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Minimally Invasive and Robotic Esophageal Surgery

The Allegheny Health Network is one of the nation's most respected medical centers for minimally invasive and robotic esophageal surgeries.

We treat patients using advanced technology and sophisticated instrumentation. Our state-of-the art robotic equipment enhances surgeons’ vision, precision and control to treat patients through just a few small incisions. These methods allow you to experience the best possible result from surgery, endure less pain and blood loss, heal quicker and have little scarring.

Experience matters

When it comes to performing these unique and innovative surgeries like these, experience does matter. Our renowned surgeons have years of experience performing minimally invasive and robotic esophageal surgeries, along with only a select group of physicians throughout the country. To perform our robotic surgeries, we utilize the state-of-the-art daVinci Robotic System to control the movement of the surgical instruments. These sophisticated robotic devices bend and rotate similar to the human wrist, and the sleek instrumentation can reach various areas of the body through just a few small incisions. Surgeons seamlessly view the procedure with miniature cameras and 3-D, high-definition vision systems.

Minimally invasive robotic surgery offers several advantages compared to traditional open procedures, including:

  • Less pain in the area of the incision
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Quicker recovery
  • Smaller, less-visible scars
  • Reduced blood loss
  • Lower risk of infection

Our multidisciplinary approach to care allows us to provide patients with the most comprehensive treatment plan that is thorough, effective and specific to each person’s needs. We treat these conditions using minimally invasive and robotic techniques:

Achalasia: We perform esophageal surgery (Heller myotomy) to correct the muscle that causes swallowing difficulty. Learn more about achalasia.

Esophageal Cancer: We perform resections, revisions, and excisions of benign and malignant tumors, including esophagectomies. Learn more about esophageal cancer.

Gastric Cancer: We perform excisions and revisions to the gastric area to remove tumors.

Gastric Stimulators: We place, maintain, and adjust devices, or pacemakers, to stimulate the muscles at the base of the stomach and control the movement of food and waste into the small intestine.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): We perform several surgeries to correct GERD and to repair hiatal and paraesophageal hernias. These include fundoplication, jejunostomy, and hernia repairs. We also use the LINX® reflux management system to strengthen a weak gastroesophageal sphincter muscle. The LINX® device is wrapped around the bottom of the esophagus. Similar to tiny beads on a bracelet, magnetic beads hold the sphincter closed while at rest but allow food to pass into the stomach during a swallow. Learn more about GERD.

Contact us

Call (412) 359-GERD (412) 359-4373 in Pittsburgh or (844) 412-GERD (844) 412-4373 in Erie for more information or to book a consultation.