Akron General's gastroenterologists
are physicians who specialize in disorders and conditions
of the gastrointestinal tract, including Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease (GERD) or Heartburn, Ulcers and Colorectal
Cancer. Gastroenterologists treat all problems of
the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes
the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine
(colon), rectum, liver, pancreas and gall bladder.
Read on for more information on common GI problems
and treatment.
The most common problems associated
with the GI tract include GERD or Heartburn, Ulcers
and Colorectal Cancer.
Advanced Technology for Faster
Diagnosis
Akron General now offers two types of testing for
gastric disorders using the newest technology for
patient comfort and convenience. The first is the
BravoTM pH Monitoring System, which uses a small
capsule, about the size of a gelcap to collect and
transmit data. This enables physicians to analyze
esophageal pH levels and gastric reflux during the
patient's every day activities. Abnormal pH levels
are often a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD).
The second of these technologies
is the Givens capsule. It's a tiny camera that allows
physicians to see the entire small intestine, helping
in the diagnosis of a range of small bowel diseases,
like Crohn's disease, gastrointestinal bleeding
and more. Akron General Medical Center is one of
the only hospitals in the area to offer these technologies.
Surgeons and gastroenterologists
perform endoscopy procedures at Akron General Medical
Center. Patients must have a referral by their physician
for an endoscopy procedure.
Other departments or services,
which may be involved in your care:
Endoscopy
Nutrition
McDowell
Cancer Center
Surgery
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
(GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux refers
to the backward flow of acid from the stomach up
into the esophagus. Reflux is also known as heartburn
or acid indigestion when excessive amounts of acid
reflux into the esophagus. It is often described
as a burning chest pain from the breastbone up to
the neck and throat with a bitter taste in the throat,
lasting up to two hours. GERD is most common among
older adults and pregnant women.
Diagnosis & Treatment
In some cases, acid indigestion can be controlled
by diet modification and the proper use of over-the-counter
medications. It is important to avoid the foods
and beverages that contribute to acid indigestion,
including chocolate, coffee, peppermint, greasy
or spicy foods, tomato products and alcohol. Tobacco
also stimulates stomach acid production, so quitting
smoking often reduces or eliminates symptoms.
When symptoms of acid indigestion
are not controlled with lifestyle modifications,
a visit to a gastroenterologist is necessary to
prevent further complications. The following tests
may be conducted to determine if symptoms are caused
by acid reflux or a complication of reflux.
- Upper GI X-ray, or Barium Esophagram
(X-rays of the digestive tract)
- Endoscopy (insertion of a small
lighted flexible tube through the esophagus and
stomach to examine for abnormalities)
- Esophageal Manometry or Esophageal
pH (measures pressure and function of the esophagus,
as well as the degree of acid refluxed, through
a small flexible tube inserted through the nose
into the esophagus and stomach)
- When acid cannot be controlled
with medication, anti-reflux surgery may be recommended.
Anti-reflux surgery improves the natural barrier
between the stomach and the esophagus.
Ulcers
An ulcer is an area of the stomach
that has been destroyed by digestive juices and
stomach acid. Most ulcers are no larger than a pencil
eraser, but they can cause tremendous discomfort
and pain. The most common symptom of an ulcer is
a burning pain in the abdomen located between the
navel and the bottom of the breastbone. Less common
symptoms of an ulcer include nausea, vomiting and
loss of appetite and weight.
There are two major causes of
ulcers. Patients with ulcers are often infected
with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
and have a genetic predisposition to ulcers. Others
who develop ulcers are usually regular users of
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS),
such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Diagnosis & Treatment
In many cases, ulcer pain can be reduced or eliminated
through diet modifications or prescription acid-blocking
medicine. If symptoms persist, your gastroenterologist
will often conduct an Upper GI X-ray or Endoscopy.
- Upper GI X-ray, or Barium
Esophagram (X-rays of the digestive tract)
- Endoscopy (insertion of a small
lighted flexible tube through the esophagus and
stomach to examine for abnormalities)
There are several tests available
to detect the presence of H. pylori, including blood
samples, a breath test or a stomach biopsy.
Patients with ulcers must avoid
foods that worsen symptoms and quit smoking, as
smoking has been shown to inhibit ulcer healing
and is linked to ulcer recurrence. Ulcer patients
should not take aspirin or ibuprofen. When lifestyle
modifications do not heal an ulcer, surgery is often
necessary.
Most ulcers can be healed with medications. When
an ulcer fails to heal or if complications of bleeding,
perforation or obstruction develop, surgery is often
necessary.
Colorectal Cancer
- Men and women are equally affected
by this cancer of the colon and rectum, two parts
of the digestive system also known as the large
intestine. All colon cancers arise from polyps,
which are abnormal growths on the wall of the
colon that may become cancerous over time. Polyps
identified at very early stage can be removed
before they become cancerous. The number one way
to prevent or reduce the complications of colon
cancer is screening.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Symptoms may include frequent gas pains, blood in
or on the stool, diarrhea or constipation, and a
feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely.
To identify the cause of symptoms, a gastroenterologist
will review your history, perform a physical exam,
and may order one of the following diagnostic tests:
- Sigmoidoscopy - allows the
clinician to see inside the rectum and lower colon,
and sample polyps or other abnormalities.
- Colonoscopy - lets the doctor
examine the entire colon and remove polyps or
sample abnormal areas.
- Polypectomy - the removal of
a polyp during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
- Biopsy - the removal of a tissue
sample for examination under a microscope.
- Barium enema - this cleaning
of the colon is used to evaluate patients with
lower intestinal symptoms. Abnormalities from
a barium enema will result in a colonoscopy.
- CT Scan - these X-rays of the
abdomen and pelvis can reveal possible growths.
A gastroenterologist will perform
the tests that can diagnose colorectal cancer and,
should the cancer be detected, will work with a
team of specialists including oncologists and surgeons
to treat the cancer. Treatments may include surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination
of all three.
