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Foregut Disorders
Foregut Disorders
If you suffer from esophagus and stomach conditions like acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), swallowing disorders or hiatal hernias, Providence Digestive Health Institute can help.
Sometimes these conditions are complex, so we partner with you to help manage the symptoms and provide the most appropriate and effective medical treatments.
We offer:
- Decades of experience developing and expanding many of the most complex surgical techniques in use today
- Enhanced after-care steps to optimize recovery post-surgery
- Extensive experience with advanced therapies, including minimally invasive procedures that dramatically improve outcomes for patients
- Four advanced endoscopy locations
- Innovative approaches to esophageal disease care
Our Services
Our experts can help create a personalized treatment plan to get your symptoms under control. Speak with your primary care provider about potential treatment options. They can refer you to a gastroenterologist as needed.*
Don't delay care. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, and the gastroenterologist identifies a serious condition, then you might need to see a surgeon.
*Depending on your insurance, you may need a referral from your primary care provider. Check with your insurance before scheduling an appointment.
- Achalasia, gastroparesis and other motility disorders are problems that prevent food from traveling properly through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- Barrett’s esophagus is a condition caused by severe, long-term acid exposure from GERD. If left untreated it can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
- Esophageal and stomach cancer is the most rapidly rising GI cancer in the U.S., and treatment is most effective if it’s caught early. If cancer is diagnosed, we work closely with the team at Providence Cancer Institute to develop the best treatment plan for each patient.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia are conditions that cause stomach contents to back up, or “reflux,” into the esophagus, causing heartburn, vomiting or pain when swallowing.
- If you suffer from heartburn more than 2-3 times a week, over time, it can cause GERD, a serious form of acid reflux.
- Untreated, GERD can cause severe inflammation – called esophagitis – or changes in the lining of the esophagus that increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
- Paraesophageal hernia (PEH) occurs when part of the stomach moves into the chest next to the esophagus, putting the stomach at risk for twisting, obstruction and constriction of its blood supply.
With a broad range of diagnostic and treatment options – including innovative endoscopic procedures – Providence Digestive Health Institute is a leader in comprehensive, award-winning care.
Some of the advanced procedures that we provide include:
- Barrx™ ablation is an endoscopic procedure that uses heat to treat Barrett's esophagus, destroying abnormal cells before they can become cancerous.
- Cryotherapy is an endoscopic technique that treats Barrett’s esophagus, exposing diseased tissue to extremely cold temperatures.
- Confocal laser endomicroscopy is a procedure that uses a high-powered microscope at the end of an endoscope to give real-time information that can be used to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus or other esophageal cancer and help guide immediate therapy decisions.
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are endoscopic procedures that use advanced therapeutic techniques to precisely remove small growths, such as cancers or other tumors, from the lining of the esophagus or stomach before they grow larger and require major surgery.
- Laparoscopic fundoplication is a surgery for hiatal hernias and advanced GERD that uses part of the stomach to strengthen the valve between the esophagus and stomach.
- Magnetic sphincter augmentation uses a LINX® device that’s implanted around the lower esophageal sphincter to strengthen a weak sphincter to prevent acid reflux.
- Minimally invasive esophagectomy is an operation to remove and reconstruct all or part of the esophagus.
- Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an incisionless procedure that uses heat to permanently relax and open the esophagus.
- Revisional foregut surgery is performed as needed to address any complications that may have occurred in previous foregut-related procedures.
Chronic heartburn or acid reflux is the most common symptom of foregut conditions. If you experience mild symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux more than 2-3 times per week – and over-the-counter medications or lifestyle changes aren’t relieving your discomfort – we recommend speaking with your primary care doctor. It may be time to see a gastroenterologist.
While chronic heartburn is the most common symptom of many foregut conditions, it’s not the only one. Less common symptoms can include:
- Asthma that’s new or occurs only at night
- Chronic cough
- Difficulty swallowing, called dysphagia, or food getting stuck in the esophagus
- Feeling as if there’s a lump in your throat
- Non-burning chest pain
- Painful swallowing, called odynophagia
- Persistent laryngitis or hoarseness
- Persistent sore throat
- Regurgitation of foods or fluids, or the taste of acid in the throat
- Waking up with a choking sensation
- Worsening dental disease
Contact your doctor or gastroenterologist if you have any of the following:
- Blood in your vomit, or dark-colored stools
- Chronic cough or other respiratory issues
- Difficulty swallowing, or pain when swallowing
- Symptoms that worsen or interfere with daily activities
- Unexplained weight loss
These may be signs of a more serious foregut condition that could require a procedure or surgery. It’s best to speak with your care team as soon as possible, discuss your treatment plan and see if surgery is right for you.
Treating Acid Reflux, GERD and Heartburn
Acid reflux, GERD and heartburn differ but are closely connected to upper gastrointestinal issues. Heartburn is often a symptom of both acid reflux and GERD, while GERD is a severe form of acid reflux.
If you suffer from chronic GERD, it may be time to see a specialist.
Find a Doctor
At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
Recognition
U.S. News & World Report - High Performing Hospital in Gastroenterology (2025-26)
Providence Digestive Health Institute of Oregon
We're transforming digestive health care
The Providence Digestive Health Institute offers leading treatment for conditions and diseases of the digestive tract in Oregon. We are committed to making a positive difference in every life we touch. Our patients are at the center of everything we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux and GERD. It feels like a burning sensation in the center of the chest, and sometimes in the throat.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up, or “refluxes,” into the esophagus toward the throat. It can cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation and a sour, acidic taste in the back of the throat.
GERD is a chronic condition in which acid reflux occurs at least 2-3 times a week. If untreated, GERD can cause severe inflammation – called esophagitis – or changes in the lining of the esophagus, known as Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
The type and severity of your symptoms may determine if you need to speak to your primary care doctor or specialist.
If you’re experiencing:
- Occasional mild symptoms like heartburn less than two times a week, talk with your primary care doctor.
- Persistent moderate symptoms like acid reflux more than 2-3 times per week, or symptoms are getting worse, talk with your primary care doctor and discuss a consultation with a gastroenterologist.
- Severe chronic symptoms like difficulty or pain when swallowing, consult with your gastroenterologist about treatment options.
Some people with GERD experience a consistent cough. They might also experience feeling like something is stuck in their throat and then cough to try and clear it out.
If you’re concerned that your coughing could be a sign of GERD, speak with your primary care doctor.
There are several treatment options that can help alleviate acid reflux, heartburn or other symptoms of GERD. If you have occasional episodes of heartburn or acid reflux, OTC medications may provide relief.
Prescription medications and lifestyle changes, like avoiding foods or beverages that could cause indigestion, can help those that experience more moderate symptoms. Other treatment options are available if medications and changes in daily habits aren’t effective.
Many insurance plans cover gastroenterology services, like GERD treatment.
Since coverage can vary, it’s best to confirm with your insurance provider before scheduling a visit.