Gastrointestinal Services
Many Americans suffer with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. They may suffer
unnecessarily for years instead of taking simple steps to diagnose and
treat their condition.
We diagnose and treat the following:
- Bowel incontinence
- Cancers of the esophagus, stomach, intestine, and rectum
- Cirrhosis
- Colitis
- Colon cancer
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Hemorrhoids
- Hepatitis
- Gallstones
- GI bleeding
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Pancreatic disease
- Polyps (tumors)
- Proctitis
- Strictures
- Ulcers
Methods of Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing a gastrointestinal disorder is an important first step towards
treatment. Whittier Hospital Medical Center offers several methods for
diagnosis and treatment including:
Colonoscopy: Allows viewing of the lining of the colon (large intestine) and any abnormalities
such as polyps. In some cases a colonoscopy may be used for treatment,
such as for the removal of a polyp.
EGD (upper endoscopy): EGD uses a video endoscope to view and evaluate the upper gastrointestinal
tract including the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum. This procedure
is used to diagnose and treat GERD (gastroreflux disease), ulcers, stomach
polyps, and other conditions.
ERCP: Used to help diagnose disorders of the pancreas, bile ducts, liver, and
gallbladder. Stones or other blockages may be removed through the use
of stents or extraction.
Sigmoidoscopy: Recommended as part of a routine screening for older individuals, Sigmoidoscopy
is used for viewing the rectum and sigmoid colon for the diagnosis of
colon disease.
Technology: Whittier Hospital Medical Center offers technology designed for detecting,
diagnosing, and treating your gastrointestinal disorder, as well as making
you as comfortable as possible throughout your procedure.
- Argon plasma coagulator
- Bispectral Monitoring
- Digital fluoroscopy
- Conscious sedation