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New services include capsule endoscopy and the Stretta procedure for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux.The Department of Gastroenterology/Nutrition is dedicated to providing the highest quality medical care and state-of-the-art techniques in the evaluation and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract and liver. Staffed by some of the nation’s top specialists, the gastroenterology team at Geisinger offers specialized treatment and follow up care for patients with a variety of gastric disorders. Additionally, our 12 full-time physicians, six fellows and 40 nursing and support staff participate in teaching and clinical research.
New services include capsule endoscopy and the Stretta procedure for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux. Because the small intestine cannot be reached by traditional upper endoscopy or by colonoscopy, Geisinger physicians are using a new procedure called Capsule Endoscopy to evaluate this part of the bowel. The capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic tool that allows physicians to search for a cause of bleeding for the small intestine. It involves a pill-sized video capsule called an endoscope, which has a lens and light source to allow physicians to view the images on a video monitor.
If heartburn symptoms or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can’t be effectively controlled by medications, the Stretta Procedure is performed. The Stretta Procedure is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that's performed on an outpatient basis. Using an endoscope, a physician delivers radiofrequency energy to create thermal lesions in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and gastric cardia (uppermost part of the stomach). This will lead to tissue constriction and will improve the thickness of the muscle wall in these areas. The result of this is a reduction of the frequency of acid reflux because the frequency of LES relaxations is reduced. Also, LES pressure is increased. This reduces the occurrences of refluxed acid into the esophagus.
Gastroenterology also works with the Department of Clinical Nutrition. Malnutrition, enteral and parenteral nutrition and weight management are the key focus of Nutrition Support Service.
Geisinger Medical Center
Geisinger Wyoming Valley
