Gastroenterology

From chronic heartburn to complex surgeries of the colon, stomach and pancreas, Huntington Hospital's gastroenterologists and general surgeons provide a comprehensive range of interventions, designed to return patients to health as promptly and as painlessly as possible.

Gastroenterology
At our gastroenterology center, a team of gastroenterology experts provides relief for patients suffering digestive ailments and conditions of the digestive tract, such as chronic heartburn, diverticulitis and colon cancer.

Some of the more common gastroenterological conditions for which Huntington Hospital regularly treats patients include:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition caused when stomach acid backs up (or refluxes) into the esophagus. In most cases, this refluxing of fluid is due to a defect of the valve (lower esophageal sphincter) that separates the two organs. The condition is treated with dietary modification and/or medications called sodium pump inhibitors. If symptoms cannot be sufficiently eliminated by these methods surgery can correct the defective valve. Both open and minimally invasive surgical procedures are available.

Gallstones
Gallstones are hard solids that vary in composition and size, and often cause no symptoms. However, if a stone blocks the gallbladder ducts or the gallbladder itself becomes inflamed, complications may occur, including pain in the upper or right abdomen, fever, nausea, jaundice and/or vomiting. Gallstones are easily diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound, a simple, noninvasive imaging technique. Open cholecystectomy is an inpatient procedure available at Huntington Hospital to remove large stones. We also provide an effective minimally invasive outpatient procedure called laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease refers to two distinct conditions: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis produces inflammation of the colon, while Crohn's disease often affects the entire digestive tract. Diagnosis is made only after establishing a thorough patient history, performing a physical examination and, if necessary, carrying out a diagnostic minimally invasive procedure to examine the bowel. At Huntington Hospital, a full range of options are available to treat IBD, including medication, diet modification and/or surgery.

Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the second most deadly form of cancer in the United States, claiming approximately 55,000 lives each year. However, recent advancements in screening methods allow physicians to wage effective, preemptive strikes against the disease, increasing the patient's likelihood of making a full recovery. Today, Huntington Hospital's highly trained physicians can detect even tiny precancerous growths, known as polyps, through a variety of advanced screening methods, and can provide the full range of treatment options.

Gastroenterology and General Surgery
When surgery is required, Huntington Hospital's team of skilled surgeons, physicians and other professionals stand ready to provide the most advanced care available in our region. Surgical suites with the most modern instrumentation available help ensure that local patients receive the level of care they deserve and expect from a regional center of Huntington Hospital's stature. In fact, three suites are specifically designed to accommodate sophisticated, minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures.

An increasing number of both gastrointestinal (GI) and general surgery procedures including gallbladder removal, hernia repair, appendectomy and many colon surgeries, including excision of benign (noncancerous) tumors, can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. As a result, patients often enjoy significant reductions in healing time and postsurgical pain, along with less scarring and a more prompt return to normal daily activities.

For a physician referral call 1 (800) 903-9233 or go to our Physician Directory