Gastroenterology Services
Take a Colon Health Assessment
The board-certified gastroenterologists and general surgeons at Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas treat a broad range of GI-related conditions, including:
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Celiac disease
- Colon polyps and colorectal cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- Fatty liver disease
- Gallbladder and biliary tract disease
- Gastritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn)
- Hepatitis and other liver diseases
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Pancreatic diseases
- Peptic ulcer
- Problems with the digestive system
- Dysphagia/Swallowing disorders
We also perform a number of specialized procedures and treatments, including:
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy examination is used to visually examine a patient’s entire colon and rectum for abnormalities. Colonoscopy is generally considered the procedure of choice for colon cancer screening. During the exam, a colonoscope — a long, flexible tube — is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at its tip allows the gastroenterologist to view the inside the colon.
In some cases during colonoscopy, if a polyp or abnormal tissue is found, the gastroenterologist may remove it at that time. Alternatively, a tissue sample (biopsy) of the polyp may be taken for lab analysis to determine whether subsequent surgical removal of the tissue is needed.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is the use of narrow, flexible lighted tubes with built-in video cameras to look inside the intestinal tract. This training includes the use of medications to ensure the comfort and safety of patients during these procedures. Most important, our team is trained interpret the findings of these studies in order to recommend treatment and/or prevent disease.
Upper GI endoscopy is also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy and EGD. EGD is used to visually examine your entire esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first portion of small intestine) for abnormalities. In some cases during EGD, if a polyp or abnormal tissue is found, your doctor may remove it at that time. Alternatively, a tissue sample (biopsy) of the polyp may be taken for lab analysis to determine whether subsequent surgical removal of the tissue is needed.
Endoscopic Retrograde Chilangiopancreatography (ERCP)
ERCP is used to view the common bile duct and locate and treat blockages in the duct. The most common blockages are caused by gallstones. Narrowed sections, called strictures, can also block the duct. During this procedure, the stone is removed from the duct. Stents (tubes) may also be placed in narrow places in the duct to allow bile to flow out.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy exam is often used in the evaluation of the lower part of the large intestine, or the colon, and also the rectum. The exam is conducted by your physician with the use of a sigmoidoscope, a flexible tube that is about 60 cm long.
Your gastroenterologist may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam to investigate the cause of certain symptoms, such as: changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, rectal pain, and diarrhea. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is also often utilized to evaluate the colon and to screen for colon cancer.
Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy with PillCamTM SB video capsule enables us to detect and diagnose disorders of the small intestine, small bowel tumors, and malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease. The patient swallows a pill-sized video capsule, which has its own camera and light source. The capsule travels through the body, sending images to a recorder that is worn on a waist belt. During the 8-hour exam, most people are able to perform normal activities. The patient returns the recording device to the office, and the pill passes naturally, usually within 24 hours. This procedure is conducted through the gastroenterologist’s offices rather than the hospital.
Barrx HALO Ablation Therapy for Barrett’s Esophagus
HALO ablation therapy a major advance in Barrett’s esophagus treatment – a precancerous condition of the esophagus caused by chronic acid reflux. A catheter is inserted into the esophagus alongside the endoscope. At the tip of the catheter there is a small balloon that is inflated near the treatment area. Once in position, the ablation catheter delivers a short burst of energy to remove the diseased tissue while reducing the risk of injury to the healthy tissue layers.
Treatment of Crohn’s Disease/Ulcerative Colitis
New medications are available to help relieve symptoms and put Crohn’s Disease into remission. Many patients continue to have freedom from flare-ups through ongoing therapy prescribed by our gastroenterologists