Benign Esophageal Surgery in Southern New Hampshire

Benign esophageal conditions we treat

These conditions affect swallowing, reflux, and the relationship between the esophagus, diaphragm, and stomach:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hiatal and paraesophageal hernias
• Recurrent or failed hiatal-hernia or antireflux repair
• Persistent reflux despite appropriate medical therapy
• Achalasia and selected motility disorders
• Esophageal diverticula
• Other benign esophageal disorders requiring surgical evaluation

Not every patient with reflux, a hernia, or a swallowing disorder needs surgery. The first task is to understand the source of the symptoms and determine whether an operation is likely to help.

The right operation starts with the right evaluation

Dr. Paresh P. Mane personally reviews symptoms, previous treatment, imaging, endoscopy, and esophageal-function testing. Depending on the condition, evaluation may include:

• Upper endoscopy
• Barium swallow or esophagram
• Esophageal manometry
• Ambulatory pH testing
• CT imaging when appropriate
• Prior operative reports and images after previous surgery

The consultation explains whether surgery is appropriate, what operation is recommended, alternatives, and what to expect during recovery.

Minimally invasive when appropriate

Laparoscopic and robotic esophageal surgery

Depending on anatomy and the underlying condition, benign esophageal operations may be performed laparoscopically or with robotic assistance through several small incisions. Procedures may include hiatal-hernia repair, fundoplication for selected reflux, Heller myotomy for achalasia, and revision of a previous repair.

A minimally invasive approach may reduce tissue disruption and support recovery, but small incisions do not make an operation minor or guarantee a particular result. The priority is a safe, durable anatomical and functional repair. Open surgery remains appropriate in selected complex cases.

Local surgical care through Parkland Hospital

Merrimack Thoracic & Esophageal Surgery offers benign esophageal surgery locally to patients in Southern New Hampshire through the facilities at Parkland Hospital in Derry. Our practice provides surgical care for appropriately evaluated GERD, hiatal hernias, paraesophageal hernias, and selected complex or recurrent conditions. Laparoscopic or robotic approaches may be used when appropriate for the patient and procedure.

The hospital and operative approach depend on the patient's clinical needs, insurance network, and facility availability. Merrimack Thoracic & Esophageal Surgery remains independent, allowing us to coordinate across different healthcare systems.

Coordinated care, closer to home

We coordinate with each patient's gastroenterologist and primary-care clinician to review completed testing, identify any missing evaluation, and determine whether surgery makes sense. When clinically safe and practical, we coordinate testing, the hospital, and postoperative follow-up locally.

Our service area includes Concord, Manchester, Bedford, Nashua, Derry, Londonderry, Windham, Salem, and nearby communities. The goal is to provide specialized esophageal care without requiring patients to travel to Boston or another distant center for every step.

Second opinions and previous esophageal surgery

We also evaluate complex or recurrent symptoms after fundoplication or hiatal-hernia repair, large paraesophageal hernias, persistent symptoms despite medical treatment, and patients who want to understand whether a minimally invasive option is appropriate.

Previous records and images are important. Call the office for the approved secure way to send them; do not email medical information through ordinary email.