It can be normal to have an upset stomach or heartburn every once in a while. But when your symptoms don’t go away or get worse, talk to a GI specialist. Doctors and care teams at Ascension Saint Thomas specialize in advanced care for gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary (liver and bile duct) conditions. We deliver personalized care for conditions that affect your digestive system and the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder — including your throat, stomach, colon and everything in between. Your care starts with a conversation about you and your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend diagnostic imaging tests such as colonoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound and X-ray to help diagnose your GI condition. Then, we work with you to create a care plan that’s right for you. Your care team connects the dots for your care, including imaging, treatment and more.
FIND A SPECIALIST
Care for complex gastrointestinal conditions
Chronic GI conditions can be overwhelming — physically and emotionally. Our care team understands how these conditions affect your daily life and are here to help. Your GI doctor provides treatment options for a range of conditions, including:
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Biliary tract disorders, bile duct cancer, biliary strictures and bile duct stones
- Colorectal polyps
- Esophageal strictures (tightening of the esophagus)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Gastroparesis (delayed emptying of the stomach)
- Gallbladder disease and gallstones
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Liver disease, hepatitis and liver cancer
- Motility disorders, including achalasia
- Pancreatic disorders, including acute and chronic pancreatitis
Non-surgical endoscopic care
GI doctors at Ascension Saint Thomas specialize in endoscopic procedures. Endoscopic procedures are non-surgical and use a long thin tube that is inserted through your mouth (upper endoscopy) or anus (lower endoscopy). These procedures are used to help diagnose and treat minor and complex GI conditions. They may also help reduce the need for surgery. Endoscopic procedures include:
- Cholangioscopy (used to view and evaluate the bile and pancreatic ducts)
- Double balloon enteroscopy (used to evaluate the small intestine)
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (used to remove tumors in the intestinal wall)
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- Endoscopic stent placement (for gastrointestinal obstructions)
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection (removal of precancerous lesions and early stage cancers)
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- Esophageal manometry (used to see if the esophagus is working properly)
- Peroral endoscopic myotomy (for treatment of Barrett’s esophagus)
- Radiofrequency ablation and cryotherapy
- Transoral incisionless fundoplication (for treatment of GERD)
Surgical care for GI conditions
For some conditions, surgery may be recommended as part of your care plan. Experienced surgeons at Ascension Saint Thomas start by explaining your surgical options and answering your questions. Whenever possible, your surgeon uses minimally-invasive procedures, which use small incisions and may lead to less pain and a shorter recovery.
We offer a range of surgical treatments, such as:
- Colon and rectal polyp removal
- Liver resection
- Liver transplant surgery
- Open intestinal blockage
- Surgical reconstruction of bile ducts and intestines
- Tumor removal
- Stents
Get a second opinion from a GI specialist
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Saint Thomas. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our specialists about a personalized care plan.
When you are facing a new diagnosis or experiencing chronic GI symptoms, there’s a lot to think about. We can discuss both therapeutic or surgical treatment plans. Our team of highly experienced specialists can provide you with a second opinion based on experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records from your doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
GET A SECOND OPINION
Refer a patient to a specialist
Your patients can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our specialists start by listening to fully understand their needs and to develop an individualized care plan. To make a doctor referral, please call.
Ascension Medical Group Saint Thomas Nashville – 615-284-1400
Ascension Medical Group Saint Thomas Lebanon Gastroenterology – 615-449-6222
Ascension Medical Group Saint Thomas Rutherford Gastroenterology – 629-218-6780
