How are esophageal disorders treated?

How are esophageal disorders treated?

Treatments vary depending on the condition. They may include:

• Antacids, proton pump inhibitors and histamine receptor (H2) blockers to reduce stomach acid.
• Endoscopic dilation to open a narrowed esophagus or relax a sphincter muscle.
• Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections to temporarily stop esophageal spasms or relax the sphincter muscle.
• Esophagectomy surgery to remove part or all of a diseased esophagus.
• Laparoscopic antireflux surgery (Nissen fundoplication) to treat GERD or a hiatal hernia by reinforcing the lower esophageal sphincter.
• Heller myotomy and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) treat achalasia and esophageal spasms.