Laryngology
Overview
The UW Medicine laryngology team specializes in the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of diseases affecting the throat. This includes all aspects of care related to voice, airway and swallowing disorders. UW Laryngology is unsurpassed in the breadth and depth of clinical practice of contemporary laryngology at the highest level. The multidisciplinary approach to patient care practiced by our team of laryngologists and voice/swallow therapists follows an ideal model of collaborative care. All members are intimately familiar with the complex anatomy and physiology of the larynx, pharynx, trachea and esophagus.
We work closely with our University of Washington colleagues in speech/language pathology for assessment and treatment planning. We have a deep relationship with the related areas of the UW Medicine system, including UW Pulmonary Medicine, Gastroenterology, Neurology, and the Center for Esophageal Surgery to provide comprehensive diagnostics and care. The result is an enhanced, coordinated approach to treatment of the whole patient.
Treatment options provided by our specialists
- Treatment of laryngeal cancer – both minimally invasive and open techniques
- In-office vocal fold surgery including vocal fold augmentation for paralysis, in-office laser for vocal fold growths and tumors, and airway dilation
- Botox injections for spasmodic dysphonia and other neurological disorders affecting the larynx
- Office-based and surgical treatment for benign voice disorders such as vocal fold nodules, polyps, and cysts
- Laser treatment for airway diseases
- Both endoscopic and open surgery for Zenker’s diverticulum
- Comprehensive care of vocal fold paralysis – including diagnostic laryngeal EMG, office-based injection, laryngoplasty, traditional framework surgery, and laryngeal reinnervation
Performing Voice Clinic
The Performing Voice Clinic at the University of Washington Medical Center is dedicated to connecting performing artists for a timely evaluation by our team of fellowship trained laryngologists and speech pathologists. Working as a collaborative team, we aim to meet the goals of performing artists with the least invasive measures possible. We often collaborate with voice and theatre teachers to ensure that our patients receive coordinated care from all who support them on their journey to vocal recovery. Learn more.
To make an appointment, please call 206-598-SING or email Performvoiceclinic@uw.edu.
Providers
Neel K. Bhatt, MD
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Eve Champaloux, MD, PhD
LARYNGOLOGY FELLOW (2024-25)
Joseph Chang, MD
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
John Paul Giliberto, MD
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND ASSISTANT CHIEF CLINICAL INFORMATION OFFICER FOR SURGICAL SERVICES
Kaalan E. Johnson, MD
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Kristine Kratochvil, ARNP
TEACHING ASSOCIATE; ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDER
Al Merati, MD
PROFESSOR
Tanya K. Meyer, MD
PROFESSOR AND RESIDENCY PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Maya Sardesai, MD, MEd
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR; ASSISTANT DEAN FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, UW SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Lisa Zughni, MS, CCC-SLP
TEACHING ASSOCIATE; DIRECTOR OF SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
Clinics and Research Center
Seattle Children's Hospital
At Seattle Children's, we specialize in caring for children with a broad range of conditions, from ear infections to problems with hearing and speaking.
Otolaryngology-HNS at UW Medical Center - Montlake
Our highly trained surgeons, providers, nurses and support staff treat patients with disorders such as chronic sinusitis, dizziness, cancer and the loss of ability to hear, speak and/or swallow.
Research
