Digestive Health & Gastroenterology

Achalasia is a rare disease that affects the muscles of the esophagus, also called the swallowing tube or food pipe.

Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anal canal.

Anal fistulas are infected channels that develop when an anal gland becomes blocked.

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that occurs when tissue in the esophagus changes into tissue that looks like the lining of the intestines.

Bloody stool is a relatively common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint that can be a symptom of several underlying conditions or can be temporary and relatively harmless.

Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune disease in which the body mounts an immune response against gluten after consuming this protein.

Colonic diverticulosis occurs when there are one or more sacs called diverticula in the colon (large intestine).

A colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.

Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes inflammation (swelling) of the digestive tract.

Diverticulitis is when infected pockets form on the intestines. These pouches can cause pain, typical on the left side of the abdominal area. Treatment options include medication, diet changes and even surgery.

Eosinophilic esophagitis – or EoE – is a rare, chronic (long lasting) condition that affects the esophagus.

Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that form in the gallbladder that may cause pain in the upper right abdomen.

Hemorrhoids – also known as piles – are veins in the anus and lower rectum that become swollen.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the large intestine that includes symptoms cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas caused by digestive enzymes attacking the pancreas before they’re released into the small intestine.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) usually occurs as a result of diseases or conditions in the intestines that hinder the body from absorbing proper nutrients.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a condition that causes chronic (long-lasting) inflammation (swelling) and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract.

A barium enema is an x-ray used to find diseases in the large intestine. Also called a lower gastrointestinal exam, a barium enema is often used to diagnose problems in the colon or rectum. During the exam, the colon is filled with a barium-containing material to provide contrast. Because of the contrast, the intestine and colon can easily be seen on an x-ray. Based on conditions, you may need a single-contrast or air-contrast study, which vary slightly in process.

A barium swallow is a test that helps determine reasons for painful swallowing, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or bloodstained vomit. During the test, patients drink a beverage containing barium sulfate, which is a metallic compound that shows up on x-rays. As your doctor tracks the x-ray, the appearance of the compound can help highlight abnormalities in the esophagus and stomach, such as a narrowed esophagus, polyp or tumor.

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic exam, during which a long, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. The tube allows your doctor to view the inside of the colon, and if needed, remove polyps or abnormal tissue. Also called a coloscopy, the exam can help identify problems in the intestine and screen for colon cancer. If you’re age 50 or older, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years, or sometimes more frequently.

A colostomy is a procedure in which a surgeon creates an opening for the colon (large intestine) in the abdomen. Depending on a person’s situation, the ostomy (result of the surgery) may be temporary or permanent. There are two main types of colostomies: End colostomy and Loop colostomy.

Cryotherapy is a medical procedure that uses low temperatures to treat tissue damage, relieve muscle pain, and help heal sprains or swelling. Cryotherapy can be applied locally, an example of which is using liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove lesions, such as a mole. During whole body cryotherapy, the whole body is treated by standing in a deep-freezing tank for several minutes. This is known to decrease inflammation, direct blood flow to vital organs and boost metabolism.

When swallowing foods or fluids becomes difficult, it is often because the esophagus has become blocked or narrowed. Esophageal dilation is a common endoscopic procedure that stretches or opens a blocked portion of the esophagus. Doctors can use various techniques for this procedure, based off where the esophagus is blocked.

Esophageal manometry tests assess motor function in the esophagus. Also called esophageal motility studies, these tests monitor function in the upper esophageal sphincter, esophageal body and lower esophageal sphincter. The test is ordered when a patient has difficulty swallowing or is experiencing chest pain. Results will show whether or not the esophagus is properly moving food to the stomach.

Fistulotomy is a treatment option for anal fistula. During the procedure, the infected tunnel is opened. This is an outpatient surgery that has a recovery time of three to 12 weeks.

Heller myotomy is a surgery that treats achalasia, a disorder that prevents the ability to swallow. By making a small incision in the muscles of the cardia, Heller mytomy allows food and liquids to properly pass through the stomach. The advantages of Heller myotomy include less post-operative pain and a quicker return to normal activities.

Hemorrhoid banding is a treatment available for internal hemorrhoids. Also known as rubber band ligation, a hemorrhoid is tied off at it’s base to cut off blood flow.

Also known as hemorrhoid surgery, this is the surgical treatment option for severe internal and external hemorrhoids. During this outpatient procedure, a doctor will remove the inflamed portion and close the vein.

A hydrogen breath test measures hydrogen in the breath to diagnose issues in the small intestine. It is usually performed through the patient blowing a balloon full of air. Hydrogen breath testing is used for problems digesting dietary sugars and to diagnose bacterial overgrowth of the small bowel or rapid passage of food through the small intestine. Patients must fast for at least 12 hours before a hydrogen breath test.

