- Specialized expertise in surgical treatments for a wide range of common and complex conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. Go to Conditions Treated
- Advanced treatment options that prioritize minimally invasive procedures whenever possible for a faster, smoother recovery, and a customized treatment plan to improve your quality of life. Go to Treatments
- Team-based approach with coordination between surgeons, specialists in GI pain management, and GI nutrition experts for the highest level of care tailored to your needs. Go to Your Care Team
- Clinical trials to provide early access to promising therapies and procedures available only at Stanford Health Care. Go to Clinical Trials
- Ease of access, with leading-edge surgical options, convenient services, and comprehensive follow-up care right in your community. Go to Connecting to Care
Conditions Treated
Our skilled team of surgeons has experience treating the full spectrum of conditions affecting digestive health. Gastrointestinal (GI) issues can develop anywhere along the digestive tract, from the esophagus (the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach) to the anus. We use our vast expertise and advanced technology to treat:
Esophageal and Swallowing Disorders
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also called acid reflux
- Paraesophageal hernia (hiatal hernia)
“Our skilled surgeons specialize in a range of procedures to treat digestive health disorders, including minimally invasive techniques that require less recovery time."
Conditions Affecting the Endocrine System, Gallbladder, Stomach, Liver, Pancreas, and Spleen
- Chronic liver disease
- Gallbladder disease: Most types of gallbladder disease result from gallstones, which make it difficult for bile (digestive juices) to pass through the bile ducts.
- Gastroparesis
- Spleen
Intestinal Disorders and Disease
- Bowel obstruction
- Colitis
- Diverticulitis: Small pouches in the lining of the digestive tract become inflamed and can get infected.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis
Treatment Options
As internationally recognized leaders in gastrointestinal surgery, our team specializes in a number of groundbreaking procedures. You’ll benefit from our unmatched expertise in advanced GI surgery techniques. We use sophisticated technology to pioneer new therapies, deliver effective treatments, and provide comprehensive care.
INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS
- Our surgeons are world-renowned laparoscopy experts with advanced training in minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery. We are among a small number of elite programs in the U.S. with experience treating advanced and complex esophageal disorders.
- Experts at Stanford Health Care were among the first in the nation to perform the Stretta® procedure, a minimally invasive treatment for GERD. We were also one of the first medical centers in the country to use peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) to treat swallowing disorders.
- We are one of a handful of health care facilities in the Bay Area offering treatment using the LINX® reflux management system.
- Stanford Medicine doctors helped establish radiofrequency ablation—a widely used treatment for certain heart conditions—as a powerful therapy for Barrett’s esophagus. Our clinic is one of only a few in the nation offering cryoballoon ablation, an innovative ablation technique that uses a balloon and a catheter to target abnormal cells in the esophagus.
- We are one of the only medical centers in the country using confocal microscopy to perform endoscopic submucosal dissection to treat Barrett’s esophagus. This special microscope, along with additional tools developed by Stanford Medicine researchers, creates high-resolution, 3D images to make treatments more precise.
- Colorectal surgeons at Stanford Health Care are among the first in the country to offer single-incision laparoscopic procedures for ulcerative colitis. Other techniques use up to five incisions.
In addition to traditional (open) surgery, we specialize in several endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures to treat digestive health disorders. To perform these minimally invasive options, we use a long, thin tube with a camera and tiny instruments. We insert the tube down the throat (endoscopy) or through small incisions in the abdomen (laparoscopy). Our experienced team uses sophisticated technology, including robotic surgery, to make treatments more precise. We specialize in many procedures, including:
- Ablation for Barrett’s esophagus: We use cold energy (cryoablation) or heat from radio wave energy (radiofrequency ablation) to destroy precancerous cells caused by Barrett’s esophagus. We are one of only a handful of medical centers to offer cryoballoon, a type of ablation that uses a special catheter and a balloon.
- Dilation and stenting: This procedure widens the esophagus and keeps it open so food can pass through.
- Endoscopic mucosal resection: This technique removes the surface layer of tissue and growths from the GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and rectum.
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection: Our team uses advanced technology to remove damaged tissue from the lining of the esophagus while sparing healthy tissue. We offer this treatment for Barrett’s esophagus and can also use it to remove colon polyps.
- Esophagus reconstruction (Stretta® procedure): This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to reshape the muscles in the esophagus. We use the Stretta device to repair the junction between the esophagus and stomach, which helps reduce GERD symptoms.
- Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): Using an endoscope, our doctors make a few small incisions in the esophagus to relax tight muscles and make swallowing easier.
- Transoral incisionless fundoplication: We thread an endoscope down the throat to reconstruct the reflux barrier (lower esophageal sphincter) and treat GERD. This procedure strengthens the valve between the stomach and esophagus so stomach acid can’t pass through.
