Our board certified gastroenterologists are highly trained physicians with expertise in gastroenterology, endoscopy, hepatology, women’s GI health, genetic diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and nutritional or absorptive disorders. They focus on the digestive system and its disorders, taking care of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the colon. Our gastroenterologists are committed to providing compassionate and personalized care using the most advanced, cutting edge technology and focus on evidence based medicine. Our mission is to serve our patients and the community utilizing an integrative approach, to build quality relationships, and to offer prompt and accurate diagnoses for those who experience digestive issues, such as:
- Gastrointestinal reflux disease
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal bleeding
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis)
- Celiac disease
- Liver disease including hepatitis
- Hemorrhoids
- Problems involving gallbladder and pancreas
- Difficulty swallowing
- Women’s GI health
Preventative care is of paramount importance in maintaining proper gastrointestinal health.
The Most Common Procedures
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that examines the inside of the lower intestinal tract called the colon or large intestine. You will be required to consume a liquid bowel preparation to adequately cleanse your colon the evening before your scheduled procedure. Our office will provide you written instructions on how to best prepare for your colonoscopy. Your doctor will use a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope, which has its own lens and light source, and will view the images on a video monitor. During the procedure, you will receive anesthesia which will keep you safe and comfortable and your doctor might perform a biopsy (small tissue samples) or polypectomy for further testing. When used as a colon cancer prevention method, colonoscopy can find potentially precancerous growths called polyps and remove them before they turn into cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year and nearly 50,000 people die from the disease. It has been estimated that increased awareness and screening would save at least 30,000 lives each year.
Common Reasons for Colonoscopy
- Screening test for colorectal cancer
- Positive FIT or Cologuard stool tests
- History of polyps or cancer in your colon
- Lower intestinal or rectal bleeding
- Chronic diarrhea
- Low blood count (anemia) with a low iron level
- Change in bowel habits
- Lower abdominal pain
Upper Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy, often referred to as an EGD is a procedure that allows a gastroenterologist to examine the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the esophagus, the stomach, and the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). Your doctor will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which has its own lens and light source, and will view the images on a video monitor. During the procedure, you will receive anesthesia which will keep you safe and comfortable and your doctor might perform a biopsy (small tissue samples) for further testing.
Common Reasons for Upper Endoscopy
- Heartburn or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Unexplained pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Vomiting blood or blood found in stool coming from the upper part of GI tract
- Low blood count (anemia) with low iron level
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abnormal findings on imaging studies such as x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan or MRI
- To check the healing or monitor progress of stomach ulcers or tumors
Capsule Endoscopy
Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a procedure performed that allows your gastroenterologist to view images of your upper gastrointestinal tract with a focus on the small intestine. It is performed by you swallowing a small tablet the size of a multivitamin which has a camera lens inside. The images taken are transmitted to a belt recorder that you wear on your waistband and analyzed by your physician. There is no required anesthesia and the capsule is naturally passed in your stool. You will have to perform a light bowel preparation to cleanse your intestinal tract the evening before the procedure. Our office will provide you written instructions on how to best prepare for your capsule endoscopy.
Common Reasons for Capsule Endoscopy
- Unexplained low blood count (anemia)
- Detecting polyps, ulcers, small intestine tumors
- Evaluation for inflammatory bowel disease
Hemorrhoid Treatment
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum. Sometimes they can cause itching, bleeding and pain. Hemorrhoids are very common and in some cases, you can see or feel them outside the rectum. In other cases, you cannot see them because they are inside the rectum. We provide an office based, minimally invasive procedure that typically requires 5 minutes to perform. Using a rubber band ligation device, we are able to selectively treat internal hemorrhoids and prevent long term complications. Typically, three sessions of treatment are required to produce the most beneficial results.
Gastroenterology Resources
Did you know it is estimated that there will be 149,500 new cases of colorectal cancer resulting in over 53,000 patient deaths in 2021; with nearly 12% in individuals under 50 years old? Screening guidelines have been updated to recommend that average-risk patients be screened beginning at age 45.
Recommendations for high-risk patients have not changed and those with a family history of colon cancer, personal or family history of colon polyps should be considered for earlier screening and undergo a consultation with a gastroenterologist.