Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health

At UCLA Health, we have a diverse group of experts treating a wide range of esophageal disorders. Our team cares for patients of all ages to promote esophageal health.

Woman with esophageal pain
Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health at UCLA

Why choose UCLA Health for esophageal disorders?

We're dedicated to improving your quality of life and providing innovative treatment. The Kardashian family has partnered with UCLA Health to establish a center for holistic, patient-centered treatment, research and education related to disorders of the esophagus. When you come to the UCLA Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health, you receive:

Multispecialty approach: We draw from a vast pool of experts across UCLA Health. You receive customized care from skilled specialists, including gastroenterologists, motility experts, interventional endoscopists, head and neck surgeons, general and thoracic surgeons, speech pathologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists.

State-of-the-art technology: Our experts harness the power of the latest technology for  advanced screening, diagnosis and treatment. Precision helps us target care to your specific needs.

Access to Integrative Digestive Health and Wellness Program: We take a holistic approach to esophageal treatment and health. Your care team may also include GI dietitians, an integrative nurse practitioner and certified mindfulness teacher, and a GI health psychologist.

Coordinated care: We work with a dedicated team of nurse coordinators and nurse practitioners who manage care between specialties for efficiency and expedited care.

Access to clinical trials and research: We have the resources of a major medical center and teaching hospital behind us. Scientists in research laboratories work closely with physicians to bring you new and improved diagnostics, treatments and prevention strategies.

Our areas of care

Our esophageal experts combine technology and expertise to deliver accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. We work as a team to optimize your health and help you feel your best.

Comprehensive evaluations

Our specialists diagnose esophageal disorders by gathering a thorough medical history and physical examination. As part of the evaluation, your physician may order additional testing and consult other center specialists. Our comprehensive assessments enable us to deliver the most effective therapies for you.

Precise diagnosis

Our experts use the latest technology to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and evaluate how well your esophagus works. We offer diagnostic testing including:

  • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
  • Esophagram
  • Esophageal burger study
  • Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
  • High-resolution manometry
  • Impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP™)
  • Modified barium swallow study (MBSS)
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Wire-based esophageal pH testing
  • Wireless pH testing (Bravo™)

Customized care

Our specialists provide exceptional care for all types of esophageal disease and dysfunction. We draw from evidence-based best practices to create a tailored treatment plan. Whether you need medications, endoscopic procedures, holistic care, or surgery, you’re in expert hands.

Esophageal conditions we treat

We have experience treating all esophageal disorders, from common to complex. Some of the conditions we treat include:

  • Acid reflux/gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Achalasia
  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Belching disorders
  • Cricopharyngeal bar
  • Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES)
  • Dysphagia
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Esophageal stricture
  • Esophageal varices
  • Esophagitis
  • Globus pharyngeus
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Inlet patch
  • Jackhammer esophagus
  • Laryngopharyngeal reflux
  • Scleroderma
  • Zenker’s diverticulum

Treatments we offer

Your individualized treatment plan may include a combination of therapies. These may be:

Medications

Some esophageal disorders respond well to medications. Your physician may recommend options such as acid-suppressing medications, promotility agents to increase contractions or muscle relaxants.

Minimally-invasive endoscopic procedures

Our interventional endoscopists perform minimally invasive procedures to treat a range of esophageal conditions. We use state-of-the art technology for these techniques, which often result in fewer incisions and faster recovery. You may receive:

  • Botox® injections during endoscopy
  • Chromoendoscopy
  • Cryotherapy
  • Dilation
  • Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
  • Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
  • Stenting
  • Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF)

Surgical procedures

In some cases, you may need surgery for an esophageal disorder. Our skilled surgeons use the the latest surgical techniques during:

  • Esophageal / Heller myotomy
  • Hiatal hernia repair
  • Laparoscopy
  • LINX® Reflux Management System
  • Fundoplication
  • Thoracoscopy
  • Zenker’s diverticulectomy

Health and wellness guidance

Our aim is to diagnose and treat disease while optimizing your health. You receive personalized care from an experienced multidisciplinary team as well as registered GI dietitians, health psychologists, integrative nurse practitioners and other support services.

Meet our team

We are part of an integrative health care team including gastroenterologists, motility experts, interventional endoscopists, general and thoracic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, oncologists, speech pathologists, radiation oncologists, GI dietitians, health psychologists, integrative nurse practitioner, pathologists and radiologists.

Contact us

Call 833-373-7674 to connect with one of our specialists in esophageal disorders.

Find your care

We work as a team to provide outstanding esophageal care. Call 833-373-7674 to connect with a specialist at the UCLA Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health.