The Upper GI Surgery program is internationally recognized for their research and clinical outcomes in treating benign and cancerous diseases of the Esophagus and Stomach and is part of the renowned USC Digestive Disease Center. The USC Digestive Disease Center provides a patient-centered, integrated team approach using the best in evidence-based medicine, progressive technology and innovative treatment options for complex Upper GastroIntestinal Disease. Patients are evaluated by a  highly specialized surgical team who work collaboratively with our nationally recognized GI and medical oncology specialists. Utilizing the superior diagnostic and treatment modalities, USC's experienced team provides patients with a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis to establish a tailored treatment plan.

At Keck Medical Center of USC, we have pioneered many of the minimally invasive techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of Esophageal Cancer, Barrett’s Esophagus, Gastric Cancer, GERD, Hiatal Hernias, Swallowing Disorders and Gastroparesis. We have one of the highest volumes and best outcomes of complex esophageal and gastric surgeries in California. Our surgeons at USC also employ many diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that are not available at any other center in the region.

Esophagus Diseases / Disorders we Treat:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Hiatal hernia
• Esophageal motility disorders, such as Achalasia
• Barrett’s Esophagus
• Esophageal Cancer
• Refractory Esophageal Stricture
• Swallowing Disorders
• Esophageal Diverticulum (Epiphrenic, Zenkers, etc)
• Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
• LINX procedure for GERD
• Laparoscopic and Endoscopic therapy for Achalasia
• Minimally invasive resection techniques for esophageal and gastric cancer
• Complex re-operative Esophageal & Gastric surgery
• High-volume center for esophageal and gastric resections
• Surveillance Endoscopy
• Radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus
• Endoscopic Ultrasound Staging (EUS)
• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) for early intramucosal cancer of the esophagus
• Esophageal motility testing, including standard and high-resolution manometry
• Esophageal pH monitoring, including the Bravo® catheter free system
• Bolus transport evaluation using impedance monitoring

Stomach Diseases / Disorders we Treat:

• Gastric Cancer
• Gastroparesis
• Peptic Ulcer Disease
• GastroIntestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)
• Minimally invasive resection techniques for esophageal and gastric cancer
• Complex re-operative Esophageal & Gastric surgery
• High-volume center for esophageal and gastric resections
• Gastric pacemaker (Enterra) for the treatment of Gastroparesis