Esophagoscopy is a procedure that provides an inside view of the esophagus or “food pipe” for the evaluation and treatment of esophageal conditions. Esophagoscopy involves inserting a flexible lighted endoscope through the mouth and down the esophagus toward the stomach. Video images of the interior of your esophagus are then displayed in real time on a TV-like monitor, allowing your physician to examine it for disease.

Abnormal cell growth in the inner lining of the esophagus can lead to cancer of this muscular hollow tube. Esophagoscopy provides a minimally-invasive method for finding and treating pre-cancerous lesions. This outpatient procedure also allows for the removal of growths (benign and malignant) and other problems of the esophagus that may be causing difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).

At NorthShore, our surgical experts routinely employ this advanced minimally invasive endoscopic technique to perform:

• Dilations, using balloon catheters, to expand an esophagus narrowed by esophageal strictures or scar tissue that may be causing dysphagia.
  
  
• Stent placements to open up the esophagus for the treatment of dysphagia as well as palliative management of esophageal cancer patients who may not be good candidates for esophageal resection.
  
  
• Endoscopic mucosa resection (EMR) to “strip out” or remove abnormal cells from the inner lining or mucosa of the esophagus to treat early-stage cancers
  
  
• POEM (Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy), an innovative incisionless procedure, to remove pre-cancerous lesions of the esophagus

What to Expect

Esophagoscopy is a same-day ambulatory procedure. Typically it is performed under general anesthesia or conscious sedation.

After your discharge from the hospital, you will want to make arrangements for someone to drive you home.

For More Information

To schedule an appointment with one of our thoracic surgeons, please call 847.570.2868.