What is gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology is the study of the digestive system organs including the stomach, the esophagus, large and small intestines, colon, pancreas, bile ducts, liver, and gallbladder. Gastroenterologists study the normal function of these organs as well as the abnormalities or diseases that might develop inside of them. The services that are provided are crucial in screening and preventing serious health complications for those that are at risk.
There are many different types of screenings and procedures that are involved in Gastroenterology to help diagnose a patient suffering from digestive issues. Some of these same procedures can also be used when creating treatment plans to help those that are suffering.
Gastroenterology services the Digestive & Liver Disease Center offers:
- Capsule Endoscopy: A small wireless camera that is stored inside of a pill capsule. It is swallowed by the patient and provides the specialist with pictures from the inside of the digestive tract.
- Colon Polypectomy: the removal of polyps that were found during a colonoscopy. This procedure can be done at the same time as the colonoscopy or might require additional appointments.
- Colonoscopy: A scope that examines the large intestine for colon for tumors, inflammation, and precancerous polyps.
- Endoscopy: A small tube with a camera that is used to look inside of the body and at the esophagus and the stomach. It is used to help find trouble areas in the digestive tract.
- Esophageal Dilation: A procedure that is used to dilate the esophagus to diagnose or treat digestive issues.
- H. Pylori Urea Breath Test: A service that allows for a quick diagnosis of certain digestive diseases by testing the breath.
- Remicade Treatment: A treatment for Chron’s Disease which is a scarring and inflammation of the intestines.
Conditions that can be treated by the Digestive &Liver Disease Center:
There are many different diseases and illnesses that can be treated by using the many procedures that DLDSA has to offer. Some of the most common are:
- Adult Constipation: Often caused by poor diet and can cause cramping in the body.
- Appendicitis: An inflammation of the appendix that must be treated as soon as possible. Going without treatment can often lead to the appendix bursting and leaking harmful bacteria into the body cavity.
- Cirrhosis: the degeneration and decay of cells inside of the liver resulting in a buildup of scar tissue. Cirrhosis often results in sharp pains and the yellowing of skin and eyes.
- Fatty Liver and Abdominal Liver enzymes: The build-up and expansion of fat in the liver that can lead to serious diseases like Cirrhosis.
- Colon Cancer: The development of cancer in the colon- often preventable if found and treated early through a colonoscopy or surgery.
- Esophageal Cancer: Cancer or cancerous polyps in the esophagus. Symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and heartburn.
- Gallstones: the development of particles in your gallbladder that can cause painful episodes known as gallbladder attacks.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Also known as Acid Reflux, occurs when stomach acid and juices reach the esophagus causing burning sensations commonly called Heartburn.
- Hemorrhoids: The inflammation of the veins in the anus or rectum become swollen. Can cause pain and discomfort and are extremely common.
- Hiatal Hernia: A condition that occurs when the stomach pushes through an opening in your diaphragm. Often caused by straining the body and can be a cause for heartburn and chest pains.
- Chron’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Inflammatory diseases that can result in extreme pain or constipation. Chron’s disease can affect the stomach and the small and large intestines while Ulcerative Colitis typically affects the rectum and colon.
- Peptic Ulcers: Ulcers that occur when the stomach acid eats through the mucus coating the digestive system.
- Nausea & Vomiting, Abdominal pain, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, and poor nutrition.
The Digestive & Liver Disease Center’s Gastroenterologist:
Dr. Narvaez is the top colon cancer specialist in San Antonio. He earned his doctorate from the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha Nebraska, the same school where he served his residency in. From there he performed his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the Wilford Air Force Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. Since he started practicing he has become a key part of the medical community in San Antonio. He served as president of the United Surgeons of San Antonio from 1996 to 2001 and is an involved member of the Bexar County Medical Society.
His formal training was where he founded his skills and knowledge as a gastroenterologist, his passion for his industry comes from his clients. He is dedicated to taking time to create a treatment plan for every patient that walks in his doors, focusing on your needs and putting you first.
The Digestive & Liver Disease Center of San Antonio and Dr. Narvaez have been the leading provider for gastroenterological services in San Antonio for over 10 years. If you need services regarding your digestive and liver health, give us a call today at 210-941-1662.