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Thoracic Surgery

Treating disorders of the lungs. Lung Disease - Lung disease is any disease or disorder where lung function is impaired. Major lung diseases include asthma, BOOP, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis. Esophagus Disease - Heartburn is the most common ailment of the esophagus. Officially known as reflux esophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn is caused by acidic stomach juices irritating the lower esophagus. Normally these digestive chemicals remain in your stomach until they pass downward into the intestines. But when the valve at the top of your stomach (called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)) doesn't close, they can reflux upward. Unlike the stomach lining, the lower esophagus is not protected from the corrosive effects of stomach acid. The result is a chemical burn. Usually only an annoyance, esophagitis over many years can cause scarring, narrowing and even cancer. The increased incidence of adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus is thought to be secondary to Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus is a transformation of the lining in the lower esophagus secondary to long-term chronic acid exposure. The condition can be diagnosed by an upper endoscopic procedure. If you have this, treatment requires long-term surveillance to find out the best time for surgical removal.