OVERVIEW
The Swallowing and Heartburn Program specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex gastroesophageal disorders, including upper tract motility disorders, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal cancer, and chronic abdominal pain. We provide both primary treatment as well as second opinion evaluations for complex cases. We are also involved in a number of ongoing clinical trials in which eligible patients may participate.
SWALLOWING AND HEARTBURN PROGRAM STAFF
- Brad Kuo, MD
Director,
Motility Service - Barbara Nath, MD
Physician
Motility Service - Cheryl Bunker, MD
Physician
Motility Service
UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE, SUPERIOR OUTCOMES
Our surgeons have performed over 1,000 laparoscopic operations with no deaths and a conversion rate of less than 1% . Our surgeons are nationally recognized leaders in the surgical treatment of GERD and hiatal hernias. We are a regional referral center for the treatment of previously failed anti-reflux operations. We have the largest experience in the treatment of achalasia in New England, having performed more than 150 laparoscopic Heller myotomies.
ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC MOTILITY EVALUATION SERVICES
The Swallowing and Heartburn Program offers state-of-the-art esophageal function testing, including endoscopic ultrasound, pH probe testing, and an esophageal motility lab. We are the only center in the Eastern United States currently offering gastroduodenal manometry for gastroparesis and duodenal obstruction.
FOREFRONT OF INNOVATIVE THERAPIES FOR ESOPHAGEAL DISORDERS
The Swallowing and Heartburn Program is a leading center for the development of new therapeutic approaches, such as natural orifice transluminal surgery. Our surgeons have been active participants in the evaluation of endoluminal therapies, such as NDO Plicator and Bard EndoCinch. In a landmark study, our physicians were the first to report the use of large national databases to define indications for surgery to treat paraesophageal hernias. We were the first in New England to perform laparoscopic antireflux surgery in 1991.
