Aerodigestive Clinic

The UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Multidisciplinary Aerodigestive Clinic is designed to provide families with patient and family-centered care for complex airway and swallowing problems. The patients are evaluated by a pediatric otolaryngologist, pediatric gastroenterologist, pediatric pulmonologist and pediatric speech and language pathologist with expertise in pediatric swallowing at a single comprehensive appointment. State-of-the-art diagnostic evaluations are available such as pediatric FEES (functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing). This is a real-time assessment of swallowing that eliminates the need for radiation required during the more traditional pediatric swallow evaluation called an MBSS or modified barium swallow study. Comprehensive airway evaluations and GI endoscopies are coordinated under the same general anesthetic by our care team to optimize safety and convenience for families and to minimize risks and families are provided with a comprehensive treatment plan.