Ileoanal anastomosis is a surgery that allows you to pass bowel movements after parts of the large intestine have been removed. Also called J-pouch surgery, patients elect this procedure because it does not leave a permanent opening in the abdomen. After about three months of healing, a second procedure can be performed to close the ileostomy, which allows you to pass bowel movements regularly.

During an IAR procedure, the large bowel and rectum are removed and a new reservoir is surgically constructed. The reservoir is then stitched or stapled to where the rectum was. While this can be performed in one operation, it averages two, and can take up to three sessions. After complete, the patient is able to pass stools regularly.

An ileostomy is an opening made during your abdominal wall in surgery. Made by connecting the end or loop of your small intestine to the skin’s surface, ileostomies help treat digestive diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Chrohn’s disease. After ileostomy surgery, most people recover quickly and will be able to return to normal activities.

The Linx Reflux Management System helps treat GERD when medication is not enough. During surgery, the Linx is implanted around the lower esophageal sphincter and magnetic beads help the valve close. When you swallow, belch or vomit, the beads will open. A minimally invasive treatment, Linx helps prevent acid reflux. It is also a reversible procedure. Patients are able to go home the same day of surgery and can resume eating a normal diet.

A resection is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of an organ, tissue or other structure. During a minimally invasive resection, also called a laparoscopy, your physician will make keyhole-sized incisions in the abdomen or pelvis and perform the surgery through the aid of a camera. Benefits of this surgery are smaller incisions, faster recovery time, and less pain and scarring.

Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedure that treats GERD. Performed via laparoscopic surgery, Nissen fundoplication is the go-to surgical treatment when medical therapy has failed. Also called a complete fundoplication, the surgery entails stitching the upper part of the stomach around the lower end of the esophagus. It is frequently performed in combination with modification of the pylorus.

A peroral endoscopic myotomy is an endoscopic procedure used to treat swallowing disorders, namely achalasia. During this surgery, a small, flexible tube will be placed into the mouth or rectum, which allows your physician to see into the esophagus, intestine and colon. The main benefits to choosing peroral endoscopic myotomy are no incisions and little-to-no hospital stay.

Photodynamic therapy is a form of phototherapy that uses light and a photosensitizing chemical substance to produce a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells. PDT works by directing injury to target abnormal cells and tissues. During the procedure, you may feel sensations of warmth, tingling, heat or burning. PDT causes a temporary light sensitivity, which usually lapses within six weeks.

A bowel resection is a major surgery which removes part of the bowel, including the small intestine, large intestine or rectum. Bowel resections are often used to treat cancer, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, blockage or severe bleeding. During the surgery, your physician will detach the large intestine from surrounding organs and tissues to remove damaged components. Healthy components of the large intestine are then reconnected with tiny staples or sutures.

A proctocolectomy is the surgical removal of the rectum as well as all or part of the colon. Proctocolectomies cure ulcerative colitis and can help lessen the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. During surgery, physicians make a surgical cut in the lower belly, remove the large intestine and rectum, and then create an ileostomy.

Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat chronic pain. Most commonly, it’s used to treat low back or neck pain that is caused by arthritis. During the procedure, an electrical current is used to heat sections of tissue to decrease pain. Pain relief usually lasts for six to 12 months, but it can last several years. Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure, usually performed with a local anesthetic and mild sedation.

This physical exam, also known as a rectal exam, is when a doctor uses a gloved finger to examine the rectum internally. During the procedure, the doctor will look for abnormal growths and other concerns.

A sigmoidoscopy is a medical exam of the large intestine. Using a long and flexible tube called a sigmoidoscope, your physician can check the inner lining of the rectum and lower part of the colon. This allows your doctor to check for ulcers, abnormal cells, polyps and cancer. A sigmoidoscopy is recommended for patients with gut problems, including rectal bleeding, problems with bowel movements, and abdominal pain.

A surgical resection is a procedure that removes an organ, gland, or in some cases, a body part. When only part of the organ or gland is removed, it is called a segmental resection. It can also be used to remove tumors and the tissue around them. Because of this, surgical resection is commonly used to remove cancers, including lung, pancreatic and colorectal cancer.

An upper endoscopy is a procedure used to examine the digestive system. Also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a gastroenterologist uses a thin scope to look inside the upper digestive tract. Upper endoscopies are recommended if you’re experiencing heartburn, nausea, bleeding, problems swallowing, or abdominal or chest pain. They can also help diagnose tumor, ulcers and inflammation.