The team of physicians in the Digestive Disorders Center at Tampa General Hospital uses the most
advanced technology for both the diagnosis and treatment of all types of conditions concerning the
digestive system.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Biofeedback Therapists
Research Nurses and Associates
Major Organ Transplant Team
Pharmacotherapists
Outcomes Managers
Social Workers
Rectal cancer can often be treated to avoid permanent colostomy. Other ailments treated are rectal prolapse, rectorele, hemorrhoids (done both surgically and non-surgically), anal stenosis, and rectal fistula. Treatment of fecal incontinence with anal sphincter reconstruction and biofeedback therapy is available.
Colon
Colorectal cancer screening is available. Diverticular disease, polyps, colorectal cancers, and chronic constipation are frequently treated conditions. Ulcerative colitis is treated both medically and surgically with new surgical procedures utilizing anal conservation, ileonal reservoir, and continent ileostomy.
Esophageal
Swallowing problems are frequently caused by esophageal disorders.Treatments for esophageal cancers and strictures, which may involve laser therapy or surgery, can be undertaken. Esophageal emptying problems can often be cared for without surgery or with minimally invasive surgery. Modern techniques such as endoscopic procedures are used to control bleeding and reduce hospital stay. Hiatal hernia disease is another common disorder which can be treated with new technologies. Acid indigestion or 'heartburn', also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can be diagnosed and treated using newly developed procedures and minimally invasive surgical techniques utilizing laparoscopic equipment.
Click here to view a replay of a live webcast of a minimally invasive procedure to treat GERD.
Gastric
Peptic ulcer disease is a common gastric disorder. New diagnostic tests and treatments have been developed to detect bleeding peptic ulcers caused by H. Pylori bacteria. Once detected, minimally invasive technologies, including endoscopy and laparoscopy, can be used in treatment.
Liver
Assessment and treatment of advanced liver disease and liver failure are available. TGH is a designated Liver Transplant Center for the west coast of Florida. Medical treatment with Interferon for individuals with chronic hepatitis is available. Our advanced treatment for ascites and portal hypertension has received national acclaim. Surgery for liver tumors and liver cancer is available for even the most serious problems. Modern surgical treatment for gallbladder disorders has reduced pain and shortened hospitalization.
Pancreatic
Treatment of pancreatitis and surgery for pancreatic cancer are available. Nationally prominent programs and innovative therapies are utilized to provide care.
Small Intestine
Malabsorption disorders, chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, cancers, and enteric fistulae are frequently treated with innovative therapies. New research-based pharmacotherapy is available to treat complicated Crohn's disease.
Colon (Large Intestine) : The muscular tube which assists in the mixing of the contents, absorption or water, and other functions
Esophagus : The muscular tube extending from the mouth to the stomach
Gallbladder : A saclike structure that holds and releases bile which aids in the digestion of fats
Liver : The largest organ in the body which provides many functions including the purification of harmful substances, synthesis of complex substances, storage of sugars, fats, and vitamins, and transformation of essential building blocks into other substances.
Pancreas : An organ which has various functions relating to both digestion of food and regulation of functions of the body
Rectum : The end portion of the colon which assists in control of elimination
Small intestines : A long muscular tube leading from the stomach to the colon which functions to hold and absorb nutrients
Stomach : A dilated saclike structure attached to the esophagus that empties into the small intestine
The Digestive Disorders Center conducts diagnostic procedures including:
Advanced laparoscopic techniques
Minimally invasive techniques may be used in certain operative procedures. Compared to
traditional procedures, they result in less pain, less scarring, a shorter hospital stay,
and a quicker recovery time.
Anal manometry/electromyography
Manometry - computerized measurement of the anal sphincter (muscle) activity - useful in
the assessment of bowel incontinence and constipation
X-rays of the pancreatic ducts and bile ducts - useful in diagnosing and treating disorders
of the pancreas and bile ducts, including jaundice, pancreatitis, and tumors
Esophageal function studies
24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and motility studies - useful in the treatment of
persistent and continued 'heartburn' and other swallowing disorders.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Direct visualization of the inside of the intestine - useful in diagnosing intestinal
disorders
TIPS - Transjugular Intrahepatic Porto Systemic Shunt
An angiographic method conducted in radiology to decrease portal hypertension - useful
in the treatment of severe liver dysfunction and bleeding varices
