Articles

Acute Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen involved in digestion. Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The most common causes are alcohol consumption and gallstones. Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Patients may need to be hospitalized for treatment,

Ambulatory pH Monitoring

This test is used to measure how often and for how long acid enters the esophagus from the stomach. It is done to evaluate the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as measure how effective GERD is being treated by medication. It is performed by placing a very thin tube through

Anal Fissure

Anal fissures are tears in the lining of the anal canal. Common symptoms include anal pain, especially with bowel movements, and bleeding. Treatment can include stool softeners, Sitz baths, topical medications, or minor surgery.

Anorectal Manometry

This test measures the muscle function of the rectum and anus. It is commonly performed in patients who have constipation, difficulty passing stool, or leakage of stool (incontinence). A very thin tube is inserted into the rectum. It is attached to a machine that records data on the muscle contractions

Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a condition where the lining of the esophagus is damaged by chronic acid reflux (GERD). It does not cause any symptoms and can be diagnosed by a physician performing an upper endoscopy (EGD). There is a small increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. It is therefore managed

Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that allows for video images to be taken off the digestive tract. The patient swallows a capsule that contains cameras, a light, a battery, and a transmitter. Images are sent to a recorder that the patient wears during the day while the capsule passes through the digestive

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes damage to the lining of the small intestine, interfering with digestion. It is triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats. It can cause a variety of symptoms, although some patients are asymptomatic. Treatment

Chronic Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with hepatitis B, a virus. People become infected with hepatitis B from exposure to blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal fluid from an infected person. Patients can have no symptoms or become mildly or severely ill over a period of weeks to months.

Chronic Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. It is transmitted by exposure to blood from an infected person. Many patients experience no symptoms, but chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. It is diagnosed by blood tests. Patients

Chronic Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an abdominal organ involved in digestion. Repeated injury can lead to inflammation and then scarring of the pancreas. This can lead to problems with digestion, as well as the development of diabetes. The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is chronic alcohol consumption.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver that can lead to liver dysfunction. There are many causes of cirrhosis, but the most common causes are infection with the hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus, chronic heavy alcohol use, or fat deposits in the liver. Complications of cirrhosis can include jaundice (yellow

Clostridium Difficile Infection

C. diff is a bacterial infection of the large intestine that causes diarrhea, and sometimes colitis (inflammation of the lining of the large intestine). This bacteria is found in the environment. Patients most commonly develop an infection after taking a course of antibiotics, or after being exposed

Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a cancer of the large intestine and rectum. It is the third most common cancer in the United States. These cancers typically form from smaller polyps which are abnormal growths on the lining of the colon. Common symptoms include a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal

Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are growths that occur on the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum). They typically do not cause symptoms, although larger polyps can bleed or cause a change in bowel habits. Some polyps have the potential to turn into colon cancer, which is why they are completely removed at

Colonoscopy

This is a procedure that allows a physician to visually examine the large intestine (colon and rectum), typically while the patient is sedated. Prior to the exam, patients will drink a laxative to clean out their digestive tract. A colonoscope is used, which is a long thin flexible tube with a light

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn's disease causes inflammation of part of the digestive tract. Any area can be affected but most commonly occurs at the end of the small intestine and the right side of the large intestine. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, fatigue, and weight loss. Crohn's disease

Contact Us

Our Location

Find us on the map

Primary Location