General Surgery – Reflux & Hernia Care

Expanding General Surgery Services 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Hiatal Hernia Repair

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital has a growing General Surgery Program with two expert surgeons.  Dr. Medhat Fanous has joined the General Surgery Team offering specialized care for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Hiatal Hernias. He works alongside Dr. Gregory Bambach in the Specialty Clinic. 

What Does a General Surgeon specialized in GERD & Hiatal Hernia Do?

A GERD and hiatal hernia expert is a specialized surgeon who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the esophagus and stomach. Their focus is on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and potential long-term damage, and hiatal hernias, where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest.

Advanced evaluation for GERD conducted by Dr. Fanous includes:
✅ Diagnosis: Performing EGD (endoscopy), pH studies, MiVu, EndoFLIP, Manometry, and 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 & Research: Leading studies, publishing medical research, and training other physicians on advanced GERD treatment techniques.

These experts play a crucial role in improving digestive health, reducing acid reflux symptoms, and preventing complications like esophageal cancer.

Who Needs to See a Specialist like Dr. Fanous?

Dr. Fanous is a General Surgeon who diagnoses and treats a variety of conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and 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 & 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 & Related Conditions

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

Post-Surgical & 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.

What procedures are offered at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital?

A 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. Here are some of the most common procedures:

Diagnostic Procedures

🔎 Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD or Upper Endoscopy) – Uses a flexible scope to visually examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for damage from acid reflux.
🔎 pH Monitoring (Bravo pH Study or Catheter-Based pH Study) – Measures acid exposure in the esophagus over 24-48 hours.
🔎 Manometry (Esophageal Motility Test) – Assesses how well the esophagus moves food to the stomach and checks for swallowing disorders.
🔎 EndoFLIP (Endoluminal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe) – Measures esophageal stiffness and function to guide treatment decisions.
🔎 Barium Swallow X-ray – Evaluates swallowing and checks for a hiatal hernia.
🔎 MiVu – A cutting-edge tool for assessing esophageal mucosal integrity and detecting conditions like GERD with immediate results.
🔎 WATS 3D – WATS3D is A diagnostic platform used to identify precancerous cells in the esophagus using AI.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

🔹 Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) – A non-surgical procedure using an endoscope to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and prevent acid reflux.
🔹 Stretta Therapy – Uses radiofrequency energy to strengthen the LES and reduce acid reflux symptoms.
🔹 Endoscopic Ablation (Radiofrequency) – Treats Barrett’s esophagus to prevent progression to esophageal cancer.
🔹Toupet Fundoplication – A partial wrap variation of fundoplication, often used for patients with weaker esophageal muscles.
🔹Hiatal Hernia Repair – Corrects large hiatal hernias, which can worsen GERD by allowing the stomach to push into the chest.

These procedures help patients manage chronic reflux, prevent complications, and improve quality of life, with many offering minimally invasive options for quicker recovery.

How can I be seen in the Specialty Clinic?

Referrals are required before you can be seen at the Specialty Clinic. 

You can ask your Primary Care Provider to Fax a Referral.  Fax Number: 906.341.3299

Questions about Referrals can be directed to our referral coordinators: 906.341.2153 EXT 3792 or our scheduling department at 906-341-2153.

MEET OUR REFLUX & HIATAL HERNIA EXPERT

General Surgeon
Medhat Fanous, MD

READ BIO

Dr. Medhat Fanous is a highly skilled general surgeon with a specialized focus on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernias. With expertise in both diagnostic evaluation and advanced antireflux procedures, he 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 antireflux 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.

 

A dedicated resident of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Dr. Fanous is deeply committed to serving rural communities. His leadership extends to the Advisory Rural Council of the American College of Surgeons, where he advocates for advancing surgical care in underserved areas.

 

Dr. Fanous is a true pioneer in his field, making medical history through groundbreaking advancements. He was the first in the world to visualize and describe an endoscopic reconstructed valve between the stomach and esophagus in an awake patient using Navicam technology. Additionally, he was the first surgeon in Michigan to utilize MiVu technology, a revolutionary approach for assessing esophageal mucosal integrity and detecting GERD with immediate precision.

 

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Fanous is a passionate educator. He trains fellow surgeons in GERD management at the American College of Surgeons Annual Conference, sharing his expertise from hundreds of successful procedures. His commitment to academic excellence is evident through his numerous publications, peer-reviewed journal contributions, and national and international speaking engagements on GERD-related procedures.

Dr. Fanous continues to shape the future of GERD management, combining innovative techniques, research, and education to improve patient outcomes.

Registration Location

Specialty Clinic

Phone

906-341-2153 EXT 1