Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of digestive disorders. These gastrointestinal diseases and disorders can range from common issues like heartburn and constipation to more serious conditions including inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatitis.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, digestive diseases are very common. They affect about 70 million people in the U.S. annually. This is 20% of the U.S population and double the amount of people suffering from diabetes.

A disruption to the digestive system process can be very challenging. Gastroenterologists at TexomaCare are specialists who deal with the structure, functions, diseases and pathology of the digestive system. They diagnose and treat conditions related to the intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and stomach.

Our gastroenterology specialists evaluate the following signs and symptoms to find their root cause:

• Abdominal pain
• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Bloating or gas
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting

If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment to see a TexomaCare gastroenterologist. No referral needed.

The Digestive Process

Digestive health is important because the digestive process is where the body breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. 

The process begins in the mouth as soon as you take a bite of your food. It then continues through the digestive tract. The digestive tract is made up of a series of organs that work together. They move food through the body and extract nutrients from it.

When you chew your food, you break it down into smaller pieces and mix it with saliva. Your saliva has enzymes that help break down carbohydrates and fats. When you swallow, this takes the food down the esophagus and into your stomach.

The stomach is another key part of the digestive process. This muscular organ churns and mixes the food with stomach acid and enzymes. It continues to break down food into smaller pieces.

From the stomach, it moves into the small intestine. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing the majority of the nutrients from the food you eat.

The final part of the digestive process happens in the large intestine. It is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from the remaining food matter. Finally, the waste products of the digestion process are eliminated.

From the mouth to the intestine, each part of the digestive system plays an important role. As a whole, it ensures that our bodies break down the food we eat and absorb the nutrients we need to function.

Testing for Gastrointestinal Problems

Diagnosing your symptoms is the first step to obtaining successful treatment. A gastrointestinal doctor will likely need to perform diagnostic tests and procedures to accurately provide a diagnosis. Additionally, they will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam and order lab tests. 

Common gastroenterology procedures include:

Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy

Primarily used for colon cancer screening. Also used to diagnose ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulosis.

Liver Biopsy

Used to diagnose liver disease and liver failure. Can be used as a follow up to abnormalities seen in an imaging study.

Stool Culture Test

Lab tests that look for bacteria, virus, or blood in the stool. These can explain symptoms and help with diagnosis.

Endoscopic Imaging

Helps your physician see your digestive system to detect and manage some gastrointestinal diseases and disorders.

Anorectal and Esophageal Manometry Studies

Tests that help show the strength and function of muscles in the rectum, anus and esophagus.

Two Locations

At TexomaCare, we understand the importance of physician-to-patient interaction. Schedule an appointment with Texoma Colonoscopy and GI Diagnostic Center. You will be examined by one of our board-certified physicians.

Schedule your appointment today. No additional physician referral is necessary.

Drs. Saltz and Tran
5012 S US Hwy 75, Suite 300
Denison, TX 75020
903-416-6255
903-416-6257 Fax

Dr. Nguyen
4616 S US Hwy 75, Suite 203
Denison, TX 75020
903-416-6255
903-416-6257 Fax