Esophageal Disorders Program

Through specialized patient care, medical education and scientific research, the Esophageal Disorders Program at USC University Hospital is dedicated to the treatment and study of esophageal cancers, GERD, Barrett’s esophagus and other diseases of the thoracic foregut.

Internationally recognized for the treatment of complex esophageal disorders, our program serves patients from around the globe. As part of an academic medical center, we treat some of the most difficult cases in the Los Angeles area.

The Esophageal Disorders Program takes a carefully balanced approach to patient care, integrating clinical research and innovative programs that emphasize maintaining quality of life. We provide you and your family with access to a comprehensive support staff, including social services, care management, pain management, patient education and an experienced nursing team.

Our physicians are on faculty at the renowned USC Keck School of Medicine, which means patients may have access to new clinical trials and treatments that may not be available at other hospitals.

Swallowing Center

The USC Swallowing Center, located near University Hospital, is a multidisciplinary facility dedicated to the study and treatment of patients with difficulty swallowing food or drink. Symptoms of swallowing disorders can include choking episodes when eating, recurrent attacks of pneumonia, voice changes and an inability to maintain body weight and nutrition. Quality of life is severely impacted.

To understand dysfunction in this area requires access to skilled personnel in a dedicated swallowing function laboratory. USC physicians and surgeons, equipped with the latest technology to review the mechanics of the swallowing process, are on the forefront of diagnosis and treatment for patients with swallowing disorders.

Swallowing Center staff and surgeons are dedicated to determining the cause of a patient's symptoms, and offering state-of-the-art therapy to correct the problem or palliate the symptom.

USC Swallowing Center

USC Thoracic and Foregut Surgery