Gastroenterology at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group - The Woodlands, TX

A bronchoscopy allows for the close examination of the airways to treat, biopsy, and diagnose conditions of the lungs. The procedure involves inserting a thin tube through the mouth or nose, down the trachea, and into the airways, where the specialized scope can capture images and, if needed, collect tissue samples.

A colonoscopy procedure consists of a long, firm and flexible plastic tube with a tiny digital camera and light at one end. A colonoscopy can be used to look for colon polyps or bowel cancer and to help diagnose different symptoms.

A sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure of the lower colon and rectum to identify bowel disorders and screen for cancer with a specialized endoscope. A sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy, but it does not go as far into the colon and causes less discomfort.

A small bowel enteroscopy is a specialized, inflatable (double-balloon) endoscopic procedure that can be used to diagnose and/or treat problems in the small bowel such as IBS, celiac disease, and gastrointestinal bleeding or tumors. The endoscope can be introduced orally or rectally.

An upper GI endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD), is a procedure that uses an endoscope to look into the upper gastrointestinal tract. An EGD causes minimal discomfort and allows the doctor to closely examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (or duodenum) for diagnostic and biopsy purposes.

A video capsule endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure in which the patient swallows a tiny, wireless video camera contained in a battery-powered capsule to provide detailed imaging of the gastrointestinal tract and small intestine, which are difficult to access with a traditional endoscopy.

Cryotherapy is the use of extreme cold to freeze and remove abnormal tissue. Doctors use it to treat many skin conditions (including warts and skin tags) and some cancers, including prostate, cervical and liver cancer. This treatment is also called cryoablation.

Hernia repair surgery can be open or laparoscopic. Both use synthetic mesh and/or internal sutures to mend the hole in the abdominal or groin muscles. Both are highly effective. Laparoscopic hernia repair costs more and requires general anesthesia but generally causes less pain and scarring. Open hernia repair can be done with local anesthetic, but may have a longer recovery time and larger scar.

Surgical shunts for portal hypertension (high blood pressure at the liver) manage the condition with a small metal coil (stent) that is implanted with X-ray imaging guidance in the portal vein to the liver, holding it open to keep a clear channel for blood flow and reduce blood pressure.

An endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a specialized surgical procedure to remove deep tumors from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as the stomach, colon, and esophagus, without removing the organ. It is a minimally invasive, outpatient surgery performed with an endoscope.

Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is a surgery to treat gallstones. Performed either as open or laparoscopic, the procedure removes the gallbladder (a non-essential organ that stores bile), thus preventing the pain, infection, and inflammation associated with gallstones.

A minimally-invasive distal pancreatectomy is a laparoscopic surgery to remove tumors from the body and/or tail of the pancreas. The spleen is frequently also removed, based on its location. The surgery leaves at least the head of the pancreas, which is generally sufficient for function.

Splenectomy is spleen-removal surgery, often due to the organ rupturing or the presence of tumors. A minimally invasive (laparoscopic) splenectomy is most common, as it causes less pain and a shorter hospital stay and recovery. However, an open splenectomy may be necessary if the spleen is particularly large/swollen or there is scar tissue present in the spleen.

The Whipple procedure (or minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy) is a common surgery to treat pancreatic cancer. The procedure removes the head of the pancreas (where most pancreatic cancer occurs) as well as the duodenum, bile duct, and, in some instances, part of the stomach.

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an electrical current to remove specific tissue for a variety of concerns, such as treating tumors and managing pain. For pain management, radiofrequency ablation stops nerve tissue from transmitting pain signals, offering relief for chronic back and arthritic pain.

A variety of surgical procedures to support weight loss in individuals who are overweight or obese and have found diet and exercise to be ineffective. Common types of bariatric procedures include gastric bypass, gastric band, and sleeve gastrectomy.

An endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) surgery removes abnormal, precancerous, or early-stage cancer tissue from the lining (mucous) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as the esophagus and colon. The procedure uses an endoscope tube and does not require an incision.

An Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a gastroenterological procedure used to address problems in the pancreas, bile ducts, and the liver (such as gallstones or cancers). ERCP uses a combination of X-rays and an upper-GI endoscopy to see, diagnose, and treat problems without major surgery.

An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate gastrointestinal and lung diseases (including cancers), as well as pancreatic tumors/cysts and bile duct stones. The minimally invasive test provides detailed information, and can also be used to biopsy or direct medication into a targeted area.

A fecal transplant (bacteriotherapy) treats C. difficile colitis, a serious bacterial infection, by putting healthy stool into sick person’s colon. The transfer of stool introduces healthy bacteria and creates bacterial balance, often quickly healing chronic C. diff.

Feeding tubes ensure the body can receive sufficient nutrients when disease or injury prevents the body from receiving them through normal eating and drinking (e.g., due to the inability to swallow). PEG feeding tube goes directly to the stomach; PEJ feeding tube goes directly to the small intestine; and short-term NG tubes go down the nose into the stomach.

The LINX Reflux Management System is a device used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), placed with laparoscopic surgery. The LINX device is a small ring of magnetic titanium beads that is placed around the base of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is weak in those who suffer from GERD. The device keeps the sphincter closed, preventing reflux.