflux and heartburn is sometimes referred to as GERD surgery or acid reflux surgery. We perform multiple minimally invasive procedures that are considered safe and highly effective—a long-term cure—for chronic heartburn and acid reflux:

• Fundoplication surgery (Nissen, Toupet, or Dor) wraps part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to recreate a valve that stops stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus.
• LINX® Reflux Management System places a magnetic beaded device around the bottom of the lower esophageal sphincter to stop stomach acid backflow. This device enlarges as you swallow, allowing you to eat normally, but then contracts to prevent reflux.
• Hiatal hernia surgery uses techniques similar to fundoplication surgery but repairs a hiatal hernia by reducing an opening in the diaphragm muscle. A large hiatal hernia may lead to the back flow of stomach acid and GERD symptoms.
• Revision surgeries if a hiatal hernia recurs or symptoms come back many years later. Other centers refer complicated revisional surgery cases to us because of our outstanding outcomes. 

Our surgeons have the expertise to perform a wide range of esophagus and upper GI surgeries, including specialized options only select centers offer:

• Achalasia surgery: In achalasia, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax, leading to difficulty swallowing. Using minimally invasive techniques, surgeons cut the muscle (heller myotomy) and improve your ability to eat. Newer techniques such as PerOral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) can be done completely without incisions.
• GIST surgery: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare cancers that usually develop in the stomach or small intestine. Our team includes prominent global expert Ronald P. DeMatteo, MD, FACS, who has experience removing these tumors, sometimes when other centers can’t. Read more about GIST surgery.
• Small bowel surgery: Small bowel resection surgery removes part of the small bowel (small intestine). Small intestine cancer surgery removes tissue affected by cancer. Small bowel surgery may also be needed to resolve a blockage in the intestines.