Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders Center

Our team works with other Vanderbilt specialists to create a customized care plan. For patients with voice disorders, we work with ear-nose-throat doctors. Pulmonologists help us treat those with asthma and chronic cough. Our NCI-designated cancer center treats cancer of the esophagus. We also refer some patients to our excellent Vanderbilt surgeons.

We are one of only a handful of clinics in the United States treating rare or complex problems with the esophagus and swallowing. The world’s leading expert on esophageal dysmotility – when food isn’t moving from the throat to the stomach properly – is part of our team.

Vanderbilt helped develop wireless pH monitoring, which changed how reflux is diagnosed all over the world. We also use other new technologies, including impedance monitoring, high resolution manometry and bile monitoring.

If medication hasn’t helped your reflux or other symptoms, our specialists can review your diagnosis. You may need a different type of treatment, such as surgery.

We are at the forefront of science when it comes to diseases involving the esophagus. Our discoveries influence how other doctors and hospitals treat these conditions.

Our researchers are leaders in exploring ways to improve care. You may have the option to take part in studies called clinical trials, which test promising new approaches under close monitoring. Participation is always your choice. We’ll give you the information you need to decide. Explore clinical trials.