Gastroenterology

Our gastroenterologists provide complete care for the GI tract, the system of organs that work together to digest food. Organs in the GI tract include the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine and anus.

Certain factors may increase your risk for GI cancers, such as:

• Being 55 years old and older
• Certain medical conditions or infections, such as:
  • Common variable immune deficiency (CVID)
  • Gastric atrophy
  • Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) bacterial infection
  • Hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus
  • Pernicious anemia
  • Untreated GERD
• Diet high in meat, salt, fat, smoked foods and pickled vegetables
• Diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Family history of GI cancers
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Previous stomach surgery
• Smoking

Once you come in to see us about a potential diagnosis, we will use advanced imaging tests and diagnostic procedures to provide an accurate diagnosis. Our suite of diagnostic services includes:

• Biopsy
• Blood test
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Digital rectal scan
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• Upper endoscopy
• Upper GI series

Endoscopy center

Our hospitals gastroenterology labs offer suites dedicated to diagnosing and treating GI conditions, such as:

• Bronchoscopy — An examination of your lungs and airways
• Colonoscopy — An examination of your interior of the rectum and colon
• Cystoscopy — An examination of your bladder and urethra
• Endoscopic ultrasound — A combination of endoscopy (inserting a probe into a hollow organ) and ultrasound to obtain high-quality images of the inside of your body
• Laparoscopy — A minimally invasive surgery that allows a physician to view and treat the organs of your pelvis and abdomen
• Upper GI — An examination of your esophagus and stomach

The Center for Diagnostic and Respiratory Health at Parkridge Medical Center uses artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the detection of precancerous colonic polyps during colonoscopies. This enhanced screening capability is a powerful new ally in preventing colorectal cancer (CRC).

Colorectal cancer screenings help physicians find colon cancer before it causes symptoms. These screenings also identify when the chances for successful treatment, optimal outcomes and fewer adverse effects are greatest.

The computer-aided polyp detection system was “trained” with 13 million pictures of precancerous polyps to precisely recognize their surface characteristics during a colonoscopy. This enhanced ability to detect precancerous colon polyps will likely result in better CRC screenings and improved outcomes.

Gastroenterology lab

The Gastroenterology Labs at Parkridge Medical Center and Parkridge East provide physicians with access to the latest equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of colon, esophageal and lung-related diseases. The lab also offers a convenient location for patients to obtain routine tests, such as colonoscopies.

If you are seeking treatment difficult conditions, like acid reflux or a form of GI cancer, our gastroenterology services are designed to help you turn your quality of life around.

Advanced GI care

Heartburn is a very common condition affecting the GI tract, and many experience it at some point. However, chronic heartburn can be a symptom of acid reflux or, in more severe cases, GERD. A potentially serious complication of GERD happens when the lining of the esophagus changes to resemble tissue lining the intestines. This can lead to a condition called Barrett's esophagus, which can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

GERD treatments

Our hospitals provide effective treatment for GERD, including several types of bariatric surgery.

We also treat Barrett's esophagus with a procedure called radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This procedure destroys damaged cells with heat, while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.

GI cancer treatment

Our GI specialists screen for, diagnose and treat a variety of GI cancers. We offer unique services and use leading-edge equipment to serve your unique needs through a personalized care plan. If you are concerned about a possible diagnosis, it is important to note the potential risk factors for GI cancer.

Our surgical oncologists have specialized knowledge of rare and complex cancer types and apply various treatments for these disorders. Some of our GI cancer treatments include:

• Chemoembolization
• Radiation therapy
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Radiosurgery