Digestive Health/Gastroenterology
Our physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals collaborate closely in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders—including those that affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts—utilizing cutting-edge technology and research.
Memorial Digestive Health
When it comes to the field of gastroenterology in Mississippi, Memorial stands at the forefront. Every day, it is our goal to provide our patients with the best service and the highest quality of gastrointestinal care.
When you first enter our facility and meet with our physicians and specialists, it will be clear to you that the high-quality medical care you receive is equaled only by the warm, friendly environment in which it is given.
Digestive Health Conditions
Memorial Digestive Health gastroenterologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon) and biliary system (liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts) including:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Malabsorption disorders
- Difficulty swallowing
- Diverticular disease
- Gallbladder disease
- Hemorrhoids
- Hiatal hernia
- Liver disease
Digestive Health Diagnostic Testing
Memorial Hospital provides a number of diagnostic procedures that test for digestive health concerns. The range of tests and treatments for digestive diseases are as broad and diverse as the range of conditions they address.
Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a procedure in which a long, flexible tube, or endoscope, with a small camera on the end is inserted into the throat and into the esophagus. This enables your doctor to examine your esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of your small intestine.
Colonoscopy
When there are abnormalities in the functioning of the colon or concerns about possible colon cancer, your gastroenterologist may order a colonoscopy. In this test, an endoscope is inserted into your rectum, and a small video camera on the end of the tube enables a view of the inside of the colon.
Sigmoidoscopy
A sigmoidoscopy is a short test that looks at the rectum and lower part of the large intestine. “Colon” is the medical term for the large intestine, and the sigmoid colon is the lower part. The sigmoid colon ends in the rectum. Waste collects in the rectum and leaves your body when you have a bowel movement. A sigmoidoscopy will check for possible causes of rectal bleeding and other symptoms.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
If you are experiencing ailments of your bile and pancreatic ducts, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography combines upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and x-rays.
Other Testing Procedures
Memorial Hospital offers the above and numerous other procedures that test for and diagnose digestive disorders and diseases:
- Esophageal manometry
- Pharyngeal manometry
- 24-hour pH probe
- 48-hour pH Bravo capsule
- 24-hour impedance pH
- Electrogastrography
- Anorectal manometry
- Small bowel manometry
- Conventional radiography
- Abdominal imaging
- Urography
- Cystography
- Computed tomography
- Ultrasonography
- Doppler imaging
- Gastrointestinal fluoroscopy
- PEG/PEJ
- Bravo pH Monitoring
- Capsule Endoscopy
Comprehensive, Customized Treatment Plans
Some disorders may be treated successfully with a simple change in diet, while others may require advanced surgical techniques. Memorial Hospital’s expert gastroenterologists work with you using advanced diagnostic tests to assess your individual condition and design a treatment program customized to fit your diagnosis, your needs and your lifestyle.
Get a Referral to See a Gastroenterologist
Start with your primary care provider, and they will refer you to see a gastroenterologist.