Digestive health is something most of us don’t want to think about, let alone talk about. Many dismiss conditions like upset stomach, heartburn, and/or abdominal pain – even when they become more frequent and affect daily life.
There are solutions to get back the quality of life you were once accustomed. You should discuss with your primary care physician or a gastrointestinal diseases specialist the symptoms you are experiencing. Patients suffering from any kind of digestive problem can depend on the team of experts complemented by advanced technology at the Digestive Health Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center. The hospital offers comprehensive digestive disease services include screening, diagnostic testing and evaluation and leading-edge treatments, such as laparoscopic surgery to treat GERD (acid reflux disease) or gallbladder disease.
Endoscopy and imaging studies at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands offers advanced diagnostic testing and treatment for digestive diseases, such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett Esophagus, colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis).
We feature three endoscopy procedure rooms and an eight-bed unit providing patients comfort and privacy during procedures. Our highly-trained physicians and nursing staff have access to the latest in endoscopic examination technology, including endoscopic video technology.
We offer endoscopic evaluation of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon. Procedures performed include:
To expedite your preadmission testing and ensure that your experience is as pleasant as possible please follow the guidelines outlined below.
Depending on the type of insurance or other health coverage you have, you may be required to precertify with your insurance company. Please discuss precertification requirements with your doctor before your procedure is scheduled.
After the endoscopic procedure, you will be transported to the endoscopy recovery area for observation. While you’re there, your blood pressure, pulse and respirations will be checked at frequent intervals. A recovery area nurse will be attending your immediate needs and will assist in your discharge from the area.
Laparoscopic surgical procedures utilize a series of small incisions compared to one large incision in a traditional open procedure. Laparoscopic surgery offers a shorter recovery time and a reduced hospital stay, with patients also reporting less pain, and a sense of complete recovery, compared to an open procedure.
Two of the most common laparoscopic procedures related to digestive diseases are those for GERD (acid reflux disease) and gallbladder disease. Call (713) 222-CARE (2273) for referral to a general surgeon that performs these procedures in The Woodlands area.
Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center offers breakthrough minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery that works to give the patient long-term relief from acid reflux disease without the need or expense of acid-reducing pills. The procedure involves reconfiguring the lower esophagus sphincter (the muscle connecting the esophagus to the stomach).
It is estimated that 10% to 20% of American adults will develop gall stones. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver. Gallstones can form when bile contains too much cholesterol.
Gallbladder disease primarily affects women, but men can suffer from it too. If surgery is needed, the gall bladder and the stones are typically removed to reduce the chance that more stones would form. This is done laparoscopically with small incisions in the abdomen with patients going home the day after surgery and resuming normal activities within two weeks. Open surgery would involve a 9- to 18-centimeter incision and a much longer recovery time. Additionally, single-port cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) robotic-assisted surgery is available where just one tiny incision is made next to the belly button.
Looking for a physician who specializes in digestive health? Click here to find a gastroenterologist in The Woodlands.