Gastroenterology

We use advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques to study, diagnose, and treat gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and conditions. Gastrointestinal organs include the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, and gall bladder. If you are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, or heartburn; please ask your Primary Care Manager for a referral to the Gastroenterology/Hepatology clinic. Once a referral is placed, you may contact the Integrated Referral Management and Appointing Center at 1.855.227.6331 to schedule an appointment.

Hepatology

Our Liver Center is dedicated to identifying, diagnosing, and treating liver diseases. We offer state-of-the-art therapy for conditions including viral hepatitis, metabolic liver diseases and autoimmune liver diseases. Procedures offered include liver biopsy, paracentesis, as well as upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. The Center contributes to medical education, training fellows, residents and medical students while remaining an active research unit. We're a world-wide referral center supporting the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Transplant Service and providing both pre and post liver transplant management for DOD beneficiaries.

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a gastrointestinal disorder in which the lining of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach) is damaged by stomach acid that leaks backward. 

Colon Cancer 

Colon cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the colon. 

Crohn's Disease 

Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which involves ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's-related inflammation usually affects the intestines, but may occur anywhere from the mouth to the end of the rectum (anus).

Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis

Diverticulitis is swelling (inflammation) of an abnormal pouch (diverticulum) in the intestinal wall. These pouches are usually found in the large intestine (colon). Diverticulosis is the presence of the pouches themselves.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which food or liquid travels backwards from the stomach to the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.

Gastritis 

Gastritis is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the lining of the stomach.

Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) 

A disorder of the lower intestinal tract involving abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements. Emotional stress often makes the symptoms worse.

Colonoscopy

An internal examination of the colon (large intestine), using an instrument called a colonoscope.

ERCP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure used to identify stones, tumors, or narrowing in the bile ducts. The procedure is done through an endoscope.

Esophageal Manometry (Motility) Studies

Diagnostic services include esophageal motility studies, 24-hour pH monitoring of the esophagus, hydrogen breath testing, and 13 C urea breath testing for the detection of heliobacter pylori infection.

Sigmoidoscopy

An internal examination of the lower large bowel (colon), using an instrument called a sigmoidoscope.

Upper Endoscopy

An upper GI and small bowel series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

Wireless Pillcam Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy allows the physician to examine the lining of the small intestine.
The patient swallows a capsule the size of a large vitamin that contains a mini-camera and a light source.
The capsule passes naturally through the digestive system while the camera takes pictures of the intestine.
These images are transmitted to small sensors, which are placed on the abdomen. the physician for processing.
A receiver the size of a Walkman, which is worn around the waist, will store the images.
Eight hours after ingesting the capsule, the test is finished and the receiver can be returned to the physician for processing.
 

Are you age 45 or above?

Beginning at age 45, you should follow one of the screening options below. 

Option 1: Yearly

• Fecal occult blood test; all positive tests should be followed by a colonoscopy every 5 years

Option 2: Every 5 Years

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Double-contrast barium enema

Option 3: Every 5-10 Years

• Colonoscopy

IMPORTANT: You should begin screening earlier than age 45 or screen more often if you have any of the following colon cancer risk factors:

• Strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, meaning a parent, sibling or child who developed cancer or polyps younger than age 60
• Families with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes
• Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease

Additional information about alternative methods for colon cancer screening and who may benefit from earlier screening can be found on the CDC website.

For more information about Colon Cancer, visit MedlinePlus.

Colorectal Cancer Information
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Library of Medicine - Medical Encyclopedia
Your Digestive System and How It Works