Gastroenterology at Briarwood Health Associates

 Gastroenterology is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and biliary tract. 

 

Typical symptoms of gastroenterological diseases include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, jaundice, and bleeding.

 

In addition, the following tests are provided through the GI Physiology and Manometry Laboratory at the University Hospital Medical Procedures Unit: 

 

• 24-hour pH monitoring of esophagus
• Anorectal manometry (including biofeedback)
• Basal esophageal manometry and pH testing
• Biliary manometry
• Colonic transit testing
• ¹⁴C-urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori
• Dual monitoring of upper and lower esophageal pH
• Electrogastrography
• Esophageal provocative testing
• Gastric acid analysis
• Gastroduodenal manometry
• Hydrogen breath testing (glucose, lactose, sucrose, fructose)
• Pancreatic function test
• Secretin stimulation test
• Sham feeding for completeness of vagotomy
• Small bowel perfusion - intestinal

The Gastroenterology Division has created the following subspecialty clinics to better direct our clinical expertise to meet the needs of referring physicians and their patients:

• Digestive Health Center
• Esophageal/Peptic Ulcer Disease
• Functional Bowel Disorders
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Liver Disease
• Liver Transplant
• Michigan Bowel Control Program
• Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders
• Wilson's Disease Center of Excellence

Faculty involved in these subspecialty clinics are also involved in relevant clinical research programs and protocols. The Gastroenterology Division conducts and participates in many pharmaceutical clinical investigations managed by the GI Clinical Studies office.