- Collis gastroplasty: We offer this procedure to lengthen a shortened esophagus, which can result from scar tissue caused by long-term GERD. We lengthen the esophagus so we can deliver effective treatments for GERD and Barrett’s esophagus.
- Colon resection and small bowel resection: These procedures treat conditions such as IBD and diverticulitis by removing a portion of the intestines. We then connect the healthy parts of the intestines so waste can pass.
- Gastric bypass: These procedures are used to treat GERD and obesity. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure reduces the size of the stomach, which also reduces the amount of stomach acid.
- Heller myotomy: This technique uses a few small incisions and a laparoscope to treat swallowing disorders by relaxing tight muscles and relieving pressure.
- Ileal J-pouch surgery: We use the least invasive options to perform this surgery, which treats IBD and ulcerative colitis. Our team connects a piece of the small intestine to the anus to construct a new rectum.
- LINX procedure®: Doctors place a special magnetic bracelet around the outside of the esophagus, which helps prevent GERD symptoms and allows patients to eat and drink normally.
- Nissen fundoplication: This procedure treats GERD by repairing the lower esophageal sphincter so stomach acid cannot leak up through the esophagus. We also use Nissen fundoplication to treat hernias.
If you need open surgery, you’re in expert hands. Our team has extensive experience performing even the most complex procedures. We lead the nation in advanced treatments, including:
- Esophagus resection: This complex procedure removes part of the esophagus. Our team specializes in all types of this procedure for treating Barrett’s esophagus.
- Fistula repair: We perform many different surgical techniques to repair fistulas (ulcers that create openings in the intestines). Fistulas can result from Crohn’s disease.
- Strictureplasty: These procedures vary based on the size and location of the stricture (a narrowed part of the intestine that results from scar tissue). Our team is skilled at performing all types of strictureplasty.
We understand that digestive health issues can significantly impact your quality of life. Your wellness plays a role in the success of your treatment. That’s why we offer a range of services, including customized diet and nutrition advice, counseling, and support groups. We’ve designed these services to enhance your overall well-being so you can focus on healing.
Innovation Through Clinical Research
As a leading academic and research institution, we are always striving to find new techniques and apply the latest and best technology to your treatment. Digestive health specialists at Stanford Health Care work with each other and with teams across the nation to spark groundbreaking research. We are committed to bringing you clinical trials that test new and better ways to diagnose, treat, and manage gastrointestinal conditions. Participating in a trial may give you access to the latest digestive health therapies before they are widely available.
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
At Stanford Health Care, your Digestive Health team works together to coordinate your treatments and deliver expert care. We focus on you as a whole person, offering comprehensive guidance and follow-up support.
We also provide preventive care in collaboration with the Stanford Health Care GI Cancer Prevention Program. Should you need more advanced treatments, we work closely with specialists in the Stanford Health Care GI Cancer Program.
Your Doctors
Colorectal Surgeon
These surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. They also surgically remove tumors and surrounding tissue to check for cancer.
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General surgeons have expertise in a wide range of surgical procedures, including the latest minimally invasive techniques. Our digestive health general surgeons are experienced and highly skilled at treating GI disorders while managing complications.
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Advanced Practice Provider
Our skilled nurse practitioners and physician assistants specialize in general surgery care. They see patients independently and sometimes alongside your doctor. APPs (Advanced Practice Providers) can give you a thorough exam, write prescriptions, and help prevent or treat any issues. Our APPs meet weekly to discuss patient needs.
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Nurses and Nurse Coordinators (RNs)
Nurses and nurse coordinators are registered nurses who coordinate your care with your surgery team. They guide you from your first contact through follow-up care and help you find counseling, financial, and other support services.
Care Coordinators
Care coordinators provide you with information and assistance before and during your appointment.
- Medical Assistant: Medical assistants work with our team to help provide care. They may prepare you for an examination, assist your doctor, or take your vital signs before your appointment.
- Patient Care Coordinator: Our patient care coordinators help you with scheduling appointments and accessing your lab results. They are your first line of contact before you see your provider and will guide you during your care journey.
- Patient Access Representative: Patient access representatives can answer your questions about health insurance coverage, help you apply for health insurance, and refer you to our financial counselors.
Research Coordinators
Doctors
at Stanford Health Care participate in research efforts to advance the
understanding of digestive health problems and their treatment. Research
coordinators help screen candidates for possible participation in clinical
research trials.
We strive to make access to care as simple as possible. We have a network of convenient locations across the Bay Area and a wide range of support services. User-friendly virtual health tools and video appointments help you stay connected with your care team from home. We accept most insurance plans and offer discounted transportation, short-stay options, and international travel and translation services. We make it easy for you to get the care you deserve. Our team guides you through each step, so you can make decisions that are right for you.
To make an appointment with a general surgeon in Palo Alto & Redwood City, call 650-736-5555.
To make an appointment with a general surgeon in Pleasanton, call 925-416-5430.
To make an appointment with a general surgeon in Emeryville, call 510-806-2100.