In October 2017, Gillette opened an Aerodigestive Clinic at our St. Paul campus. Aerodigestive conditions involve disorders of the respiratory and digestive systems, including the mouth, throat, lungs and esophagus.
Many of the patients we treat in the Aerodigestive Clinic may have trouble feeding or swallowing, or struggle with aspiration or excessive saliva production. We approach treating these disorders by combining the expertise of several specialists in one comprehensive appointment, which significantly reduces strain on our patients and families.
The Aerodigestive Clinic is staffed by a multidisciplinary, collaborative team that includes:
- Anesthesiology
- ENT
- Gastroenterology
- Nutrition
- Pediatrics
- Pulmonology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Social Work
- Speech Pathology
Having this many respective experts dedicated to your patient means that they will receive a comprehensive evaluation on their first visit, and we’ll work with you to put together a care management plan for what lies ahead.
Approximately 75% of patients seen in the Aerodigestive Clinic will benefit from some type of procedure. Common procedures resulting from an aerodigestive evaluation may include:
- Airway evaluation
- Anti-reflux surgery
- Botulinum toxin injections into the salivary glands
- Bronchoscopy
- Impedance probe studies
- Salivary gland surgeries
- Sedated endoscopy, tracheostomy and impedance probe placement (combination)
- Tracheal diversion
- Vital stimulation
Many patients benefit from a triple endoscopy, which looks at the larynx, bronchi and esophagus. The benefit of the test allows comprehensive evaluation with only one episode of anesthesia. This test may pinpoint the cause of aerodigestive concerns.
For more information about care at Gillette, or to learn how you can refer your patients, please call 651-325-2200 or 855-325-2200 (toll-free).
