Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologists
focus on the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and digestive
system, including a range of organs starting at the mouth and ending at the
rectum.
Digestive Health Centers and Specialists in Florida
From time to time,
everyone can experience common digestive problems, like an upset stomach, gas,
heartburn or bloating.
Although these
symptoms may feel uncomfortable to talk about, they shouldn't be ignored. A
properly functioning digestive tract is essential for overall health, impacting
your ability to sleep, eat and even breathe normally.
Related Specialties
Learn more about our related specialties:
Gastrointestinal (GI) Conditions We Treat
Our GI doctors care
for a wide range of conditions affecting the digestive tract, including:
Cancer Screening to Diagnose Conditions
One of the most
common concerns for individuals experiencing digestive issues is the
possibility of colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer. Our GI doctors and
surgeons use early screening and innovative procedures to prevent, diagnose and
treat colorectal cancer. In addition to:
GI Services and Treatments We Offer
Our digest health
centers use offers specialized services and comprehensive digestive health
treatment. Many of these services and treatments consist of some form of
endoscopy, which do not require surgery.
Endoscopic GI Treatments
Endoscopic refers to
the use of an instrument called an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a tiny
video camera and light on the end). A gastroenterologist or surgeon uses an
endoscope to diagnose and treat various problems of the GI tract.
Capsule-based pH Monitoring
This diagnostic
method involves endoscopic placement of a pH probe, which is a small capsule,
in the esophagus. You return home for 72 hours and note any symptoms as the
capsule wirelessly sends information about your health back to a monitor. This
allows your doctor to evaluate any needs for surgery or other procedures.
Colonoscopy
During a
colonoscopy, a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. Your doctor
uses an endoscope to internally examine your colon and rectum.
A colonoscopy is the
most common method used to screen and help detect early signs of colorectal
cancer. The American Cancer Society now recommends adults 45 years old and
older to begin regular colon cancer screenings.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
During this
procedure, your physician lowers an endoscope through your GI tract and inserts
a catheter through the scope. X-rays are taken and your physician is able to
view any possible stones, tumors or narrowed bowel ducts or segments.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
This procedure uses
a special scope with an ultrasound tip to produce high-quality images, allowing
for quick diagnosis, staging of cancers and evaluation of masses, cysts or
other health conditions.
Esophageal Impedance-pH Study
This is a test to
determine whether contents from the stomach are coming up into the esophagus.
The test evaluates acid and non-acid gastroesophageal reflux.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
This examination
uses a lighted scope instrument to view the esophagus, stomach and nearby small
intestine to sample tissue, treat GI bleeding, repair ulcers, allow for
long-term feeding and stretch narrowed areas of GI tract.
High-resolution Esophageal Manometry
This is a procedure
in which a small flexible tube is placed into the nose and passed into the
esophagus. It is used to determine how well your esophagus is working by
measuring the pressure and coordination of the esophageal muscles.
By gauging the
strength of these muscles, doctors may learn more about your symptoms, like
difficulty swallowing, chest pain or gastroesophageal reflux.
Modified Barium Swallow Study
This procedure
involves ingesting foods and liquids containing barium sulfate, a contrast dye
that sharply outlines the mouth, throat and esophagus on X-ray. Using real-time
X-rays, or fluoroscopy, we can observe the movement of the barium on a monitor.
This helps us determine the cause of difficulty swallowing.
Video Capsule Endoscopy (VCE)
During this
outpatient procedure, you will swallow a vitamin-sized capsule equipped with a
miniature video camera, which wirelessly sends images to a monitor, before you
return to the hospital eight hours later. Physicians use images of the small
bowel to identify sources of obscure GI bleeding and diagnose diseases such as
Crohn's disease.
Pediatric GI
Our renowned GI
services extend to your children, too. With a team full of specialists, we work
tirelessly to resolve any discomfort or disorder your child may be
experiencing.
Some of the
pediatric GI conditions and symptoms we treat include:
Pediatric GI Services We Offer
Your child's health
is just as important to us as it is to you. That's why our pediatric GI doctors
offer a variety of diagnostic services to better understand your child's GI
health. Some of these services we tailor to your child's needs include:
Digestive Health Specialists
HCA Florida is proud
to be a part of a widespread network that spans across the state. Our esteemed
group of specialists is committed to providing you and your loved ones with
high-quality digestive care. Some specialists you may work with include: