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Small Bowel

diseases and treatments

Treatments and solutions designed to bring you relief.

Small Bowel and Associated Diseases

Small Bowel and Associated Diseases

The small intestine is the part of the gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and the large intestine, and is where most of the digestion and absorption of food takes place. The small intestine has three distinct regions – the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. There are countless conditions that affect the small intestine including obstructive disorders, infectious diseases, and neoplasms (cancers). There are also many developmental, congenital, or genetic conditions that affect the small intestine.

Learn more about these common ailments:

Duodenal Ulcers

Duodenal ulcers are breaks in the lining of the duodenum. The most common symptom is upper abdominal pain. Complications may include bleeding and perforation. Common causes include the bacteria Helicobacter pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Esophagram (Barium Swallow)

Esophagram (Barium Swallow)

High Contrast Radiology

An Esophagram exam is completed in radiology where a contrast liquid is swallowed. We track the liquid through the esophagus and stomach where it can be observed to determine the function of these organs; specifically the ability to move food or fluid through effectively.

CT Scan

CT

Quick and efficient imaging

A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the inside of your body. CT scan images provide more detailed information than plain X-rays do.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound

Quick and efficient imaging

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to look at organs and structures inside the body. Our doctors utilize this technology to view the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. During an ultrasound test, you lie on a table. A special technician or doctor moves a device called a transducer over part of your body. The transducer sends out sound waves, which bounce off the tissues inside your body. The transducer also captures the waves that bounce back. The ultrasound machine creates images from the sound waves.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy

Minimally invasive imagery

Laparoscopy is a surgical diagnostic procedure used to examine the organs inside the abdomen. It is a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure where only small incisions are made. This procedure allows our doctors to see inside your body in real time, without open surgery.

PillCam

PillCam®

Endoscopy done different.

PillCam® uses a miniaturized camera contained in a disposable capsule that naturally passes through the digestive system, allowing us to directly view the small bowel, without sedation or radiation. With PillCam® we have the ability to quickly and efficiently detect and monitor abnormalities throughout the GI tract.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy

Minimally invasive imagery

Laparoscopy is a surgical diagnostic procedure used to examine the organs inside the abdomen. It is a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure where only small incisions are made. This procedure allows our doctors to see inside your body in real time, without open surgery.

Endoscopic Resection

A short procedure, a new lease on life.

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a specialized endoscopic technique used by our doctors to diagnose and remove large areas of early cancers arising in the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon. EMR has become a safe alternative to surgery for the treatment of early cancer arising from conditions including Barrett’s esophagus.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a procedure where a flexible tube with a light and camera at the end, called an endoscope, is used to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine.

Laparoscopic Small Bowel Resection

A blocked or diseased segment of small intestine may require removal.  This can be accomplished laparoscopically with several small incisions, which leads to less postoperative pain and a faster recovery.

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Northwest Institute for Digestive Surgery - The Digestive Health Experts.