Gastroenterology

At Methodist Healthcare, we offer a full spectrum of gastrointestinal services, including:

• Acid reflux treatment
• Colon polyp removal
• Gastrointestinal cancer treatment
• Gastrointestinal diagnostic testing and imaging
• Pediatric gastrointestinal care
• Stomach ulcer treatment
• Treatment for heartburn

Methodist Healthcare Cancer Network is partnered with Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, establishing us a regional leader in exceptional cancer care. We provide treatments for a number of gastrointestinal cancers, including stomach cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, rectal cancer and anal cancer. Our full range of GI cancers we treat includes:

• Anal Cancer
• Colon cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Stomach cancer

We treat a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, so no matter what symptoms you are experiencing, we have a physician who can help. Some of the most common conditions we treat include acid reflux, peptic ulcers and lactose intolerance.

If your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — the part of your esophagus that prevents acid and content from the stomach from traveling backward — does not close all the way or opens too often, stomach acid can escape into your esophagus. This acid causes heartburn and other symptoms related to acid reflux, like vomiting or the sensation of feeling like food is stuck in your throat.

Peptic ulcers are caused by the breakdown of the stomach’s mucus lining or the esophagus from stomach acid. There are many different reasons for this breakdown, including alcohol consumption, anti-inflammatory drugs or even acidic foods.

If not properly treated, peptic ulcers can lead to other medical complications, like internal bleeding or an infection of stomach tissues.

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose — the main sugar in milk and other dairy products. Undigested lactose can cause gas and bloating. Lactose intolerance is usually cured by changing dietary habits or by over-the-counter pills. Still, it sometimes needs to be properly diagnosed by a gastroenterologist as the symptoms may be associated with a more serious condition.

Diagnostic laboratory tests or imaging procedures are sometimes required to determine the cause of a digestive disorder. We perform a range of gastrointestinal testing procedures, including:

• Colonoscopies
• Physical examinations
• Upper GI endoscopies

We know digestive health examinations can feel uncomfortable. At our facilities, you can count on our physicians to provide the quality care you deserve in a respectful environment.

At Methodist Children's Hospital, a facility of Methodist Healthcare, we employ specialized pediatric gastroenterologists who are experts in treating digestive tract conditions in kids. Our doctors are able to treat your child's symptoms and give the comfort and support needed when he or she is not feeling well.

To learn more about digestive health services offered at Methodist Healthcare, please call our Methodist Healthcare HealthLine at (210) 575-0355.