Gastroenterology
Preparing for Your Procedure
Help us make your GI procedure go as smoothly as possible by reading about what to expect and how to prepare.
Get Prep List
Everyone experiences the occasional upset stomach, heartburn, or other digestive or gastrointestinal problem. But, if you have a GI issue that won’t go away or that interferes with daily activities, it may be time to see a gastroenterologist.
Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating problems in the digestive tract. The digestive tract includes the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, colon and rectum.
One of the best GI labs in Kansas City is located on our campus. The lab performs nearly 60 procedures every day, and works closely with our gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal and colorectal surgeons, meaning you can be confident in the care you receive.
Conditions We Treat
Surgeries and Procedures
If you require surgery, our gastrointestinal and colorectal surgeons offer minimally invasive approaches for many procedures.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer has the second highest rate of cancer deaths in the U.S. It affects both men and women. Colorectal cancer typically develops from precancerous growths in the colon or rectum. Having a colonoscopy on a regular basis can detect abnormal growths so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. The test can also detect colorectal cancer early, when it is highly curable.
Risk Factors
You can’t control some risk factors, like your age, family history, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. You can control other risk factors, such as
- Excessive alcohol use
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity (having too much fat around the waist)
- Smoking
- Your diet
Signs and Symptoms of Colon or Rectal Cancer
- Change in bowel habits or stools that are narrower than usual
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness or cramps)
- Unexplained anemia
- Unexplained weight loss
Colorectal Screening Guidelines
Our gastroenterologists recommend the following colorectal screening schedule:
- Initial screening at age 50; age 40 for African Americans
- If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, get an initial screening 10 years before the affected family member’s age at diagnosis.
- For example, if your mother was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 45, have your first screening at age 35.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, contact us at 816-691-2099, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.