Gastroenterology and Digestive Health

If life is a highway, your digestive system is the road most traveled. And with any road, there might be some bumps along the way. At Virtua GI and Digestive Health, we ensure that trip runs smoothly.

Our Approach to Gastroenterology

Your digestive system is amazing. It's a complex collection of organs that convert food into nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste from your body.

So it's safe to say: your gut is working overtime, which can make digestive issues pretty common. That's where our team can help.

At Virtua GI and Digestive Health, you have access to more than 50 gastroenterologists who are experts on digestive disorders. By connecting with our team, you can expect the following:

• Compassionate care, always: We know that digestive issues can sometimes be uncomfortable to talk about. Our goal is to create an open environment where you can confidently share your concerns.
• Personalized plans: We take a patient-first approach to your care. First, we dive into your symptoms and family history and conduct a physical exam. From there, we'll develop a holistic plan that may include lifestyle changes, screenings, medications, and more.
• Minimally invasive technology: If surgery is necessary, our surgeons are experts in minimally invasive procedures. We utilize robotic-assisted technology for better outcomes and faster recovery.
• Nutritional education: We work hard to ensure that your food works for you. That means breaking down what triggers your symptoms and creating real-time plans that make sense.

Digestive Conditions We Treat

Through early diagnosis, gastrointestinal disorders are often successfully treated.

Conditions include:

• Barrett's esophagus: damage due to long-term exposure to stomach acid
• Bile duct disease: including stones, strictures, and cholangiocarcinoma (a rare cancer that forms in bile ducts)
• Celiac disease: immune reaction triggered by eating gluten
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Diverticulitis: infection in small pouches in the digestive tract
• Esophageal cancer
• Fecal incontinence
• Gallbladder disorders: including cholecystitis and gallstones
• Gastritis: inflammation of the stomach lining
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): heartburn
• Helicobacter pylori: infection of the stomach
• Hepatitis: including hepatitis C
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Liver disease: including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Pancreatic disease: including pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst
• Swallowing disorders (dysphagia)
• Ulcers

Gastroenterology Tests and Treatments

Virtua provides the most advanced diagnostic methods and treatment options for GI conditions. Our experienced team works closely with you to develop a personalized plan that’s right for you and your lifestyle.

Procedures include:

• Colonoscopy: examination of the colon and rectum for abnormalities (polyps)
• Upper endoscopy: examination of the upper digestive system
• Capsule endoscopy: wireless camera for viewing the digestive tract
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: examination of the lower colon
• Esophageal dilation: treatment for swallowing problems
• Esophageal manometry: measures pressure in the esophagus
• Esophageal pH monitoring: measures acidity in the esophagus
• Barrx ablation: targeted treatment for Barrett’s esophagus
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): advanced imaging and intervention of the bile and pancreatic ducts
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): advanced imaging of the GI tract
• Helicobacter pylori breath test: to determine stomach lining infection
• Hydrogen breath test: to determine lactose intolerance
• Stenting of the GI tract
• Transient elastography: ultrasound to examine scarring of the liver