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Acid Reflux and Hiatal Hernia Repair

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is proud to have a growing General Surgery Department with two expert surgeons.

  • Dr. Medhat Fanous works alongside Dr. Gregory Bambach in our Specialty Clinic, providing high-quality and personalized care for those in need of surgery.
  • Dr. Fanous specializes in the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernias, along with other common GI conditions.
  • We take pride in offering patient-centered, compassionate surgical care to the residents of Manistique and the Upper Peninsula.

Whether you are struggling with chronic acid reflux and heartburn or need expert assistance with a complex GI concern, our dedicated healthcare team offers you the care you need in your very own community.

What GI Procedures Are Available Near Me?

Our GERD specialist performs a variety of procedures to diagnose and treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and related conditions like hiatal hernias and Barrett’s esophagus.

Some of the most common procedures Dr. Fanous performs at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital include:

Uses a flexible scope to visually examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for damage from acid reflux.

Measures acid exposure in the esophagus over 24-48 hours.

Measures esophageal stiffness and function to guide treatment decisions.

Evaluates swallowing and checks for a hiatal hernia.

A cutting-edge tool for assessing esophageal mucosal integrity and detecting conditions like GERD with immediate results.

WATS3D is a diagnostic platform used to identify precancerous cells in the esophagus using AI.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

Our minimally invasive treatments require fewer incisions and less recovery time, making them a popular option with many of our patients.

A nonsurgical procedure using an endoscope to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and prevent acid reflux.

Uses radiofrequency energy to strengthen the LES and reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Treats Barrett’s esophagus to prevent progression to esophageal cancer.

A partial wrap variation of fundoplication, often used for patients with weaker esophageal muscles.

The procedure is minimally invasive and corrects large hiatal hernias. Medical therapy does not address the root cause of GERD (hiatal hernia) as it provides a chemical solution for a mechanical problem. Patients who have previously had the procedure without improvement or had complications can have this procedure redone.

Meet Our General Surgeon Specializing in Gastroenterology, Dr. Medhat Fanous

Dr. Medhat Fanous is a highly skilled general surgeon with a specialized focus on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernias.

Dr. Fanous’ Expertise

With expertise in both diagnostic evaluation and advanced anti-reflux procedures, Dr. Fanous has established a comprehensive antireflux program that integrates state-of-the-art diagnostics—such as EGD, pH studies, EndoFLIP, and Manometry—with cutting-edge therapeutic interventions.

With a wealth of experience, Dr. Fanous has performed hundreds of endoluminal, laparoendoscopic, and laparoscopic anti-reflux procedures, including transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) and Stretta therapy. He also specializes in ablation therapy for Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition caused by prolonged acid exposure in the esophagus.

Learn more about Dr. Fanous’s educational background and medical expertise.

Gastrointestinal Surgery FAQs

An expert in surgical GI care is a specialized general surgeon who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the esophagus and stomach.

At Schoolcraft Memorial, our specialized surgeon focuses on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and potential long-term damage. He also specializes in hiatal hernias and hernia repair, where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest.

Advanced evaluation for GERD conducted by Dr. Fanous typically includes:

  • Diagnosis: Performing EGD (endoscopy), pH studies, MiVu, EndoFLIP, and/or imaging to assess acid reflux severity and esophageal function.
  • Treatment Planning: Offering both medication-based and procedural interventions to manage GERD and hiatal hernias.
  • Minimally Invasive Procedures: Performing endoscopic (TIF, Stretta) and laparoscopic surgeries to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter or repair hiatal hernias.
  • Barrett’s Esophagus Management: Conducting ablation therapy to reduce cancer risks in patients with precancerous esophageal changes.
  • Patient Education and Research: Leading studies, publishing medical research, and training other physicians on advanced GERD treatment techniques.

Dr. Fanous and his team play a crucial role in improving digestive health, reducing acid reflux symptoms, and preventing future complications like esophageal cancer.

Dr. Fanous is a general surgeon who diagnoses and treats a variety of conditions related to the esophagus and stomach, like acid reflux. Some of the key conditions he manages include:

Primary Conditions Treated

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Chronic acid reflux where stomach contents frequently flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and potential esophageal damage.
  • Hiatal Hernia Occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest, worsening acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
  • Barrett’s Esophagus A precancerous condition where prolonged acid exposure changes the esophageal lining, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.
  • Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR or Silent Reflux) Acid reflux that affects the throat and voice box, causing chronic cough, hoarseness, and throat irritation.
  • Esophagitis Inflammation of the esophagus, often due to prolonged acid exposure, infections, or autoimmune conditions.

Swallowing and Motility Disorders

  • Esophageal Strictures Narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissue from chronic acid reflux, leading to difficulty swallowing.
  • Achalasia A rare disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax properly, making it difficult for food to enter the stomach.
  • Esophageal Dysmotility Disorders (Nutcracker Esophagus, Jackhammer Esophagus, etc.) Conditions where the esophagus has abnormal muscle contractions, affecting swallowing.

Complications and Related Conditions

  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) A chronic immune-related esophageal inflammation is often mistaken for GERD.
  • Esophageal Ulcers Open sores in the esophagus are caused by severe acid reflux.
  • Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers Often linked to chronic acid exposure or H. pylori infections.

Post-Surgical and Functional Issues

  • Post-Fundoplication Complications Managing issues after anti-reflux surgery, like difficulty swallowing or gas-bloat syndrome.
  • Bile Reflux Reflux of bile (not acid) from the small intestine into the stomach and esophagus, which can mimic GERD symptoms but requires different treatment.

A GERD specialist plays a crucial role in diagnosing, managing, and preventing serious complications of reflux-related diseases.

Yes, referrals are required before you can be seen at our dedicated Specialty Clinic. You can ask your primary care provider for a referral and have them fax it to (906) 341-3299.

Should you need assistance obtaining or sending a referral, you may contact our friendly referral coordinators at (906) 341-2153 ext. 3792. You may also contact our scheduling department at your convenience by calling (906) 341-2153.

Find Patient-First Hernia Repair Surgery in Manistique, MI

If you are struggling with the discomfort of acid reflux or a hernia, you do not have to endure it alone. Take the first step toward relief and recovery with our expert surgical team. Dr. Medhat Fanous specializes in providing personalized care and advanced treatment options, including hernia repair surgery, to improve your quality of life. Call Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique today at (906) 341-2153 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support your surgical needs. We provide expert care, close to home.