Conditions | Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center | St. Thomas Medical Group

GASTROENTEROLOGY ENDOSCOPY CENTER

CONDITIONS

Gastrointestinal Conditions and Disorders

Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus is a complication of chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Colon & Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer forms in the lining of the colon. Rectal cancer forms in the lining of the rectum, the last several inches of the large intestine terminating in the anus. Either of these cancers is called colorectal cancer.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This chronic disorder causes inflammation in the digestive tract, also known as the GI tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and other symptoms.

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis is a condition when small pouches, called diverticula, form in the wall of the colon. This becomes more common as people get older. About half of people over the age of 60 have diverticulosis. A low-fiber diet can exert more pressure on the colon during bowel movements, which can cause these pouches to form. Diverticulosis does not cause any symptoms until they become inflamed or infected resulting in diverticulitis. These two conditions together are called diverticular disease.

Gastrointestinal and Gastroenterologist

The term gastrointestinal (GI) refers collectively to the organs of the body that play a part in food digestion. A gastroenterologist is an internal medicine physician who has undergone additional education and training to specialize in gastroenterology, or the treatment of diseases in the gastrointestinal tract and liver.

Heartburn, Acid Reflux & GERD

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. This may cause heartburn and may ultimately cause damage to the lining of the esophagus. GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is when a person experiences chronic acid reflux.

Helicobacter Pylori (Stomach Infection)

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the stomach, chronic gastritis, and ulcers in the stomach or small intestine.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are veins around the anus or lower rectum that have become swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids can happen either inside the anus or under the skin around the anus. They are common in both men and women.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine (colon) and can cause bloating, abdominal cramping and a change in bowel habits.

Liver Disease

Liver disease, also called hepatic disease, refers to a number of diseases that may affect the liver and its function. The liver plays a role in the production of bile, blood-clotting factors and amino acids, and aids in the processing and storage of iron for red blood cell production.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine called the duodenum. When an individual has chronic peptic ulcers, it is known as peptic ulcer disease (PUD).

Stomach Problems and Swallowing Problems

Most people have experienced some type of stomach problem or discomfort in their lifetime. A person experiencing swallowing problems, which is called dysphagia, may have difficulty swallowing foods or liquids.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the lining of the rectum and colon. Ulcers form where inflammation has injured the cells that usually line the colon, which then may bleed and create pus.