Dr. Sharona Ross comforting patient.

Comprehensive Care for
Gastrointestinal Reflux and Other Esophageal Conditions

The physicians at the George Mickle Center for Reflux and Esophageal Disorders, part of AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa, are highly experienced in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. GERD is a condition of the esophagus, or food tube that affects about 1 out of 5 U.S. adults. It can cause symptoms such as heartburn, trouble swallowing, vomiting, cough, pneumonia and voice changes.

Surgical Treatments for Gerd and Acid Reflux

Because GERD can cause severe symptoms and lead to Barrett’s esophagus and even esophageal cancer, Mickle Center surgeon Dr. Sharona Ross is a strong advocate for definitive treatment of it. Definitive treatment for GERD is an operation that reconstructs the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. This helps the acidic contents of the stomach stay out of the esophagus, and GERD is cured. Dr. Ross is known for and has performed many of these GERD operations.

Expert Care for Barrett’s Esophagus

Without effective treatment, GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus. This is a condition in which the cells in the lower part of the esophagus start to look like the cells that line the intestines. Barrett’s esophagus dramatically increases the chances someone with GERD will develop esophageal cancer. The physicians at the Mickle Center are experienced in caring for patients with Barrett’s esophagus. Care may involve regular screening for esophageal cancer, which can be treated in a minimally invasive way if caught early. It may also involve treating Barrett’s esophagus with an anti-reflux procedure, followed by removal of the changed cells so they are less likely to turn into cancer.

Treatment for Esophageal Cancer

Surgery to remove esophageal cancer can extend patients’ lives and is the best hope for a cure. Dr. Sharona Ross is an expert in offering minimally invasive esophagectomy, which is just as effective as an open procedure when performed by skilled surgeons. This minimally invasive surgery can shorten a patient’s recovery time, allowing them to begin their next phase of treatment sooner. AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa’s surgeons make it a priority to see patients with cancer for a consultation or second opinion. That is why we offer these patients appointments within five business days or sooner.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for the Esophagus

Our surgical team is highly experienced in minimally invasive surgery, operating through the mouth or through one small incision in the belly button. Besides performing GERD operations this way, our surgeons use similar, less invasive ways to treat Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. These approaches result in faster, easier recoveries for patients.

Are you in need of treatment for an esophageal condition and want to find out if minimally invasive surgery could help you? Call the AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa at 813-615-7030 for an appointment.

Mickle Center for Reflux and Esophageal Disorders

Conditions and Treatments

  • Esophageal Cancer

    Typically esophageal cancer requires surgery in addition to radiation and chemotherapy. Learn more about the surgical treatments our specialists can provide.

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  • Achalasia

    The experienced surgeons at AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa offer effective and permanent treatment for achalasia. Learn more about these treatment options.

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  • Acid Reflux/GERD

    AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa is a regional top provider of care for acid reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux.

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  • Barrett's Esophagus

    The gastroenterologists and surgeons at AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa provide leading-edge treatment for Barrett’s esophagus. Learn more today.

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  • Swallowing Disorders

    Our board-certified speech pathologist can assist patients with swallowing disorders and voice issues.

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  • Esophageal Surgery

    At AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa, we offer minimally invasive, robotic esophageal surgery as a cancer treatment option.

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  • Upper Endoscopy / Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

    An upper endoscopy helps doctors look at the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine and can help diagnose a range of conditions.

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Faster Recoveries, Better Outcomes

Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery

All the surgeons at the Digestive Health Institute (DHI) at AdventHealth Tampa have a large depth of experience in offering minimally invasive surgery.

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Meet The Experts

Sharona Ross MD, FACS

Sharona Ross

MD, FACS

Advanced Foregut & HPB Surgeon

Headshot of Sandra Freeman.

Sandra G. Freeman

ARNP-C

Nurse Practitioner

Dana Manzi

Dana Manzi

MSN, ARNP-BC

Nurse Practitioner

Cory O'Brien

Cory O'Brien

MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Speech Pathologist

Meet Our Full Team
A Doctor Speaks to a Patient in the Practice Lobby

Surgical Consultations For Digestive Cancer Without The Wait

Appointments Within Five Days for Patients with Cancer

At AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa, we know that after being diagnosed with cancer, patients want and often need to begin treatment quickly. So we make it a priority to offer appointments for cancer surgery consultations within five business days, and often earlier.

Patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer, or have just found out they have cancer again, qualify for this priority access. Our surgeons will make themselves available to see you right away, even for a second opinion. We want to help you start your treatment as soon as possible.

If you have been diagnosed with a cancer of the digestive system, don’t wait.
Call the Digestive Health Institute at 813-615-7030.

Learn More About Our Surgical Cancer Care Program

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