In 1994, Jorge Gómez embarked on a harrowing journey from Cuba, fleeing communism aboard a makeshift raft. After nearly a year in a Guantanamo Bay tent city, he found asylum in the U.S., building a successful life as an engineer and father of four in Carrollton, Texas. Decades later, his resilience was tested again when a routine medical checkup in 2021 revealed a cancerous growth in his esophagus.

“I was supposed to go on vacation, and I asked the doctor, ‘Should I cancel it?’” Gómez recalled. “He said, ‘Yes, the sooner the better.’”

Gómez turned to Dr. Markus Goldschmiedt, Clinical Associate Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, renowned for his expertise in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). This intricate, minimally invasive procedure allows for the precise removal of early-stage tumors and precancerous lesions while minimizing recovery time and preserving organ function.

The tumor, located near Gómez’s throat and sternum, posed significant challenges. Despite the risks, Gómez was determined. “I told him I had no other options,” he said. “If you don’t see me, I don’t have anywhere else to go.”

ESD, originally developed in Japan, is a cutting-edge technique that demands exceptional precision. Physicians inject fluid into the submucosal layer, separating the lesion from underlying tissues before excising it. While the procedure is highly effective, its complexity limits availability to select academic centers like UT Southwestern. Dr. Goldschmiedt, trained in Japan and China, has made UT Southwestern a hub for ESD, performing over 120 cases annually with his team.

“This is not a widely available option in most places in the United States,” Dr. Goldschmiedt explained. “It requires extraordinary skill and is often performed at high-volume centers like ours.”

Dr. Thomas Tielleman, part of the ESD team, highlighted its benefits: “In the right scenario, it can replace life-altering surgeries, allowing us to remove tumors while preserving the organ.”

After a successful procedure, Gómez experienced a smooth recovery. “At 56, I still feel like I’m 20,” he said, crediting his perseverance and the care he received. Three years later, his health remains stable.

Reflecting on his journey, Gómez expressed gratitude for UT Southwestern: “Texas is a huge state, and some patients travel far for this treatment. When I looked at Dr. Markus, I knew, ‘You’re the one who’s gonna fix me.’ And he did.” 

Gómez’s story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of advanced medical care.