Gastroenterology and endoscopy

Our multispecialty team of experts provides comprehensive, personalized treatment plans for patients with Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition caused by chronic gastrointestinal reflux disease. The team includes surgeons, pathologists and nurses with expertise in medical, surgical and endoscopic management of Barrett’s esophagus, including radio frequency ablation. To be eligible for referral, patients must be diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus and have at least one of the following criteria:

• Any type of dysplasia
• Family history of esophageal cancer
• Under age 50 with long-segment Barrett’s esophagus defined as segments greater than 3 centimeters in length

Spectrum Health’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic delivers high-quality care to patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis by ensuring access to a multidisciplinary team of highly trained experts, who focus on guideline-driven management, and incorporating the most up-to-date advances into our practice. Our commitment to patient education facilitates shared decision-making in order to create personalized treatment plans for each patient. The multispecialty team includes:

• Gastroenterologists

• Colorectal surgeons
• Advanced practice providers
• IBD clinical registered nurses
• Ostomy nursing specialists

Your patients will have access to a dedicated IBD nurse and social worker to assist them in communicating with physicians, help coordinate care and provide encouragement and support.

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a procedure to remove cancerous or other abnormal tissues (lesions) from the digestive tract.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a highly advanced procedure that combines endoscopic and radiologic techniques to diagnose and treat diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder and liver. Addition of the SpyGlass™ Direct Visualization System enables detection and treatment of large stones and strictures throughout the pancreaticobiliary system. We are the main referral center for biliary work in West Michigan, accepting transfers from other facilities.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combines video endoscopy and ultrasonography to examine structures within and adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract. EUS is performed to stage gastrointestinal tumors and obtain biopsies from lesions outside the gastrointestinal tract. It also can guide abscess drains and noninfected fluid collections and access the pancreaticobiliary tree when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography fails.

We have high resolution manometry with pH impedance and bravo pH studies to assist in evaluating and managing complex patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and dysphagia. We perform a variety of esophageal dilation, including the use of botox.