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Center
for Voice (Laryngeal) & Esophageal Disorders
Loyola
University Health System's (Loyola) Center for Voice
& Esophageal Disorders offers patients with voice
or swallowing disorders a unique opportunity to be treated
by highly specialized physicians and speech pathologists.
The
Center for Voice & Esophageal Disorders is located at Loyola University
Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. Loyola offer diagnostic,
non-surgical and surgical treatment.
The
work of Loyola's voice specialists has gained recognition
nationally and internationally in several areas:
- A
voice videoendoscopy laboratory in which scopes are
used to get a magnified view of the throat to better
diagnose voice and swallowing problems.
- Patients
with laryngopharyngeal and/or esophageal reflux (stomach
acid coming up into the esophagus, back of the throat or voicebox)
can be evaluated in the outpatient clinic using endoscopic
techniques avoiding a trip to the operating room.
Therapy is begun after evaluation. In addition, any
problems with the lower esophagus can be diagnosed and referred to a physician specializing
in gastrointestinal disorders.
- Neurologic
disorders affecting the larynx (voice box) such as
vocal cord paralysis are evaluated and treated by
our experts who are familiar with all aspects of laryngeal
rehabilitation procedures, both medical and surgical.
- Use of transnasal -- through the nose -- esophagoscopy
allows physicians to examine the esophagus in the
office without sedation of the patient.
- Broken blood vessels in vocal cords, a condition
caused by continuous singing or speaking, are treated
with pulsed laser which leaves no scarring and does not
alter the sound of the voice.
Through
the comprehensive services of the Center for Voice & Esophageal Disorders,
our professionals treat the special needs of patients
with voice and swallowing disorders. Procedures that
are performed routinely include:
- Pulsed
potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser for scarless
treatment of vascular malformations, dysplasia (an
early form of cancer), papilloma (a benign tumor)
and other disorders of tissues surrounding the vocal
cords
- Surgical
correction of airway scarring (caused by breathing
tubes or an injury to the neck) and stenosis, or narrowing
of the airway
- Conservative
surgery for larynx (or voicebox) cancer, including
endoscopic laser excisions and voice restorations
- Endoscopic
surgery using a laser to correct muscular disorders
in the throat that cause Zenker's diverticulum and
cricopharyngeus dysfunction
- Microsurgery
to repair vocal folds
- Voice
therapy with a specialized speech pathologist
Locations
and Contacts
Voice and esophageal services are available at:
Loyola
Outpatient Center
If you would like to make an appointment or need
assistance to find an appropriate physician, please
call us at (888) LUHS-888.
Related
Links
Otolaryngology services
Program
Director
Lee
M. Akst, MD
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