Gastrointestinal specialists in South Denver

At Swedish Medical Center, we consider your diagnosis to be one of the most important steps in helping you with your digestive problems. We use that diagnosis to develop a unique treatment plan that addresses all your needs. Throughout it all, our gastrointestinal (GI) doctors and specialists use the latest techniques and tools. This enables us to ensure you get the best outcome possible for everything from hernias to complex gastrointestinal cancers and liver diseases.

To request an appointment with a Swedish Medical Center digestive system specialist, call us at (866) 779-3347.

Complex gastrointestinal (GI) cancer care

Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Swedish Medical Center offers comprehensive cancer services for complex GI patients, including a dedicated, interdisciplinary team of physicians who collaborate on patient cases to ensure the best care plan for a patient's individual needs and the quickest access to treatment possible. Swedish is home to the Center for Diseases of the Liver & Pancreas, one of the Rocky Mountain region’s leading centers for GI cancer care including the treatment of pancreatic cancer and other pancreatic conditions, liver cancer and stomach (gastric) cancer.

Curing Barrett’s esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus occurs when the cells of the lower esophagus are changed by chronic exposure to stomach acid (reflux). Specifically, after irritation and damage, lower esophagus cells can change to form glands and secrete mucus. This damage puts patients at an increased risk for esophageal cancer.

However, acid reflux is highly treatable. That is why our Reflux and Heartburn Center is dedicated to curing Barrett’s esophagus. To do that, we use advanced diagnostic equipment and offer special treatments and resources for acid reflux.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Our board-certified gastroenterologists and surgeons specialize in treating chronic GERD. This is a condition that results in acid reflux and heartburn when stomach acid is not properly contained and rises in the esophagus.

GERD patients regularly experience heartburn, chest pain, indigestion, excessive throat clearing, hoarseness, chronic cough and/or asthma. Treatment and management for GERD or heartburn includes lifestyle changes, medications and, in more severe cases, surgery.

Treatments we offer for GERD

  • Biliary drainage
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding scans
  • Hiatal hernia repair (traditional and minimally invasive)
  • Magnetic sphincter augmentation
  • Paracentesis

Surgical procedures used to correct GERD

We offer several surgical options for GERD patients, including:

  • Hiatal hernia repair
  • Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication
  • Magnetic sphincter augmentation
  • Transoral incisionless fundoplication using transoral reconstructive surgery (permanently corrective GERD surgery)

Magnetic sphincter augmentation for GERD

Magnetic sphincter augmentation is a procedure that implants a series of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores into the esophagus just above the stomach. The magnetic attraction between the beads increases the existing sphincter’s barrier function (how the esophagus stays closed) to prevent reflux.

Program for fatty liver disease

The liver is the second largest organ in your body, weighing in at around three pounds. It performs many important functions, including processing food and drink into energy and nutrients as well as filtering out harmful substances from your blood.

When the liver stores too much fat, it causes inflammation. This condition is known as fatty liver disease. It is possible for this disease to progress to scarring and liver damage.

Our program provides the advanced testing, treatment capabilities and expertise needed to provide the best care possible for each patient.

Common types of liver disease

Some of the liver diseases treated in our program include:

  • Alcohol-induced liver disease
  • Cirrhosis (liver scarring)
  • Hepatitis
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

Common symptoms of liver disease

Talk to your doctor immediately if you have any of these signs and symptoms of liver disease:

  • Bleeding in the GI tract
  • Dark urine
  • Fatigue or excessive tiredness
  • Jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and skin
  • Mental confusion
  • Retention of fluids in the abdomen
  • Very pale or light-colored stool or bowel movements

Gastroenterology at HealthONE

Gastroenterology is the field of medicine relating to the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenterologists focus on the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, this includes a range of organs starting at the mouth and ending at the rectum.

Learn about Gastroenterology