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Esophageal Program

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Loyola Medicine’s Esophageal Program—housed within the Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition—delivers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for a full spectrum of esophageal disorders. Our team of gastroenterologists, interventional endoscopists, speech pathologists, pulmonologists, and rheumatologists collaborate seamlessly to diagnose and treat conditions ranging from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) to motility disorders like achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm. Loyola’s status as one of the few U.S. centers dedicated to swallowing and esophageal health, along with U.S. News & World Report recognition, reflects our deep commitment to excellence and innovation.

In addition to delivering state-of-the-art clinical care, Loyola’s program is actively engaged in cutting edge research aimed at improving diagnostics, refining therapies, and enhancing patient quality of life. As part of an academic medical center, our experts also serve as educators and mentors, training the next generation of gastroenterologists in a robust fellowship that immerses trainees in complex esophageal disease management. 

Why Choose Loyola for Treatment of Esophageal Conditions?

Loyola Medicine is a regional leader in digestive health, offering advanced, patient-centered care for complex esophageal conditions. We emphasize a collaborative, holistic approach, incorporating the latest medical therapies, minimally invasive procedures advanced diagnostics, and supportive services to address every aspect of your care. Patients benefit from access to cutting-edge tools—such as high-resolution esophageal manometry, pH impedance testing, and endoscopic ultrasound—which enhance diagnostic accuracy and support the effective implementation of treatment plan.

Patients Benefit From:

  • A dedicated team of esophageal specialists
  • State-of-the-art diagnostics and minimally invasive treatment options
  • Integrated care with surgeons, dietitians, speech-language pathologists, and oncologists
  • Access to clinical trials and research advancements
  • Personalized treatment plans designed for optimal outcomes and long-term relief 

Meet our Esophageal Specialists

Our esophageal specialists are board-certified and bring extensive experience in diagnosing and treating complex esophageal conditions. They work closely with thoracic surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, dietitians, and speech-language therapists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. 

Conditions treated by the Esophageal Program

Loyola’s gastrointestinal specialists work closely with the Swallowing Center's multidisciplinary team to help manage the following conditions:

  • Achalasia
  • Barrett's esophagus
  • Diffuse esophageal spasm
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Esophageal strictures
  • Gastritis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Gastroparesis
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR)
  • Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD)
  • Peptic strictures
  • Zenkers diverticulum 

Diagnostic services

At our Esophageal Program, we offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic tests to evaluate swallowing disorders, reflux disease, and other esophageal conditions. These state-of-the-art tools help our specialists accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms and guide the most effective treatment plan. Below are the key diagnostic services we provide:

  • Upper Endoscopy (EGD) – A procedure using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine.
  • Bravo pH Monitoring – A wireless device temporarily attached to the esophagus to measure acid levels over 48–96 hours and evaluate acid reflux.
  • EndoFLIP (Endolumenal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe) – A tool that uses a balloon catheter to assess esophageal distensibility and function during endoscopy.
  • Esophageal Manometry – A test that measures the strength and coordination of esophageal muscle contractions to evaluate swallowing disorders.
  • Esophageal Impedance-pH Testing – A combined test that detects both acid and non-acid reflux by measuring changes in resistance and pH in the esophagus.
  • Barium Esophagram – A series of X-rays taken after swallowing barium to visualize structural and functional issues in the esophagus.
  • Esophageal Biopsy – Tissue samples taken during endoscopy to evaluate for conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus.
  • 24-hour pH Monitoring with Catheter – A catheter-based test that tracks acid levels in the esophagus over 24 hours to diagnose GERD.
  • CT or MRI of the Chest – Advanced imaging to evaluate structural abnormalities or masses affecting the esophagus. 

Esophageal Treatment Options

Our experts provide the latest in medical, endoscopic, and surgical treatments, including:

  • Medication management for acid suppression and motility disorders
  • Endoscopic procedures such as dilation, ablation, and resection
  • Advanced endoscopic procedures including esophageal Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for the non-invasive management of achalasia
  • Botox injection for esophageal spasms and achalasia
  • Minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic and robotic techniques
  • Diet and lifestyle counseling tailored to each diagnosis
  • Speech therapy for swallowing disorders
  • Anti-reflux procedures such as LINX and Nissen fundoplication
  • Esophageal stenting and advanced cancer care 

GI Research and Innovation

Loyola’s Esophageal Program is committed to advancing the field of gastroenterology through research and innovation. Our physicians are involved in clinical trials and academic studies aimed at improving treatment outcomes, developing new therapies, and expanding our understanding of esophageal diseases. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in ongoing clinical research and benefit from emerging therapies not widely available.

  • Advancements and active research include:
  • Role of esophageal function in lung transplant patients
  • Impact of gastric emptying in heart and lung transplant patients
  • Diagnostic strategies for GERD
  • Role of behavioral health treatments in GERD
  • Dietary management of eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Impact of POEM in the management of achalasia

Our program continues to maintain an active research presence with participation in clinical trials, treatment registries, as well as patient opportunities to be part of a research database to ultimately help improve patient outcomes measured by not only treatment success, but also by high quality, efficient care delivery and patient satisfaction.

Learn about Loyola’s current clinical trials