Centers & Programs News Esophageal

Columbia University Center for Esophageal Disorders

The Center for Esophageal Disorders at Columbia University Medical Center, under formation in 2007, will advance the level of care for patients with esophageal cancer, achalasia, Barrett's esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux, and other esophageal disorders. According to Marc Bessler, MD, Director of Laparoscopic Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, the center will offer the full spectrum of treatments including dietary advice, medical interventions, endoscopic procedures, and surgery, with an emphasis on laparoscopic surgery whenever possible. Collaborating leaders of the new center include Joshua R. Sonett, MD, Chief of General Thoracic Surgery, Charles J. Lightdale, MD, Director of Clinical Gastroenterology, and Peter D. Stevens, MD, Director of Endoscopy, Department of Medicine.

As an innovator of minimally invasive surgical techniques, Dr. Bessler has pioneered important methods of performing bariatric and abdominal surgeries. He now looks forward to bringing this expertise to the treatment of esophageal cancer: "Not many hospitals offer minimally invasive esophageal procedures," he explains. This new multidisciplinary center will incorporate the specialized expertise of gastroenterologists, nurse practitioners, surgeons, abdominal and thoracic surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialists in minimally invasive surgery.