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The gastroenterologists at Saint Francis Medical Partners specializes in treating various digestive conditions affecting the stomach, esophagus, small intestine, colon, rectum, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas. Our experienced and personalized teams in Memphis can perform procedures to help diagnose and treat various digestive disorders, including ulcer and diarrhea treatment.

We are here to help map the best treatment plan for you. If you or someone you know has symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, you can count on us to provide treatment options using some of the latest technology available and compassionate care, including:

  • Stomach ulcer treatment
  • Abdominal pain treatment
  • Diarrhea treatment
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Acid reflux treatment
  • Barrett's esophagus
  • Hemorrhoids treatment
  • Gallstones and gallbladder disease
  • Constipation
  • Celiac disease
  • Crohn's disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Cirrhosis
  • Diverticulitis
  • Colon cancer
  • Hepatitis
  • Pancreatitis
  • Jaundice

What Is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focusing on the function and diseases affecting the digestive system or gastrointestinal tract. It involves a detailed understanding of:

  • Gastrointestinal organs
  • Movement of material through the stomach and intestines
  • Digestion and absorption of nutrients
  • Removal of waste from the body
  • Liver

What Does a Gastroenterologist Treat?

The digestive system includes the gastrointestinal tract (GI), a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube that runs from your mouth to your anus. Other gastrointestinal organs include:

  • Esophagus
  • Stomach
  • Small intestine
  • Colon
  • Bile ducts
  • Liver
  • Gallbladder
  • Pancreas

The digestive organs produce juices to aid digestion, a process that breaks down food into nutrients your body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair.

Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. They perform endoscopic procedures and usually work closely with other subspecialties to provide care. In an endoscopy, gastroenterologists use narrow, flexible tubes with built-in video cameras to view the intestinal tract and sedating medications to ensure patient comfort and safety.

Their training allows gastroenterologists to correctly interpret advanced procedures' findings and biopsy results, such as endoscopic biliary examination, removal of tumors without surgery, placement of internal drainage tubes or stents, and endoscopic ultrasound.

A gastroenterologist may work with:

  • Surgeons who treat conditions requiring operation
  • Hepatologists who specialize in the liver
  • Radiologists who specialize in imaging
  • Oncologists who specialize in cancer

Common Digestive Disorders:

  • Colon polyps: Abnormal growths in the colon or rectum that may turn into cancer over time.
  • Colorectal cancer: A disease where cells grow out of control in the rectum and colon. A colonoscopy is a screening test to find polyps before they become cancerous. Treatments work best when caught early.
  • Celiac disease: A chronic digestive and immune disorder triggered by eating gluten. It damages the small intestine and causes lifelong digestive problems.
  • Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver often caused by a virus, such as hepatitis A, B, and C. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can also cause hepatitis.
  • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): A severe and long-lasting disease where stomach contents come back into the esophagus, causing repeated symptoms or complications.
  • Gallbladder disease: Occurs when gallstones form in the bile ducts, preventing bile flow. The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fat. Gallbladder problems are highly treatable.
  • IBS (irritable bowel syndrome): Symptoms include repeated abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. IBS may cause diarrhea, constipation, or both without visible signs of damage or disease.
  • Pancreatitis: Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gallstones. Chronic pancreatitis worsens over time and leads to permanent damage.

According to the American Cancer Society, 45 is the new 50 for colorectal cancer prevention. Treatment works best with early detection. Schedule an appointment with one of our colonoscopy doctors in Memphis on Monroe Ave. or Kirby Office Circle. Call 901-272-7200 to learn more about your risk for colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Disorders

Symptoms vary depending on the condition. Generally, see a primary care doctor if you have:

  • Blood in your stool
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Heartburn not relieved by antacids
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Constant constipation or diarrhea
  • Persistent acid reflux or heartburn

People aged 45 and over may benefit from consulting a gastroenterologist to screen for colorectal cancer. Having a family history of colorectal cancer increases your risk. Ask your doctor about when to start getting screenings or colonoscopies.

Help for Better Gut Health

A healthy gut is essential to overall health and well-being. Making healthy choices can help your gut stay on track for life. Here are some tips to ease digestion and help prevent severe conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and IBS:

  • Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
  • Avoid processed food and red meat, which increase your risk for colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Chew your food slowly. Less air while swallowing can help you feel fuller.
  • Eat in moderation to avoid GERD and encourage proper digestion.
  • Limit your food intake after dark. Digestion works best in the daytime.
  • Reduce stress through relaxation, breathing, mindfulness, and exercise.
  • Create a schedule for your digestive tract and eat at the same times each day.
  • Consider taking probiotics to help ease constipation and IBS symptoms.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Memphis

If you're experiencing pain or discomfort related to a gastrointestinal condition, have been recently diagnosed, or know someone who has, Saint Francis Medical Partners Gastroenterology can help. Our goal is to help you better understand your gut health. Our dedicated team of experienced gastroenterologists performs gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy.

Schedule a consultation today by calling 901-272-7200 or booking an appointment online.