At the hub of the Institute for Digestive Disorders are experienced physicians and researchers, with specific areas of expertise in gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition. The program offers a full range of services, including colon cancer screening, diagnosis and staging of gastrointestinal malignancies such as esophageal, pancreatic and stomach cancer, treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, management of hemorrhoids, and diagnosis and treatment of rectal bleeding, peptic ulcer disease, abdominal pain, gallbladder or gallstone problems, and heartburn or reflux.
"...I was scheduled for a routine colonoscopy. Although a little apprehensive about the procedure, your staff immediately put me at ease and any concerns quickly vanished...I was treated as not only a patient, but an individual...[Winthrop's] staff members epitomize everything you would want in a healthcare professional..."
Special Features
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The Institute for Digestive Disorders offers a wide range of treatment options for patients suffering from severe, chronic heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Aside from the pain, discomfort, and necessary lifestyle modifications that are often associated with these conditions, they can also precipitate Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition. Barrett's esophagus is caused by prolonged exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid. Many patients with severe heartburn or GERD may be effectively managed with carefully monitored use of prescription medications, often in tandem with minor changes in diet and lifestyle. Other patients may wish to discontinue medication use and seek a more permanent solution. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a minimally invasive surgical technique that can alleviate symptoms for many GERD patients. Patients must be carefully screened prior to undergoing this surgery, in which the valve at the base of the esophagus is tightened to prevent stomach acid from backing up. One of the latest breakthroughs in the treatment of GERD is a technique that offers permanent relief without medication or surgery. It is performed by gastroenterologists in Winthrop's Endoscopy Suite, and involves passing a miniature device into the esophagus through a flexible tube. The gastroenterologist uses this device to place stitches at two locations near the valve that connects the stomach to the esophagus. Again, patients must be carefully screened to ensure that they are appropriate candidates for this procedure, known as the EndoCinch System.
Endoscopy Unit
A state-of-the-art Endoscopy Unit contains all the instrumentation necessary to make accurate diagnoses of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Technology is also in place to perform endoscopic ultrasound, a state-of-the-art technique that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to permit visualization of the pancreas and other deep-seated organs, as well as the diagnosis and staging of certain lung and gastrointestinal tumors.
Photodynamic Dye Therapy (PDT)
This newly emerging treatment for certain cancers is offered through the Institute for Digestive Disorders. With PDT, physicians administer a light-sensitive medication, which is selectively attracted to malignant cells. When a specific frequency of laser light is directed at the tumor, the medication is activated, killing the cancer cells. PDT is used to treat certain esophageal tumors, as well as other cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin, head and neck.
Center for Liver & Biliary Diseases
Specialists in Winthrop's Center for Liver & Biliary Diseases provide comprehensive assessment and management of the full range of conditions affecting these organs. There is a special emphasis on cirrhosis, a common liver problem that can be caused by viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, inherited or congenital diseases, drug reactions, heart disease or non-viral infections. Early diagnosis and effective management of cirrhosis can prevent or slow disease progression. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), including sphincter of Oddi manometry, is provided for diagnosis and therapeutic management of biliary diseases such as biliary colic, bile duct stones, post-cholecystectomy pain and bile duct injury, bile duct cancer, cholangitis, congenital biliary disorders and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.
Pancreas Center
The Pancreas Center offers multidisciplinary care for patients with pancreatic disease, including acute and chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic tumors.
Gastrointestinal Motility Center
Here, specialized testing is performed to measure the strength of muscle contractions along the gastrointestinal tract. This technique is useful in diagnosing swallowing disorders, as well as pre-surgical assessment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Lower gastrointestinal motility studies are critical in assessment of chronic constipation and fecal incontinence.
Center for Crohn's & Colitis
 This Center offers multidisciplinary care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The latest medications, nutritional assessments, and the most up-to-date surgical techniques are available. A multi-faceted team consisting of physicians, nurses, dietitians and researchers collaborate to provide patients with a well-rounded treatment plan.
Women's Gastroenterology Program
 The Program is under the direction of a female gastroenterologist who applies a gender-focused approach to women suffering from gastrointestinal problems. Although not the only factor, pregnancy can wreak havoc with a woman's digestive system, often precipitating digestive disorders that can continue to plague her long after the pregnancy ends.
Surgical Care
 Patients requiring surgery of the digestive tract will find a cadre of highly skilled, experienced surgeons in the Institute for Digestive Disorders. Many have special expertise in the latest laparoscopic techniques, in which surgery is performed through a series of tiny incisions using miniature instruments and cameras that project the surgical field onto a video monitor. These minimally invasive surgical techniques often result in a shorter and less painful recovery for patients. Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is one of the procedures that may be performed this way. In addition to laparoscopic surgeons, general surgeons and surgical oncologists, the Institute for Digestive Disorders includes highly trained colorectal surgeons.
Nutrition Support Center
AIDS, cancer, severe heartburn, eating disorders...these are just a few of the chronic and acute conditions that can result in nutritional problems. The multidisciplinary staff in the Institute for Digestive Disorders' Nutrition Support Center is focused on finding ways to ensure that patients receive adequate nutrition, despite their underlying medical conditions. A Board certified nutrition support physician, registered dietitian, registered nurse and nutrition support pharmacist work together to provide assessment and recommend proper intervention. Solutions might range from pharmacologic treatment and dietary counseling to feeding tube placement, either at home or in the hospital, if needed. The team is also concerned with preventing malnutrition in the general population and conducting nutrition research.
Research
Specialists in Winthrop's Institute for Digestive Disorders are committed to patient care, research and education. Many actively participate in clinical studies, striving to determine the most effective techniques, working to evaluate the newest medications, and diligently applying the latest findings in their clinical practices so that their patients can benefit from the most current standards of care. They are also involved in medical education, training the next generation of physicians, and sharing their knowledge and expertise with other practitioners around the world.
Take a Step toward Better Health...
To learn more about the Institute for Digestive Disorders, or for a physician referral, call 1-866-2 DIGEST.
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