We meet the special needs of our patients with comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic treatments for the entire gastrointestinal tract. With a physician referral, patients with gastrointestinal disorders can receive nutritional counseling based at the Digestive Health Center from a dietitian on their nutritional needs as well as an individualized meal plan.
We treat the following digestive diseases:
- Acid reflux
- Celiac disease
- Colon polyps
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticulosis
- Heartburn/GERD
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Small bowel disorders
- Ulcers
Our digestive health services include:
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Diagnostic Endoscopy
Nutrition Therapy Clinic at South Pointe Hospital
Registered dietitians at South Pointe’s Nutrition Clinic in the South Pointe Medical Office Building (formerly the Miner Building), 2nd floor, Suite #207. Eating a diet that optimizes nutrition can help to prevent diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer gastrointestinal diseases and kidney disease. Group and individual appointments are available.
Call 216.444.7000 to make an appointment.
South Pointe uses the latest technology available for minimally invasive
testing.
Learn more about the procedures we offer below or call 216.491.6040.
Argon Plasma Coagulator (APC)
South Pointe is pleased to offer APC technology to patients, a newer method of treating complicated medical problems such as bleeding conditions and tumor destruction without surgery. The computer-driven technology provides physicians with more precise control making it easier to use and safer for the patient.
The APC is used to treat digestive and pulmonary problems such as:
- Bleeding ulcers
- Removing polyps and tumors in the colon, windpipe and respiratory system
The APC is not a laser. This technology uses argon gas to deliver a beam of thermal energy. The argon beam is emitted from a probe through a scope used during a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy. A spark is delivered to the tip of the probe, which ionizes the argon gas as it is sprayed from the probe tip.
Bravo pH Monitoring System
The most sensitive method of directly measuring and diagnosing heartburn, the Bravo pH Monitoring System involves a miniature capsule being attached to the wall of the esophagus. A capsule transmits data to a receiver, worn on a belt by the patient and the data is then sent to a computer for interpretation by a physician. The patient can maintain all normal activities and eat a normal diet while undergoing the test. A diary of symptoms is kept during this time. The entire test takes approximately 48 hours.
Traditional tests for esophageal pH monitoring are difficult and involve a pH probe (catheter) through the nostril. With Bravo, the patient can receive a diagnosis in a much simpler and pleasant way.
Capsule Endoscopy
South Pointe Hospital offers the latest technology for diagnosing diseases and pathologies of the digestive system. Capsule endoscopy determines causes for recurrent or persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding and anemia.
Swallowed like a pill, the tiny capsule camera takes about 50,000 images over an eight hour time period as it travels through the digestive system and communicates data and images. This information is transmitted to a recording device attached to a patient's belt and then transferred to a computer. A physician interprets this data for diagnosis and treatment.
High Definition Endoscopy
South Pointe was one of the first area hospitals to use high-definition television as part of a new endoscopic platform to screen patients for colorectal cancer. With this equipment, physicians can see a greater level of detail during examinations, which may help to enhance patient diagnoses. This equipment has proven to be a beneficial addition to the tools available for endoscopic diagnosis, treatment and video observation. It allows visualization to discern questionable areas. For patients, the procedure is more comfortable and the procedure time is shortened.