Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders

The Vanderbilt Center for Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders is among the most sophisticated centers in the country.  The center focuses on multidisciplinary approach to patient care which includes gastroenterologists, radiologists, pulmonary and ENT physicians, voice specialists, speech therapists, general and thoracic surgeons. 

Patients are evaluated for symptoms relating to heartburn, regurgitation, asthma, chronic cough, voice disorders and throat symptoms felt to be due to  gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as symptoms of difficulty to swallow.   The incidence of GERD has increased over the past two decades resulting in increase in the incidence of Barrett's esophagus predisposing patients to risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.  The experts at the Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders evaluate patients to identify those at higher risk for Barrett's esophagus and treat those who have the disease.  In those with esophageal cancer, multidisciplinary approach of the team allow for improved care for this group of patients by prompt disease recognition and treatment.

The Center for Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders has the state of the art technology in assessing patients' symptoms in order to provide the appropriate therapies.  These include:  Bravo pH monitoring, impedance/pH monitoring, hypopharyngeal wireless and conventional pH monitoring, Bilitec bile monitoring as well as high resolution manometry.  The center is currently conducting multiple studies in the area of extraesophageal reflux disease as well as studies assessing clinical utility of diagnostic testing in esophageal diseases.

Appointments for patient consultations may be scheduled by calling  615-322-0128.