Mission Statement: To bring knowledge to patients, caregivers, community members and pediatric health professionals regarding the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach for diagnosis, treatment and management of children who have complex airway and feeding disorders.
Pediatric Aerodigestive Center Overview
The Center for Pediatric Aerodigestive Disorders and Airway Surgery at Rady Children’s Hospital consists of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals/experts from Otolaryngology (ENT), Pulmonary/Respiratory Medicine, Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy that specializes in the evaluation, treatment, and management of complex airway disorders/problems and esophageal disorders. Our weekly consultations about these disorders are offered in a single location on the same day to provide ease for you and your child. We work with you to create a comprehensive plan within two days of assessment that is tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Mina became the first patient in the pediatric Aerodigestive and Airway Surgery Program when she was just 5 years old. Read the Story.
What to Expect
Prior to your Child’s Pediatric Aerodigestive Center Visit
Before your child’s visit, we will request any outside medical records and review any previous medical care that your child has received. After the information is obtained our coordinator will contact you to review your child’s history with you, obtain any additional input you may have about aerodigestive disorders/airway problems and review the plan for your upcoming visit. Our pediatric team then will meet to carefully review your child’s history and needs to determine what procedures or treatment may be recommended.
Day of Your Visit with Medical Professionals
On the day of your visit, our pediatric team of health professionals works in groups to thoroughly evaluate your child in a single location, obtain any additional history and answer any questions you may have at that time. In-office procedures may be performed during your visit including a fiberoptic flexible nasopharyngoscopy, laryngoscopy, or a functional endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES). Following your visit, our pediatric team will meet again to review your child’s history, explain exam findings and discuss a comprehensive plan for expert care.
Following Your Visit with Healthcare Professionals
After your visit getting expert care, our pediatric coordinator will follow up with you and other patients within two days to review a detailed plan that may include any pediatric surgery or non-surgical recommendations for the conditions we treat. We also communicate with your child’s pediatrician and any referring provider regarding this plan, which can include a pediatric surgery/procedure.
Appointments & Referrals
Access our referral forms below to request an appointment at Rady Children’s Hospital. If you or potential patients have any questions about the conditions we treat, please contact our Center for Pediatric Aerodigestive Disorders and Airway Surgery Nurse Coordinator at 858-966-8336 ext: 223403
For Families
Click the link below to access the online referral form to request an appointment.
For Providers
Click the link below to access the online provider referral form.
Support Our Program
One hundred percent of your tax-deductible gift benefits Rady Children’s Hospital.
To donate to the Pediatric Aerodigestive program, click the link below and help us reach our goal this holiday season.
Video: Learn how innovative surgery saved Jacob’s voice
Resources
In the News
- Baby Girl Born with 1 Lung and Given 20% Chance of Survival Goes Home, Good Morning America, features Matthew Brigger, M.D., M.P.H.