Clinical Expertise

Our team performs laparoscopic or robotic resection with reconstruction for the surgical treatment of benign and malignant esophageal and gastric tumors. For esophageal cancer, we provide laparoscopic and thoracoscopic resection with reconstruction (Ivor Lewis esophagectomy). Preoperative endoscopic ultrasound and PET-CT scanning determine whether such procedures are implemented initially or following chemotherapy/radiation. In addition, we offer laparoscopic and robotic staging for upper GI malignancies, often with placement of a jejunostomy feeding tube prior to definitive treatment. 

We provide surgical and endoscopic interventions for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, including diaphragmatic hernia repair with surgical fundoplication, hiatal hernia repair with concomitant transoral incisionless fundoplication and magnetic augmentation of the lower esophageal sphincter (insertion of the LINX device). These are performed as minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic procedures. 

In patients with achalasia, after complete motility evaluation, UCI GI surgeons perform laparoscopic Heller myotomy with concomitant partial fundoplication in appropriate candidates. In addition, we provide treatment for patients with recurrent disease.

The Division of GI and Bariatric Surgery is responsible for repairs of inguinal, ventral, umbilical and parastomal hernias. Techniques encompass traditional (open), laparoscopic and robotic methods. In addition, our surgeons have the necessary experience to perform complex abdominal wall reconstructions in patients with large or complex hernias.

Gallbladder disease treated by the Division of GI and Bariatric Surgery spans the entire spectrum of stone-related diseases, including symptomatic cholelithiasis, acute or chronic cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia and gallbladder polyps. We perform laparoscopic and robotic cholecystectomies and are experienced in utilizing intraoperative cholangiograms enhanced with contrast or ICG fluorescence. 

For diseases that necessitate small bowel resection (such as obstructions, strictures, benign masses and malignancies), our surgeons use laparoscopic and robotic techniques, along with intracorporeal anastomoses, allowing for a more rapid recovery for patients.

Our UCI School of Medicine bariatric surgeons provide surgical options as part of the university’s multidisciplinary approach to treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases. We are experienced in performing Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses and sleeve gastrectomies, both of which are done using laparoscopic and robotic techniques. We treat patients with complications of previous bariatric operations and those in need of bariatric conversions or revisions.

The Division of GI and Bariatric Surgery undertakes several other procedures. We are responsible for the placement of feeding tubes via gastrostomy or jejunostomy, prior to or during gastric or esophageal cancer resections. We also perform percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies. For patients with median arcuate ligament syndrome, we use robotic or laparoscopic techniques to relieve pressure on the celiac artery and plexus. 

Our team uses advanced foregut endoscopy to place esophageal stents and endoscopic clips; to perform endoscopic biopsies, dilation and injections; and to assess the gastroesophageal junction using an endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) in difficult or diagnostically equivocal cases to guide intraoperative and real-time decision-making.

We also perform laparoscopic and robotic revisions, both emergent for acute complications (e.g., anastomosis perforations, staple line leaks and obstructions) and elective for complications (e.g., marginal ulcerations or strictures in bariatric surgery) or recurrences (e.g., diaphragmatic hernias).