Esophageal Disease
Esophageal disease is a type of digestive disease that specifically affects the esophagus, the tube-like organ that connects your mouth to your stomach. If you have esophageal disease, our convenient location and comprehensive care allow you to focus on what matters the most: your treatment and recovery.
Esophageal Disease Care at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital: Why Choose Us
Many of our gastroenterologists excel at diagnosing esophageal disease. Our hospital offers all the capabilities and amenities of a large facility but in a comfortable, community setting.
With a full range of diagnostic technology and techniques at their disposal, our physicians offer you:
- A commitment to endoscopic procedures: Our gastroenterologists specialize in endoscopic esophageal procedures. Endoscopic procedures are minimally invasive and result in better patient outcomes, including fewer side effects.
- Nationally recognized care: We were honored with the National Top Performer award from Professional Research Consultants for our Endoscopy Department. Learn more about us and our other recognitions.
- World-renowned neurogastroenterology and motility experts: Neurogastroenterology is the specialized study of the interaction between the brain and the stomach, and esophageal motility focuses on problems with the movement of food through the esophagus. Through Washington University, our motility experts are well known around the globe and offer cutting-edge clinical and research expertise.
- Experienced specialists: Our doctors perform over 20,000 outpatient endoscopic procedures each year for all kinds of conditions, including disorders of the esophagus.
- Leaders in advanced techniques: Many of the specialty techniques and parameters used for assessment of esophageal motility (movement) and reflux were developed or extensively researched at Washington University. In fact, the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS) routinely sends trainees to Washington University for their Clinical Training Program in Neurogastroenterology and Motility.
- High patient satisfaction: Becker’s Hospital Review ranked us No. 1 in Missouri for patient engagement. This means we have low readmission rates and a high level of patient self-care support. We also offer easy access to the hospital and hospital endoscopy facilities from area highways, free parking and well-trained nurses and supportive staff in a comfortable, less crowded environment.
Types of Esophageal Disease We Treat
Our expert gastroenterologists offer comprehensive treatment and advanced diagnosis for all kinds of esophageal disease:
What Is the Esophagus?
The esophagus is a muscular, tube-like organ that connects your mouth to your stomach. Its job is to transport food, liquid and saliva.
What Is Esophageal Disease?
There are many types of diseases that affect the esophagus. Some diseases of the esophagus are common, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), while others are rarer and more serious.
If you are suffering from esophageal disease, it is important to seek treatment. Some relatively harmless esophagus conditions can be associated with debilitating symptoms, leading to a poor quality of life, if left untreated.
How Is Esophageal Disease Diagnosed?
Our expert gastroenterologists offer comprehensive testing to diagnose esophageal disease. We are proud to offer advanced diagnosis options typically available only at larger medical centers.
Proper diagnosis of esophageal disease is the first step in helping you feel better. Our advanced diagnostic procedures include:
- Endoscopy: A non-surgical procedure to examine the digestive tract. Learn more about upper endoscopy.
- Barium swallow: A specialized X-ray series of the digestive tract
- Esophageal manometry: Measures movement and pressure in the esophagus
- Ambulatory acid probe tests: Measures frequency and amount of stomach acid in the esophagus
Contact Us
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist, call Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital at 314.542.WEST (9378) or toll-free at 844.542.9378.
We are conveniently located just one mile west of I-270 on Olive Blvd., at Olive and Mason in Creve Coeur, Missouri - a west county suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Get directions to our hospital.