Gastroenterology


Services

We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients with common gastrointestinal disorders, such as peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal malignancies, as well as for patients with hepatobiliary disorders, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, pancreatic disease and biliary obstruction.

We also offer specialized services in the following areas:

  • Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Cancer screening
  • Gastroenterological disorders in patients with AIDS
  • Irritable bowel and other functional disorders
  • Neuroendocrine tumors, including gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
  • Hepatitis C and other hepatic disorders
  • Complicated GERD

Hepatology

We offer comprehensive hepatology services, including the diagnosis and management of viral, autoimmune and metabolic liver diseases. The center works closely with hepatobiliary surgeons, oncologists, interventional radiologists (for TIPS and tumor ablation techniques) and transplant referral centers. The unit has extensive experience in the management of complex patients with viral hepatitis, including co-infection with HIV, portal hypertension and end-stage liver disease.

Pancreatobiliary conditions

We are skilled in the treatment and evaluation of patients with gallbladder disease, pancreatitis and pancreatobiliary cancer. Services include diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound and specialized MRI imaging of the pancreas and bile ducts. We have on staff two of the nation's leading biliary endoscopists and endoscopic ultrasonographers.

Colorectal cancer screening

We have an active program for colon cancer screening and offer "open access" colonoscopy screening for average risk individuals, as well as those with blood in the stool or a family history of colorectal cancer. No prior appointment with us is necessary. You and your patient receive results the same day. If cancer is found, you may choose to refer you patient for further care by one of several outstanding CDD surgeons and oncologists.

Endoscopy

Our diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy services are dedicated to the efficient, safe and appropriate utilization of endoscopy for individual patient care and management. We feature state-of-the-art endoscopy facilities both at the Menino Pavilion at Boston Medical Center and at The Endoscopy Center of Brookline, located at 930 Commonwealth Avenue. Specialized services include advanced hemostatic techniques (band ligation, clipping, argon plasma coagulation and fibrin glue injection), as well as a biliary center for performing ERCP examinations and endoscopic ultrasonography. In addition, Boston Medical Center houses a motility center for esophageal and anorectal disorders, and we offer the latest in gastrointestinal testing, such as Bravo pH monitoring, pancreatic function testing and breath testing for lactase deficiency, bacterial overgrowth and H. pylori. Capsule endoscopy for the evaluation of small intestinal disorders, including occult gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain and suspected Crohn's disease, is available.

Palliative services

Many of our services are intended to offer comfort to patients with feeding difficulties related to a serious illness. For example, we can enable patients with esophageal cancer to eat normally by placing an endoscopic stent in the esophagus or by the use of photodynamic therapy, allowing food to pass beyond the cancerous area into the stomach. This procedure can replace a gastrostomy tube and offer patients the pleasure of eating. For patients with conditions that cannot be stented, such as ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) or the aftermath of stroke, a gastrostomy tube can offer them the opportunity of being fed at home.
We are pleased to announce our move
into the new
Moakley Building.
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