Find expert answers to your health questions

Ralph Aye

Bio

Dr. Ralph Aye is a thoracic and esophageal surgeon at Swedish.  He is the clinical program leader of Thoracic Oncology, co-director of the Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Program, and Fellowship Director for Thoracic and Foregut Surgery. His clinical expertise includes esophageal cancer, GERD and Hiatal Hernia and Lung Cancer, and he has a passion for early lung cancer screening. Dr. Aye has been involved in numerous research studies and is widely published. He was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's top doctors.  Dr. Aye strives to be as efficient as possible in order to determine an accurate diagnosis and appropriate course of treatment for each of his patients.  His philosophy of care is to treat each patient as he would like to be treated himself, and offers comfort and compassion along with his medical expertise and experience.



Specialties:

Affiliation:

  • Swedish

Location:

Group Memberships:

Activity

  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    How can untreated reflux disease cause complications?
    For most people failing to treat GERD will result in a worsening of the symptoms and potentially to...  Full Post
  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    What are the side effects of esophageal surgery?
    The biggest side effect of esophageal surgery is difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia. Therefore, it is recommended to stay on a liquid and soft-food diet during recovery. Swallowing gradually improves, and a normal diet can be restored at about six weeks after surgery. Other long-term side...  Full Post
  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    How safe is surgery for acid reflux?
    Despite the fact that antireflux surgery is well established and very safe, it is still a major operation. Even when done laparoscopically, it still carries the risk of life-threatening complications. The national mortality rate for this type of operation is approximately 0.2 percent. Serious...  Full Post
  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    What are the different kinds of surgery for acid reflux?
    Antireflux surgery can either be performed laparoscopically or via an open incision. Today the vast majority of this type of operation are performed laparoscopically with small incisions, resulting in a shorter recovery. There are several different types of antireflux surgeries that include...  Full Post
  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    Should I have surgery to treat my GERD?
    Surgery is a well-established treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that has been shown in research trials to be as good as twice-daily medical therapy, if not better for long-term GERD management. Surgery may be the best option for those who don't want to take medications...  Full Post
  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    What is endoscopic testing for GERD?
    Endoscopy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been an option for treatment, but at this time it is deemed as experimental. It entails special instruments being put through or on an endoscope, which is then inserted into the esophagus down into the stomach to treat the GERD. Unf...  Full Post
  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    Why shouldn't I treat my GERD with medication alone?
    The long-term safety profile of medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is generally good, but they do suppress a normal bodily function -- the production of stomach acid - and a number of problems have been identified. The most notable concerns have been with the decrease...  Full Post
  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    How should I manage my GERD?
    Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be managed in many different ways, depending on a patient's preference and the seriousness of the condition. Possible management methods include treatment with a variety of medications, experimental endoscopic treatment, or surgery. The list of m...  Full Post
  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    What will happen if I don't treat my GERD?
    For most people failing to treat GERD will result in a worsening of the symptoms and potentially to complications from the constant burning of the esophagus with acid.  Most patients over time will develop a hiatal hernia or stomach herniation in which the stomach slips up through the diaphragm into...  Full Post
  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    Is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) a serious condition?
    Although gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not considered a serious condition, its impact on one's quality of life is quite detrimental. GERD can affect many areas of life, including sleeping habits, social life, enjoyment of foods, and a person's overall sense of well-being. GERD...  Full Post
  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    What are the symptoms of GERD?
    The most common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are heartburn, a painful burning sensation behind the breastbone that radiates up toward the neck, as well as regurgitation, which is the sensation of stomach contents coming back up into the throat or the mouth. Less common...  Full Post
  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    What causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
    Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by a breakdown in the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus, which allows acid and other digestive fluids in the stomach to come up into the esophagus. Though the stomach lining is resistant to the harsh nature of these fluids, the...  Full Post
  • Ralph Aye
    Ralph Aye of Swedish answered:
    What is GERD?
    Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common disorder of the upper intestinal tract, infecting a large percentage of the American population. GERD is also known as heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion. It is estimated that at least 47 percent of the American population takes...  Full Post