Gastroenterology (Digestive Disorders)

Beaumont offers many of the newest therapies to treat a wide range of digestive conditions, from the most stubborn case of common heartburn to rare diseases of the liver. All gastroenterologists on staff are board certified, so you know you’re receiving care from a well-trained specialist.

Gastroenterologists are physicians with training in management of diseases of the digestive tract, including:

• liver
• esophagus
• stomach
• small intestine
• colon and rectum
• pancreas
• gallbladder
• bile ducts

Diseases GI physicians commonly treat are:

• colon polyps and cancer
• hepatitis
• gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn)
• Barrett’s esophagus
• peptic ulcer disease
• Crohn’s disease
• ulcerative colitis
• gallbladder and biliary tract disease
• nutritional problems
• irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS
• pancreatitis

Endoscopy

Many of the procedures now performed by gastroenterologists involve the use of an endoscope. An endoscope is narrow, flexible tube that is inserted into the body through the mouth or the anus to visualize the inside of the intestinal tract. The built-in video camera can be used to diagnose conditions during procedures known as upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. During a “scope” procedure, miniature surgical instruments can also be used to perform procedures such as remove colon polyps, cauterize to stop bleeding or stretch narrow areas of the esophagus or intestine.

Beaumont also offers several specialists who are highly trained and skilled in performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograpy, or ERCP. In this procedure, the specialist uses an endoscope to examine the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas.