Treating a complete range of diseases that affect the stomach, intestines and associated organs, our specialists are at the forefront of gastrointestinal (GI) therapeutics.  Members of our group pioneered the use of laser therapy in the treatment of GI bleeding and cancer and developed the first non-surgical, endoscopic procedure.  This procedure, called ERCP, allows for the removal of stones in the bile duct and is less invasive and painful than typical bile stone removal.

The most common conditions treated by our gastroenterologists include:

• Barrett's esophagus: a condition that causes chronic heartburn
• Colon polyps and colon cancer
• Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract
• Diverticulitis
• Gallstones
• GERD and acid reflux
• Hemorrhoids
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Peptic ulcers

The treatment for many of these procedures has been revolutionized with minimally invasive, outpatient surgical techniques that our physicians helped develop.  Our specialists also perform diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopy screenings.  More than 150,000 cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year, with more than 50,000 annual deaths.  If discovered early, there is a 95 percent survival rate for colon cancer.  Colonoscopy screenings are encouraged for anyone age 50 and older or for anyone with a family history of colon cancer.

For more information about Emory Crawford Long Hopsital's Gastroenterology services or physicians, please call 404-778-2000.