Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that deals with diseases of the digestive tract: the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, colon, and rectum. Gastroenterologists treat conditions such as ulcers, colitis, Crohn’s disease, acid reflux (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive health issues.

GI Expertise

When you need gastrointestinal care, you don’t have to go far to find the best.

• Our GI lab is the busiest in the Northland, performing 40-60 procedures per day—each delivered with personalized care.
• Our skilled, board-certified gastrointestinal and colorectal surgeons offer minimally invasive approaches for many procedures.
• Our nurses have over 175 years of combined experience in GI care. Five of our nurses are certified in gastroenterology. Many of our dedicated staff have been at the hospital for over 20 years.

Gastrointestinal Procedures We Perform

• EGD (upper endoscopy)
• Colonoscopy
• Colorectal surgery
• ERCP
• HALO ablation therapy for Barrett’s esophagus
• Upper and lower endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• Esophageal manometry (measuring pressures within the esophagus)
• pH studies (measuring acid in the esophagus)
• Capsule studies
• Single balloon enteroscopy
• Endoscopic mucosal resection

Colorectal Screening Guidelines 

The best weapon against colon and rectal cancer is knowledge and early detection. That’s why we recommend the following colorectal screening schedule:

• Initial screening at age 50; age 40 for African Americans
• For people with a family history of colon cancer, screenings should start 10 years prior to the affected family member’s age at diagnosis. For example, if your mother was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 45, then you should have your first screening at age 35.
• Follow-up recommendations depend on findings at the time of initial colonoscopy and may range from 6 months to 10 years. Follow your doctor’s recommendation.

Signs and Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of colon or rectal cancer can be:

• Rectal bleeding or blood in or on the stool
• Change in bowel habits or stools that are narrower than usual
• Stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness or cramps)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained anemia