Digestive Health (Gastroenterology)

Gastroenterologists treat a wide range of conditions that affect your digestive system, which is also called your gastrointestinal or GI tract. Your digestive system includes your esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, colon and rectum. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist at PeaceHealth if you have:

Abnormal liver test labs
Bloating
Blood in the stool
Colorectal cancer screening needs
Constipation
Diarrhea
Heartburn or indigestion
Jaundice
Nausea
Pain in your stomach or abdomen
Trouble swallowing

To give you the comprehensive care you need, gastroenterologists at PeaceHealth work closely with other specialists like these:

Primary care doctors
Interventional radiologists
General and colorectal surgeons
Imaging specialists
Dietitians

You can get an advanced diagnosis and treatment at PeaceHealth, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery for colon surgery, treatment of Barrett’s esophagus and diagnosis of pancreatic diseases.

Gastroenterology at PeaceHealth

Seamless, integrated care

Gastroenterologists work with a wide range of specialists to make sure you get the complete care you need. They work with imaging experts, oncologists, surgeons, weight loss experts, dietitians and other specialists to give you personal attention and quality care.

Colorectal cancer expertise

PeaceHealth offers a wide range of minimally invasive methods to diagnose and treat colorectal cancer. You’ll work with a team that will design a care plan to meet your needs — with personal attention and support throughout your healing journey.

Fast, accurate diagnosis

We use advanced technology to find the cause of your symptoms. In some instances, your doctor can diagnose and treat your condition during a single procedure. Your care team focuses on giving you the power to help you heal better and faster.

Individual attention

Digestive health experts design treatments around your needs. Your care team treats you — not just your illness. You’ll get care from a team focused on your health and well-being.

Conditions We Treat

Anorectal conditions: These conditions affect your anus and rectum. They include hemorrhoids, anal warts and anal tears and abscesses.
Colorectal conditions: These conditions affect the colon and rectum, which make up your bowel. Conditions include colon polyps, inflammatory bowel syndrome (includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and celiac disease.
Esophagus and stomach disorders: Your esophagus and stomach make up your upper digestive tract. Common conditions include achalasia, Barrett's esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis and stomach ulcers.
Gallbladder disorders: Your gallbladder stores bile, which helps you digest fat. Disorders can include gallstones, cholecystitis and cholestasis.
Gastrointestinal Cancer: Cancer can affect any of your digestive organs. Gastroenterologists work with oncologists (cancer specialists) to treat gastrointestinal cancers such as stomach, colorectal, esophageal, pancreatic and liver cancers.
Liver, pancreas and biliary conditions: Your liver, pancreas and gallbladder help you break down and digest food. Conditions can include pancreatitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure and gallstones.

Treatments Provided

Cancer screening

Regular cancer screening can mean early detection — and a better chance for survival. We offer the latest screening technologies for breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and more.

Diagnostics and imaging (gastroenterology)

Along with blood and stool tests, your doctor may use imaging tests such as CT and ultrasound to find out what’s causing your symptoms. Common diagnostic tests include:

Upper GI – uses real-time x-rays called fluoroscopy and a barium contrast solution that you swallow to help your doctor better see this part of your GI tract.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) – an advanced MRI that shows detailed pictures of your liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and pancreatic duct.

Endoscopy (gastroenterology)

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an endoscope (a flexible, lighted tube with a camera) to look for problems. It’s used for diagnosis methods, such as biopsies, and treatment. Types of endoscopy procedures include:

Colonoscopy – views the inside of your colon and is a helpful tool for removing precancerous colon polyps.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – diagnoses and treats liver, gallbladder, bile duct and pancreatic problems.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) – views the inside of your esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum).
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – is a minimally invasive procedure to assess digestive (gastrointestinal) and lung diseases. A special endoscope uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the lining and walls of your digestive tract and chest, nearby organs such as the pancreas and liver, and lymph nodes.
Endoscopic stenting – opens narrowed or blocked areas in the GI tract using a flexible mesh tube (stent).
Fundoplication – a minimally invasive method to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Radiofrequency ablation – removes the abnormal lining of the esophagus in Barrett's esophagus.
Capsule endoscopy – a pill with a tiny video camera that’s swallowed, showing images of your small bowel as it passes through it.

Nuclear medicine imaging