Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the medical specialty that covers disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon) and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. These organs work together to digest, absorb, and process our food as well as remove waste from our bodies.
Our gastroenterologists treat and prevent a wide range of digestive diseases. A large part of their practice is dedicated to colon cancer prevention using colonoscopy to screen for and remove potentially pre-cancerous growths called polyps.
Digestive diseases managed by our physicians include:
- Colon polyps
- Hemorrhoids
- Heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Diverticulitis
- Celiac disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Liver diseases including hepatitis B and C
- Diseases of the gallbladder and bile duct
- Pancreatitis
- Gall Stones
Procedures
Gastroenterology is a procedure-based specialty that makes frequent use of endoscopy. An endoscope is a medical device used to look inside the body in real time. An endoscope, is a thin, flexible tube with a light and a video chip attached to its tip. Gastroenterologists use endoscopes by passing them through the mouth or rectum to screen for cancer, take tissue samples for biopsies, and diagnose a variety of digestive ailments. Endoscopes also enable minimally invasive treatment of colon polyps, bile duct stones, and obstructions of the esophagus, colon and bile ducts. Endoscopies are painless procedures performed using deep sedation administered by an anesthesia specialist. View a list of common procedures performed by our gastroenterologists.
Additionally, our gastroenterologists may refer patients for radiology procedures including: Barium studies, ultrasound, CT scanning, MRI and nuclear medicine.
Our Specialists
Our board-certified gastroenterologists have all completed fellowship training in their chosen field. Learn more about our team.