Diseases We Treat

Southwest Digestive Specialists limits their practice to gastroenterology, the study of stomach and intestinal diseases as well as preventive healthcare including colonoscopy screening for colon cancer, and hepatology, the study of liver diseases such as hepatitis or fatty liver.

Digestive Disorders

Due to the nature of the digestive tract, those suffering from chronic digestive ailments often experience a decline in their quality of life. Committing to a disease management program for the following disorders can result in a marked improvement or elimination in symptoms.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Crohns Disease/Ulcerative Colitis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Heartburn/GERD

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is one of the most common, yet most preventable, cancers. It affects the sexes equally, most commonly between the ages of 50-65, and is currently the second most common form of cancer in the United States. Early detection through colonoscopy is the key to both prevention and early detection. For average risk individuals, it is recommended that a colonoscopy be performed starting at age 50. These potentially life-saving tests should begin sooner for high-risk individuals, including those with bowel problems or a family history of colon cancer or polyps. Regularly scheduled colonoscopies can be lifesavers. By the time colon cancer symptoms occur, the disease is usually advanced and has often times spread. Colon cancer frequently occurs without a family history.

Liver Disease

The role of the liver is to break down food products and eliminate waste from the blood stream while retaining and storing nutrients and vitamins. Damage or disease to the liver can result in a variety of problems. Southwest Digestive Specialists have a successful history of treating the following liver diseases:

• Chronic liver disease (genetic, metabolic, autoimmune & viral)
• Hepatitis
• Fatty liver disease
• Cirrhosis

For additional medical information on these areas, click on:

• Medlineplus
• American Liver Foundation
• Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
• American Gastroenterological Association
• American College of Gastroenterology