Gastroenterology

GI conditions we treat

Our gastroenterologists, certified nurses and technicians utilize state-of-the-art technology and diagnostic equipment to provide GI care for a wide range of conditions affecting the GI tract. This tract is made up of many organs, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small and large intestine. We also treat bile duct (biliary) disorders such as stones, tumors, and structures. Our GI care team provides comprehensive treatments for the following conditions:

• Acid reflux, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Anemia
• Barrett’s esophagus
• Biliary diseases
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Cirrhosis
• Colon cancer
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Pancreatitis
• Ulcers

Our highly experienced gastroenterologists will work to provide you with the best outcomes possible, from diagnosis to treatment and post-procedural care. We also provide comprehensive surgical treatments through our Hepatobiliary (HPB) and Surgical Oncology Program at Hillcrest, including treatment for various GI cancers. Learn more about our surgical services.

Colon cancer screenings

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. This type of cancer can be treated or even prevented through regular screening, which should begin at age 45 for most people. According to the American Cancer Society, when colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has had the chance to spread, the 5-year relative survival rate is about 90%.

Colon cancer can produce a range of symptoms, but some of the most common ones include new and lasting constipation or diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain and/or bloating, frequent vomiting and unexplained weight loss. However, many people show no symptoms at all, which is why colonoscopies are a vital part of your continued health.

Patients do not need a referral to schedule a colonoscopy. Call 918-579-4044 to schedule yours today.

Advanced endoscopy

Our gastroenterologists offers advanced endoscopy for GI conditions, with diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic treatments that include:

• Banding of esophageal varices: A procedure where rubber bands are placed around enlarged veins (varices) in the esophagus to stop or prevent bleeding.
• Biliary stents: Tubes inserted into the bile ducts to relieve blockages or obstructions, improving bile flow.
• Capsule endoscopy: A capsule endoscopy may be recommended to find the cause of a gastrointestinal bleeding, diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, celiac disease or to examine the esophagus for polyps.
• Endoscopic treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding: A procedure to locate and treat bleeding within the digestive tract using endoscopic tools.
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): A minimally invasive procedure that uses an ultrasound device attached to an endoscope to produce detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding tissues.
• Enteral stents: Tubes placed in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines to keep these passages open when they are narrowed or blocked.
• Small bowel enteroscopy: A procedure that uses a long endoscope to examine and treat problems in the small intestine.

Other GI treatments we provide

Our GI doctors provide a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic GI procedures aimed at managing gastrointestinal, esophageal, biliary and pancreatic conditions. Using leading-edge technology to help diagnose, treat, and manage various GI conditions, we are able to provide the following GI care services:

• Ambulatory motility recordings: A test to measure muscle contractions in the digestive tract.
• Anti-reflux treatments: Minimally invasive procedures and surgery for GERD and heartburn.
• Biliary stents and strictures: Placement of stents and management of complex biliary strictures.
• Capsule endoscopy: Wireless video endoscopy for diagnosing GI bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, celiac disease, and esophageal polyps.
• Cystogastrostomy with Axios stent: A procedure to drain pancreatic pseudocysts.
• Electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL): Breaking up gallstones or bile duct stones using electrical shock waves.
• Endoscopic mucosal resection: This less invasive alternative to surgery removes abnormal tissues from the lining of the digestive tract. These tissues may be an early stage cancer or precancerous lesions, which may turn cancerous if left untreated.
• EndoVac: Vacuum-assisted therapy for infections and wounds.
• Endoscopic papillectomy: Removal of abnormal or cancerous tissue from the digestive tract.
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): Detailed imaging of the digestive tract and surrounding tissues using ultrasound.
• GI motility disorder testing: Includes esophageal, gastroduodenal, and colonic motility studies, as well as 24-hour pH monitoring and testing for noncardiac chest pain.
• Intestinal transit studies: Tests that track the movement of food through the digestive system.
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Treatment for Barrett’s esophagus and early esophageal cancer.
• SpyGlass: Advanced tool for visualizing and diagnosing conditions in the bile ducts.
• Trans-gastric ERCP: A specialized procedure to access the bile or pancreatic ducts through the stomach.

These procedures offer access to the latest techniques in GI care, including minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgery. By offering advanced treatments, our GI specialists aim to help improve the quality of life for patients suffering from complex gastrointestinal conditions.

Gastroenterology