GERD (chronic acid reflux)

Call 844-925-0941 or fill out our online form to request an appointment.

GERD and Foregut Disorders Program

GERD and Foregut Disorders Program

Innovative and Comprehensive Care

The physicians and surgeons of Providence Digestive Health Institute provide state-of-the-art, comprehensive care for all diseases of the esophagus and stomach, from reflux and swallowing disorders to hiatal hernias and cancerous conditions.

These conditions can be complex, with many different treatment options. Our team has deep experience in virtually all of the leading therapies, is a leader in minimally invasive procedures, and is known internationally for developing many of the most advanced techniques in use today.

Our goal is to partner with you to help manage your condition and to provide you with the most appropriate and effective treatments.

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia is a condition that causes stomach contents to back up, or “reflux,” into the esophagus, causing heartburn, vomiting or pain when swallowing.
  • 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.
  • Achalasia, gastroparesis and other motility disorders are problems that prevent food from traveling properly through the GI tract. 
  • Esophageal and stomach cancer is the most rapidly rising GI cancer in the United States. Although it has a persistently high mortality rate, like many cancers, it can be cured if caught early. When cancer is diagnosed, we work in close collaboration with the oncology team at Providence Cancer Institute, and often decide, together, which is the best course of treatment for a patient.

Providence Digestive Health Institute has a long history of innovation in endoscopic procedures. Our team offers many options that aren’t available anywhere else in the state. Here are just a few of the innovative procedures we perform:

  • Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)
    This incisionless procedure uses heat to permanently relax and open the esophagus.
  • Laparoscopic fundoplication
    This surgery for hiatal hernias and advanced GERD uses part of the stomach to strengthen the valve between the esophagus and stomach.
  • Minimally invasive esophagectomy
    Esophagectomy is an operation to remove and reconstruct all or part of the esophagus. 
  • Barrx ablation for Barrett’s esophagus
    This endoscopic procedure uses heat to treat Barrett's esophagus by destroying abnormal cells before they can become cancerous.
  • Cryotherapy for Barrett’s esophagus
    This endoscopic technique treats Barrett’s esophagus by exposing diseased tissue to extremely cold temperatures. 
  • Confocal laser endomicroscopy for diagnosing Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer
    This procedure uses a high-powered microscope at the end of an endoscope to give real-time information that can be used to guide immediate therapy decisions. 
  • Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) & Endoscopic Submucosal dissection (ESD)
    These endoscopic procedures are 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.

No other center in Oregon offers a comparable full range of endoscopic and minimally invasive options.

  • Trans-oral incisionless fundoplication
  • Stretta
  • Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)
  • Magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX)
  • Partial and complete (Nissen) fundoplications
  • Revisional surgery

The foregut team at Providence is known globally as innovators in esophageal disease care. With decades of experience, they have developed and expanded many of the most complex surgical techniques, including minimally invasive surgeries, that dramatically improve outcomes for patients. They also use their expertise to teach surgeons around the world, which improves treatment for patients everywhere.

Image of Grandfather and granddaughter face to face

Don’t delay care

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or, acid reflux, occurs when acids from the stomach flow into the esophagus. If symptoms become chronic, and are untreated, these acids can damage the lining of the esophagus and can increase the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus. Although uncommon, people with Barrett’s esophagus are at greater risk for developing esophageal cancer.

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.

Daughter kissing mom's cheek

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.