Heartburn and Acid Reflux Center Physicians

F. Paul (Tripp) Buckley, MD
Director, Division of General Surgery, Scott & White Healthcare Round Rock
General Surgery, Surgical Oncology

Surgical correction of Heartburn / GERD

Anti-reflux operations have been practiced for over 50 years. Today, these operations can be performed via minimally invasive technologies (Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication) and in certain circumstances without any incisions at all (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication).

The goal of any surgical therapy is to restore the body's natural mechanical barrier to prevent reflux. At the Heartburn and Acid Reflux Center we work closely with our GI, ENT, and Pulmonary colleagues in order to maximize your success in relieving heartburn and reflux.

Co-authored article, Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.

Listen to Dr. Buckley discussing the Heartburn and Acid Reflux Center

Aline Ghaleb, MD
Gastroenterology

Gastroesophageal reflux is a very common gastrointestinal complaint. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is indicated in my older patients with chronic reflux symptoms to rule out Barrett’s esophagus (a pre-malignant condition), and in my patients who might experience complications from reflux such as swallowing.  For younger patients, other tests might be necessary to document reflux and discuss management options.

Melvin Lau, MD
Gastroenterology

As a gastroenterologist, I help my patients who suffer from heartburn find relief through lifestyle modification, medication, and/or surgery. 

Tests that aid in this process are Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), pH Testing with Bravo or 24-hour pH impedance study, Esophageal manometry, treatment of Barrett’s esophagus with BARRX ablation, and screening for esophageal cancer.

Vu Nhu Nguyen, MD
Gastroenterology

Working with a multi-disciplinary team focused on your heartburn and acid reflux relief- screening and treatments with the upper endoscopy, BRAVO pH study, ablation of Barrett’s esophagus using the HALO procedure and endoscopic mucosal resection.  

Douglas W. Martin, MD
Otolaryngology

Many patients suffering from gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) do not experience the classic "heartburn" or "bitter taste" symptoms. Non-classic symptoms such as cough, sore throat, trouble swallowing and phlegm in the throat are referred to as extra-esophageal symptoms of GERD.

Extra-esophageal symptoms of GERD may frequently mimic symptoms of other throat or sinus problems.

An otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon (ENT) will frequently be involved in the initial evaluation and management of patients with GERD to determine if there might be other medical reasons for patient's symptoms.

Kirkland C. Nolan, MD
Director, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Scott & White Healthcare Round Rock

It is estimated that 10% of individuals with gastroesophageal reflux have respiratory symptoms from their reflux.

Gastroesophageal reflux has been implicated as a cause of bronchitis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and chronic unrelenting cough.

In individuals with a chronic cough, it is estimated 20% of those patients have their cough from reflux.

Jadvinder Goraya, MD
Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine