Heartburn, Reflux & Esophageal Specialty Center
Get expert treatment for heartburn, reflux, and esophageal diseases. Contact us by calling the number below or filling out the appointment request form.
CALL 203.276.4373 OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
Our Approach
At the Heartburn, Reflux & Esophageal Specialty Center, we understand your symptoms and work to determine the actual cause of your problem so we can get you back to the life and activities you enjoy.
Meet Our Providers
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GASTROENTEROLOGY
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PULMONOLOGY
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THORACIC SURGERY
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EAR, NOSE & THROAT SPECIALISTS
Symptoms Of Esophageal Disease
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Frequent heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest or throat.
- Chest pain.
- Regurgitating food or stomach contents into the mouth.
- Chronic sore throat or a chronic cough.
- Pain that radiates from the chest to the arms, neck, or back.
- Sudden excessive saliva or foam in the mouth.
- Laryngitis or a hoarse voice.
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
- Choking or retching at night.
- Pneumonia.
- Complete inability to swallow.
- Severe malnutrition.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
While still rare, esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer diagnosis in the U.S. and is often deadly when left undetected. There are several risk factors for esophageal cancer, and patients suffering from frequent heartburn or acid reflux are at a higher risk.
Esophageal cancer screening is recommended for patients who have three or more of the following risk factors for esophageal cancer:
- Chronic reflux/heartburn symptoms.
- Male.
- Age 50+.
- White race.
- Obese.
- Smoker.
- Family history of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.
To schedule a screening or request more information, please call 203.276.4373.
Conditions We Treat
Our team is committed to finding the best treatment for your specific condition. Here are a few of the conditions we commonly treat.
- Barrett’s esophagus.
- Diverticulum.
- Dysphagia.
- Esophageal achalasia.
- Esophageal cancer.
- Esophageal spasms.
- Esophageal stricture.
- Esophagitis.
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
- Hiatal hernia.
Diagnostic Testing & Treatment Options
If you're having symptoms, physicians may recommend any of the following testing which is performed at our Center.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
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BRAVO PH PROBEWireless device which detects acid in the esophagus.
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ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUDYour doctor inserts an endoscope that uses sound waves to provide detailed images of the esophagus.
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HIGH-RESOLUTION ESOPHAGEAL MANOMETRYA wire with pressure sensors into the esophagus to measure how well it passes food into the stomach.
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ESOPHAGRAMA video X-ray of the esophagus as you swallow liquid contrast.
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UPPER ENDOSCOPYAn endoscope examines the lining of the esophagus and stomach, and biopsies can be performed.
TREATMENT
The Center offers the latest procedures performed by the most experienced physicians. We aim for minimally invasive options if appropriate which may include endoscopic, laparoscopic, or robotic surgery.
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BOTOX TREATMENTMedication is injected into muscles of the esophagus to treat problems like muscle spasms and achalasia (a muscle problem causing reflux of food and acid).
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DILATIONA balloon is used to gently stretch a narrow part of the esophagus.
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ENDOSCOPIC MUCOSAL RESECTIONAn endoscope is used to biopsy or remove precancerous growths or early-stage cancer from the lining of the esophagus.
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ENDOSCOPIC ZENKER’S DIVERTICULUM REPAIRCompletely incision-less repair of a blind pouch in the upper esophagus.
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MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMYAn operation performed most for esophageal cancer where most or all the esophagus is removed. Our Center performs the operation in a minimally invasive format whenever possible, eliminating the need to spread the ribs, resulting in quicker recovery.
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RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION FOR BARRETT’S MUCOSAAn endoscopic procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to restore normal esophageal lining in patients with Barrett’s esophagus.
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ROBOTIC ESOPHAGEAL MYOTOMYA minimally invasive operation to treat achalasia and restore normal swallowing function.
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ROBOTIC FUNDOPLICATIONA minimally invasive operation to prevent gastroesophageal reflux by wrapping part of the stomach around the base of the esophagus.
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ROBOTIC HIATAL HERNIA REPAIRA minimally invasive operation to repair a hiatal hernia.
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ROBOTIC MAGNETIC SPHINCTER AUGMENTATION (LINX)A new laparoscopic surgery procedure using small incisions to place a small, expandable band of magnetic titanium beads around the esophagus. This strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach, preventing reflux and other symptoms.
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STENTINGA hollow tube is placed in the esophagus to open a blocked area in the esophagus.
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TRANSORAL INCISIONLESS FUNDOPLICATION (ESOPHYX)LINX Surgery for Reflux Treatment: An endoscopic procedure that can recreate a functional gastroesophageal valve to eliminate or reduce GERD.