Digestive Health (Gastroenterology)

In addition to rare disorders of the digestive system, gastroenterologists diagnose or treat the following common conditions:

• Colorectal cancer, including determining whether you have a genetic risk
• Viral hepatitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Diverticulitis, diverticulosis and ischemic bowel disease
• Celiac disease and food intolerances 
• Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Chronic vomiting and gastroparesis
• Functional illness, such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, belching and flatulence
• Peptic ulcer disease and Helicobacter pylori
• Acute and chronic pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Abdominal pain
• Appendicitis
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Obesity
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Cirrhosis
• GI infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa
• Diseases of the biliary tract both benign and malignant (i.e. stones or cancer)
• Palliative stenting related to malignancies
• Feeding tube placement/replacements

If you have any of these conditions, your primary care provider may refer you to a gastroenterologist.

Tests performed by our GI doctors:

Gastroenterologists use a number of techniques to view the organs of the digestive tract. The most common tests they perform are colonoscopy and upper-GI endoscopy.

• Upper GI endoscopy (EGD)
• Upper GI endoscopy (EGD) with Bravo placement
• Upper GI endoscopy (EGD) with Balloon or Savary dilations
• Capsule endoscopy with PillCam
• Esophageal manometry/ pH studies
• Colonoscopy: screening and diagnostic
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• Endoscopic electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) with SpyGlass
• Pancreatic stent with Axios
• CT colonography

Digestion is how the body breaks down food and drink into smaller parts to build and feed cells and give the body energy.

Learn more about how the digestive system works.

Each year, millions of Americans are diagnosed with digestive illnesses, ranging from an occasional upset stomach to the more life-threatening colorectal cancer, as well as illnesses affecting the gastrointestinal tract, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

Most digestive diseases are very complex, with subtle symptoms, and the causes of many remain unknown. They may be inherited or develop from things like stress, fatigue, diet, or smoking. Drinking too much alcohol creates the greatest risk for digestive diseases.

To find out the cause of a digestive problem, a detailed and accurate medical history and physical exam are needed. Some people may also need more testing, including imaging, lab tests, and endoscopic procedures.

Colon cancer affects more than 140,000 Americans each year, yet is easily treatable when found early through screening. Learn more about when you should get screened for colon cancer.

Other types of cancer that affect the digestive organs include esophageal cancer, bile duct cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Learn more about how colorectal cancer screening saves lives
from Valley colorectal surgeon, Dr. Bernier.

Click here to learn how colorectal cancer screening
is important for preventive health.

Dr. Teng addresses the following questions:

[0:23] We've seen reports indicating a rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults in the United States. What have you observed with this trend over the past 10 to 15 years?

[1:17] What are key risk factors contributing to the increased incidence of colorectal cancer in people under age 50? How much do lifestyle choices versus genetics play a role?

[2:24] Many younger individuals may not be aware of the symptoms of colorectal cancer, or they might dismiss them. What symptoms should prompt someone to seek medical advice, especially those in the millennial and Gen Z populations?

[3:09] The American Cancer Society now recommends starting regular screening at age 45 for those at average risk. Could you explain the importance of this guideline and whether there are circumstances under which individuals should start screening even earlier?

[4:09] What lifestyle changes or preventive measures can younger adults take to reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer? Are there any misconceptions about prevention that need to be addressed?

[5:24] If someone has symptoms, risk factors, or a family history of colorectal cancer, what do you recommend they do next?