Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders Center
If you have trouble swallowing or live with an illness that affects the tube connecting your throat and stomach (called the esophagus), it can cause other problems. These conditions can be hard to identify. Our specialists at Vanderbilt are here to help you find solutions and relief for your esophageal problems. Even if previous medications or surgeries have not helped you, we have the experience to diagnose your issue and provide a treatment plan that's right for you.
Conditions We Treat
We treat all swallowing and esophageal conditions, including:
- Esophageal dysmotility
- Esophageal problems related to obesity and/or bariatric surgery
- Esophageal strictures
Meet Your Care Team
Christopher D. LindMD
- Esophageal Diseases, Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, General Gastroenterology
Stephanie A. McAbeeMD
- Esophageal Diseases, Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, General Gastroenterology
Rishi D. NaikMD, MSCI
- Esophageal Diseases, Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, General Gastroenterology
Dhyanesh A. PatelMD
- Esophageal Diseases, Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Mark J. RadlinskiMD
- Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Interventional Endoscopy, Pancreatic Disease, Pancreas
Shabnam SarkerMD
- Esophageal Diseases, Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, General Gastroenterology
Why Choose Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders Center at Vanderbilt
- Team approach
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.
- Knowledge and expertise
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.
- Advanced technology
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.
- Second opinions
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.
- Innovation
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.
- Clinical trials
Because we are part of an academic medical center, we offer access to some of the most promising new treatments and therapies being tested in clinical trials. Participating in a clinical trial is always optional. Find a clinical trial.
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including:
- Bilitec bile monitoring
- Bravo capsule (wireless) pH monitoring
- Endoscopic treatments
- Medication
- Mucosal integrity testing (MIT)