Gastroenterology

GI diagnostic procedures and imaging

Our facilities are equipped with advanced technologies to better support the care we provide. To properly diagnose and treat such a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders, our team of medical experts offer a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services, including:

• 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring — Measures the amount of acid flowing into the esophagus over a 24-hour time period
• Capsule endoscopy — Noninvasive procedure that uses a tiny wireless camera to take pictures of your digestive tract
• Colonoscopy — The most common method for examining your colon and rectum to potentially detect early signs of colorectal cancer
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) — Combines X-ray and the use of an endoscope to diagnose and treat problems of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas
• Endoscopic ultrasound — Minimally invasive procedure that uses a camera with high-frequency sound waves to examine the GI tract and surrounding organs
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) — Uses an endoscope with a tiny light and video camera to take video images of your esophagus, stomach and small intestine
• Sigmoidoscopy — Used to examine the lower part of the colon or large intestine. The procedure uses a flexible lighted tube with a camera to diagnose bowel disorders, such as ulcerative colitis and to detect colon polyps.

GI surgery

From colorectal cancer to inflammatory bowel disease, if surgery is needed for your treatment our surgeons are skilled in using the latest, minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible. This includes laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries, which can lead to less scarring, fewer complications and faster recovery times.

GI colorectal health

At HCA Houston Healthcare, we work to reduce the mortality rate of colorectal cancer by improving access to screenings and early detection. Men and women at average risk for colon cancer and rectal cancer should get a screening colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 45, according to the American Cancer Society. With early detection, colorectal cancer is more treatable. A screening colonoscopy also allows GI doctors to locate and remove colon polyps before they become cancerous.

Across our network, our highly skilled gastroenterologists perform hundreds of screening colonoscopies every year. Additionally, we offer newer, alternative screening tests and tools for colorectal cancer, such as stool DNA tests, including fecal immunochemical tests and fecal occult blood tests, as well as CT colonography and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Find a gastroenterologist in your area and schedule a screening today >