The Swallowing and Reflux Center at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix brings together a team of gastro-esophageal specialists who diagnose and treat disorders of the throat, esophagus and stomach through medical and surgical interventions.
The most common conditions treated are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and swallowing conditions such as achalasia, dysphasia, and upper and lower esophageal sphincter disorders. Our experts also treat Barrett’s esophagus, often diagnosed in people with long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common, affecting 275,000 people in Phoenix (or about 7 percent of the population of the greater Phoenix area). Despite this, less than one percent of patients are considered for surgical treatment.
Prevalence of GERD continues primarily because of increased obesity. While GERD can be managed with medications for most, about 15 percent of GERD sufferers cannot tolerate medications, are worried about side effects, or are not responsive to medical treatment. Surgery is a viable option for these patients, and is a part of the GERD care that the specialists at the Swallowing and Reflux Center are fully equipped to handle.
The director of the center is the only gastroenterologist in Arizona certified to perform the transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) for the treatment of refractory GERD. Our Interventional Endoscopy Services is also one of only two centers in Arizona that offers a specialized procedure known as POEM (peroral endoscopic myomectomy) to treat a motility disorder of the esophagus called achalasia.
To schedule an appointment with one of our gastro-esophageal physicians, please call (602) 521-5180.
For more information, contact the Digestive Institute at its location at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix today:
1441 N. 12th St., 2nd Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 521-5180
The Swallowing and Reflux Center is uniquely equipped to help you with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, acid reflux or GERD, and more.
The center offers a variety of tests to aid in diagnosing and treating conditions related to swallowing and acid reflux, and includes a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists in esophageal and general surgery, registered nurses, clinical nutritionists, gastroenterologists, and interventional endoscopists.
Available testing includes:
Our endoscopic procedures include:
Surgical Procedures:
In addition to managing GERD and various swallowing disorders, our Barrett’s Esophagus Center provides expert clinical services in the management of Barrett’s Esophagus. This center includes a multidisciplinary team including esophageal surgeons, gastroenterologists, interventional endoscopists, clinical nutritionists, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and nurse navigator.
Treatment options for Barrett’s Esophagus include cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic sub-mucosal dissection (ESD), and ESD techniques by our interventional endoscopy experts.
Complex cases are reviewed regularly by our multidisciplinary team to determine the best way to manage each patient’s specific disease.
Once you are scheduled for a procedure in the Swallowing and Reflux Center, a member of our team will contact you to provide more information and specific instructions to prepare for your appointment.
The University of Arizona, in coordination with Banner - University Medicine, conducts a variety of research studies and clinical trials to support a commitment to improving patient care. As a patient at Banner - University Medical Center, you may be eligible to participate, meaning you'll have access to new treatments, which may not yet be available to the public.
Barrett’s esophagus is defined by changes in the cells lining the esophagus. It is often caused by acid reflux and can be a precursor to esophageal cancer. While not all esophageal cancers can be prevented, understanding how to reduce your risk for both Barrett’s and cancer is important for your health.
Prevention includes reducing your intake of alcohol and tobacco, and maintaining a healthy weight. Treatments for GERD, including medication management and surgical procedures, may help prevent Barrett’s esophagus. If you suffer from acid reflux, the Digestive Diseases Institute can work with you to identify the best treatment for your condition.
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