Esophageal Diseases

Esophageal Diseases

Robert T. Kavitt, MD, MPH, assistant professor of Medicine and Medical Director, Center for Esophageal Diseases with Donna Nozicka, RN, BSN

A Center Dedicated to Esophageal Disorders

The University of Chicago Medicine's Center for Esophageal Diseases is one of the few centers in the nation solely dedicated to diagnosing and treating disorders of the esophagus. Our patients benefit from advanced treatments, leading-edge technology and a level of experience and innovation only available at a handful of other leading medical centers in the world. You can trust that your care is being guided by top specialty physicians who are dedicated to tailoring treatment to meet your needs. 

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What We Treat

Our team approach means patients benefit from the combined expertise of physicians who have the knowledge and perspective to address all aspects of esophageal disease.

Minimally Invasive Esophageal Surgery

The University of Chicago Medicine has many experts who specialize in minimally invasive surgery for esophageal problems. Our surgeons take a team approach to the diagnosis and treatment of all esophageal conditions, and work closely with other experts in the Center for Esophageal Diseases.

Anti-Reflux Surgery: A Patient Success Story

Musician Michael Meadows came to UChicago Medicine to treat his acid reflux. Dr. Yalini Vigneswaran came up with a plan to treat more than just his acid reflux so he could return to the stage.

Dr. Vigneswaran with an anti-reflux surgery patient
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Why Choose UChicago Medicine for Esophageal Care

Dr. Robert Kavitt looking into a patient
Dr. Mustafa Hussain pictured with David Dodd at CCD
Dr. Kyle Hogarth with his team in surgery
Yalini Vigneswaran, MD, with a GERD patient
Dr. Robert Kavitt reading results of esophageal diseases diagnostic technology on a computer
Dr. Vivek Prachand walking with a patient in the CCD
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Dedicated to Esophageal Care

As one of the few centers in the U.S. dedicated solely to the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders, our Center for Esophageal Diseases brings together nationally and internationally recognized clinicians and researchers in a variety of related disciplines to provide patients with advanced options, resources, experience and innovation.

Esophageal Conditions

Treatment Designed For You

At UChicago Medicine, we ensure your care is personalized for your unique circumstances and needs. Our gastroenterologists work hand-in-hand with our surgeons to coordinate diagnosis and treatment for even the most complex disorders. As a result, our outcomes are considered a model for outstanding patient care.

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State-of-the-Art Hospital

The Center for Care and Discovery was specifically designed to provide the nation’s most advanced care, enabling UChicago Medicine to recruit leaders in the field of esophageal disease. Our state-of-the art hospital and medical center is equipped with the latest technology for the management of gastrointestinal disorders. These include confocal laser endomicroscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, high-resolution esophageal manometry, pH and impedance testing, laser ablation therapies, endoscopic mucosal resection and robotic surgery.

Providing the Most Advanced Care

World-Class Esophageal Experts

Our surgeons take a team approach to the management of all esophageal conditions and work closely with other esophageal care experts as part of the Center for Esophageal Diseases. For example, since 2006, thoracic surgeon Mark K. Ferguson, MD, and gastrointestinal surgeon Vivek N. Prachand, MD, have merged their expertise in minimally invasive surgery to perform combined laparoscopic/thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, avoiding the pain and risk of wound complications associated with the traditional large abdominal and chest incisions used for these procedures.

Focused on Esophageal Care

Minimally Invasive Options

At the Center for Esophageal Diseases, we emphasize the use of the least-invasive treatment methods, and our experts specialize in minimally invasive surgery for esophageal problems. Many patients with precancerous conditions can be successfully treated using non-surgical endoscopic techniques. For patients that require surgery, our expert surgical team can typically perform the procedure through very small incisions, rather than traditional open techniques that require large abdominal and chest incisions.

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Top-Ranked GI Program

U.S. News & World Report ranks our digestive disorders program among the best in the nation. Our doctors are internationally recognized as leaders in their field and several are often on America's Best Doctors list.

Among the Best in the Nation

Eating Again After Achalasia

Eating and drinking became increasingly difficult for Dorian Brantley. Gastroenterologists diagnosed achalasia — a rare digestive disorder that affects the muscles between the esophagus and the stomach. Brantley had a peroral endoscopic myotomy to correct the problem. Now, she is back to enjoying all her favorite foods again.

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Dorian Brantley, University of Chicago patient and UChicago Medicine nurse, eating pizza again after her achalasia surgery
US News and World Report 2023-24 Badge for Gastroenterology
Nationally Ranked in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery

According to U.S. News & World Report's 2023-24 Rankings
Newsweek world best hospital gastroenterology
World's Best Hospitals for Gastroenterology

Newsweek ranked UChicago Medicine as one of top 50 best hospitals in the world for gastroenterology care.
Dr. Sonia Kupfer
Find a GI Clinical Trial

We’re committed to advancing discoveries that transform our patients’ lives and expand our physicians’ knowledge.
Outside of the CCD
Traveling to Receive Care?

Destination UChicago Medicine is a new program providing concierge services for patients traveling from beyond our service areas for gastrointestinal care.