Norton Healthcare\u2019s gastroenterology team has been treating conditions of the esophagus and swallowing disorders for patients in Louisville and Southern Indiana for more than 30 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our board-certified and fellowship trained specialists will work with you to address the source of your difficulty swallowing and develop a customized treatment plan to ease your symptoms before you experience long-term effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our gastroenterologists have access to a full range of treatment options for swallowing disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many patients are successfully treated with medication or by learning physical techniques to improve swallowing. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. We\u2019ll work with the thoracic surgeons at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute to get your recovery started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Esophageal cancer is treated in a multidisciplinary manner with the specialists at Norton Cancer Institute. Norton Cancer Institute specialists provide leading-edge care and are principal investigators on numerous emerging treatments in clinical trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swallowing disorders and conditions of the esophagus include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We use a range of tests to evaluate the health of your esophagus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These include upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD). An EGD allows your physician to visually examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. A flexible tube with a camera at the end is threaded down the esophagus while you are sedated, but conscious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EGD can evaluate upper digestive disorders such as heartburn, ulcers, abdominal pain and gastroparesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An EGD also is used for Bravo tests that measure pH levels in the esophagus. The Bravo test uses a small transmitter, about the size of a gelcap, placed in your esophagus during an EGD. When you notice certain symptoms of GERD, you\u2019ll press a button on a small receiver. Data collected by the Bravo test will be used as part of your diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We use esophageal manometry to collect information about how food moves through your esophagus and into your stomach. Called motility, a wave of muscle movement moves food along through your digestive system.<\/p>\n\n\n