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The Gastroesophageal Reflux and Motility Disorders Center at Weill Cornell Medicine uses the most advanced treatments to care for gastrointestinal motility disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, and achalasia. Our surgeons are highly trained experts in the diagnosis and surgical management of esophageal motility disorders.
The esophagus is the tube-shaped muscle that connects the throat to the stomach. Esophageal disorders occur when the esophagus muscle and opening become weak.
Normally, the esophagus pushes food through an expandable valve (sphincter) into the stomach. The sphincter opens wide to let food through and then closes to prevent stomach acid and food from backing up in the esophagus.
When the sphincter isn't functioning correctly, it can result in difficulty swallowing liquids or solids, heartburn, ulcers, regurgitation, atypical (or non-cardiac) chest pain and, over time, severe conditions such as cancer. Our team offers medical, surgical and endoscopic options to treat pain, swallowing disorders and other esophageal diseases.
The Weill Cornell Medicine Gastroesophageal Reflux and Motility Disorders Center includes surgeons and gastroenterologists who provide endoscopic techniques for the management and treatment of esophageal disorders. They work as a team to provide each patient with the best possible care.
Our team determines the most appropriate surgical treatment plan based on your unique condition, lifestyle, medical history, and health goals. The Weill Cornell Medicine Gastroesophageal Reflux and Motility Disorders Center has the expertise to dig deep into understanding and treating the esophagus. We apply this expertise to provide fast and thorough testing and diagnosis.
Our team focuses on the diagnosis and management of esophageal motility disorders. The Gastroesophageal Reflux and Motility Disorders Center provides diagnostic tests including esophageal manometry and pH studies. Nearly all patients referred to our institution will require an Esophageal Manometry and sometimes a pH probe to determine the cause of their symptoms. Most studies have shown that reliance on symptoms alone has a high failure rate of surgical management in esophageal disorders.
These tests are typically required to diagnose:
• Hiatal and Paraoesophageal hernia repairs
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm
• Dysphagia (swallowing disorders)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Gastroparesis
• Motility disorders caused by other conditions
Our doctors diagnose and treat all gastroesophageal reflux conditions and motility disorders with compassion. Patients from around the region seek care from Weill Cornell Medicine because of our surgeons’ depth and breadth of expertise.
The cause of motility disorders is unknown. One prevention strategy is to try to avoid a serious infection. At Weill Cornell Medicine Gastroesophageal Reflux and Motility Disorders Center, our physician-scientists are conducting research to better understand gastroesophageal disorders — as well as determine the causes and innovative therapies. Our patients have direct access to cutting-edge clinical findings.
Whether you visit us virtually through a video visit or see us in person, you can be assured that we will deliver the highest standards of care with compassion. Our team has taken every step to keep our facilities safe for you to continue your care. Learn more about our safety measures and the changes we’ve made to enhance your patient experience.
If you would like a remote second opinion, we can connect you directly with expert physicians and specialists at the Weill Cornell Medicine Colon and Rectal Surgery Division. They will review your individual situation, answer your questions, and provide you with information you can share with your family and local practitioner. You can then decide to come to our facilities for treatment or choose to stay in your hometown and receive treatment locally. Learn more at WCM OnDemand Second Opinion.
Meet Our Surgeons
The surgeons at the Weill Cornell Medicine Gastroesophageal Reflux and Motility Disorders Center offer patients the highest level of safety and care. As a top-ranked academic medical center, you have access to our extensive network of specialists who provide seamless care throughout your treatment — to promote long-term physical and mental health.
To find out more about the Gastroesophageal Reflux and Motility Disorder Center please click here.