Gastroenterology

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is and area of medicine that comprises the normal function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. It includes common and complex conditions such as colon polyps, cancer, hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract disease, nutritional problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and pancreatitis. Overall, a Gastroenterologist provides for the preventive care, diagnosis, and disease management of the body's digestive organs.

When should I see a Gastroenterologist?

Typically, your Primary Care Physician will refer you to a Gastroenterologist if you have uncontrolled, new, or concerning GI symptoms. A GI Specialist is needed in specific cases, so be sure to discuss options with your PCP. Let your PCP know if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Abdominal Pain
• Bloody Stool
• Bloating
• Excessive Gas
• Prolonged Constipation
• Prolonged Diarrhea
• Trouble Swallowing

You don't need to have symptoms to see a GI specialist for cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk* of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool, or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum, like a colonoscopy. 

Learn about the American Cancer Society's guidelines for colorectal cancer screening. 

Our services

• Bravo™ Reflux Testing System - The Bravo™ Reflux Testing System allows physicians to evaluate the frequency and duration of acid reflux through advanced pH monitoring.
• Colonoscopy- A medical examination used to detect changes, abnormalities, or disease in the large intestine or rectum.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening- These screenings are used to look for disease, like precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. It is recommended that adults age 50 to 74 be regularly screened for colorectal cancer.
• EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) - An EGD is an endoscopic procedure that allows physicians to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum.
• ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) - An ERCP is a procedure used to examine and treat problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts, and the gallbladder.
• Esophogeal Dilation- Esophogeal Dilation is a procedure that allows physicians to widen or stretch an area of the esophagus that is too narrow.
• Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)- the procedure for placing a feeding tube directly into the stomach through a small incision in the abdominal wall for patients who will be unable to take in food by mouth for a prolonged period of time. 
• PillCam™- used in capsule endoscopy procedures to visualize the small bowel in order to detect and monitor abonormalities.
• Sigmoidoscopy- A sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the sigmoid colon by means of a flexible tube inserted through the anus. 

Areas of treatment

• Acid Reflux - A common condition that occurs when stomach acids flow back into the esophagus, irritating the lining tissues.
• Celiac Disease- Celiac Disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten that can damage the small intestine.
• Constipation- A condition in which bowel movements occur infrequently or stool is difficult to pass.
• Colorectal Cancer - A cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum.
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)- A condition in which a person's ability to eat or drink is disrupted. 
• GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)- A digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This backwash can irritate the lining of the esophagus.
• Hepatitis- An inflammatory condition of the liver.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease- An umbrella term used to describe intestinal disorders that cause inflammation of the digestive tract. 
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - A cronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating and gas.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease- Peptic ulcer disease occurs when an individual experiences the perpetual development of peptic ulcers.
• Ulcertive Colitis- An inflammatory bowel disease where inflammation and ulceration of the color and rectum is observed. 

Need a colonoscopy in NE Texas or SE Oklahoma? Call Paris GI Care at 903.784.4140.