Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology provider, Brooke Cemper, APRN, talking to a patient.

If you're experiencing digestive issues or severe symptoms that over-the-counter medications aren't helping with, we have a team of specialists here to help diagnose and treat your condition.

Your Gastrointestinal Tract

Your gastrointestinal tract includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas, and liver. All of these organs aid in digestion.

When you eat, food is broken down and nutrients are absorbed. It’s how your body gets the fuel it needs. Diseases and conditions with your digestive organs can hinder this process. Depending on the organ is affected, you may experience symptoms such as heartburn, trouble swallowing, bloating, pain, nausea, or diarrhea.

Disorders We Treat

Our gastroenterologists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. This may include:

Barrett's esophagus
Cancer, including colorectal cancer
Celiac disease
Cirrhosis
Gallbladder disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Hepatitis
Inflammatory bowel disease
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other small and large bowel disorders
Pancreatitis
Stomach ulcers

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Screening can find colorectal cancer early when treatment works best. Regular screening can also prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing polyps before they become cancerous. The American Cancer Society advises that screening starts at age 45. Talk to your provider about when and how often you should be screened.

Stool-based tests

Stool-based tests look at your stool for possible signs of polyps – growths that sometimes turn cancerous – or for colon cancer itself. You collect samples of your stool that are then sent to a lab for analysis.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopies are visual exams. You’ll be sedated and your doctor will insert a scope into your rectum and through your colon. Using a camera at the end of the scope, your doctor will look for precancerous polyps or signs of cancer. During the exam, your doctor can remove any polyps discovered.

Other Endoscopic Procedures

In addition to lab and imaging tests, your gastroenterologist may recommend other endoscopic procedures to examine and treat your esophagus, stomach, and other organs.