When you come to Gastroenterology Associates of Cleveland (GAC) you will know you are getting the finest care available. Our doctors are some of the top specialists in the country in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) tract conditions.
Our consultative practice specializes in the initial consultation of “GI” problems including,
- Evaluation and Diagnosis
- Establishing a treatment plan
- Long term management and follow-up as needed
- Second Opinions of all gastrointestinal conditions
We pride ourselves on our
- State-of-the-Art Technology
- Innovative approach to disease management
- New techniques provided onsite
- Cutting-edge research giving us access to medicines and treatments not yet available elsewhere
BRAVOpH testing
This test is used to check for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)andLaryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LRD). A tiny capsule is attached to the esophagus during an upper endoscopy.It measures the levels of stomach acid in the esophagus and sends the information to a receiver worn on your belt like a cell phone or pager. Your doctor will ask you to carry a diary to note the times when you have heartburn symptoms.
At the end of the test, usually 24 – 48 hours, your doctor will upload the information stored in the receiver to a computer and use the information to help diagnose your condition.
Breath Tests
We utilize the Quintron SC Breathalyzer the most advanced instrument of its kind to evaluate expired air (your breath) for suspected:
- Lactose intolerance
- Fructose intolerance
- Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine, and
- Malabsorption using D-xylose
Breath testing helps us evaluate:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Excessive Gas
- Belching
- Abdominal Pain
- Intense urge to have a bowel movement after eating
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a long, flexible lighted scope to see inside the colon and rectum for evaluation and treatment.Colonoscopy can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers and abnormal growths.
The procedure is used to look for early signs of colorectal cancer and can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus and weight loss.
During a colonoscopy, your doctor can remove growths, called polyps or take biopsies. The polyps or biopsies will then be examined under a microscope by our pathologist.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
ERCP combines the use of flouroscopy and an endoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube. Through the endoscope, the physician can see the inside of the stomach and duodenum, and inject dyes into the ducts in the gallbladder (biliary) tree and pancreas so they can be seen on flouroscopy
ERCP helps the physician to diagnose problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas. ERCP
is used primarily to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts, including:
- Gallstones
- Inflammatory strictures (scars)
- Leaks (from trauma and surgery)
- Cancer
Infrared Coagulation of Hemorrhoids (IRC)
A special high intensity light beam is used to shrink away hemorrhoid tissue.
Upper Endoscopy -EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted, flexible endoscope to see inside the upper GI tract. The upper GI tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum(the first part of the small intestine).
Upper GI endoscopy can detect
- Ulcers
- Abnormal growths
- Precancerous conditions
- Inflammation
- Hiatal hernia
Upper endoscopy can be used to determine the cause of
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swallowing difficulties
- Gastric reflux
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anemia
- Bleeding in the upper GI tract
Upper GI endoscopy can be used to remove objects that may become lodged in the esophagus and to treat conditions such as bleeding ulcers. It can also be used to biopsy tissue in the upper GI tract. During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed for later examination under the -microscope by our pathologist.
Wireless Capsule Endoscopy
Wireless capsule endoscopy involves the patient swallowing a video capsule that has a tiny camera inside it. (The capsule is a little larger than a multi-vitamin pill.) As the capsule moves through the esophagus, stomach and small intestine over the course of a day, it takes photographs. The photos are transmitted to a small data recorder that the patient wears on his or her belt. The data is then gathered and downloaded to a computer where it is interpreted by your physician.
Wireless capsule endoscopy is used to diagnose causes of GI bleeding as well as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Pathology Laboratory
Our team also includes a board-certified pathologist who specializes in GI Pathology. He is on staff and available for immediate consultation with your doctor.
Our Pathology Laboratory is accredited by CLIA, a national accreditation program approved by CMS (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and the Ohio Department of Health. This accreditation ensures that we meet the highest standard of care.
Clinical Research
Since 1993, Gastroenterology Associates of Cleveland has been actively involved in all phases of clinical research. Because of our ongoing involvement in GI research, we are able to offer new and emerging therapies to those patients of our who qualify for many of these research protocols.
Ambulatory Infusion Center
We offer Remicade infusion for our patients with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. During an infusion session of our physicians or physician assistants is always on-site. All of our clinical and non-clinical staff are trained in providing infusions and any emergent situation should it arise during the course of treatment.
Our AIC is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and emergency medical care is available immediately if necessary.Thefacility is furnished with treatment chairs and personal flat screen televisions and DVD/VCR players. Wi-Fi is available for those patients that must work during an infusion session.
If you have any questions regarding Remicadeor our infusion center, please call 216-593-7461 and speak with Nancy.