Gastroenterologists in the Chattanooga area

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are uncomfortable, and we are sensitive to that.

Parkridge Health's GI experts in the Chattanooga area improve your gut health. We diagnose and treat many digestive system diseases and are confident we can help you.

Gastroenterological conditions we treat

Certain GI conditions may require our gastroenterologists to work with physicians in other specialties, such as surgical care, oncology and nephrology (kidney care). No matter the issue, our experts collaborate to offer high-quality care every step of the way. The gastrointestinal tract disorders we treat include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Anemia
  • Celiac disease
  • Colon issues (e.g., diverticulitis)
  • Constipation
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Gastrointestinal cancers
  • Hepatitis
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Pancreatitis
  • Polyps
  • Ulcers

Gastroenterology lab

Parkridge Health offers a variety of treatments and procedures for specific digestive health disorders. Our expert gastroenterologists work with nurses and support personnel to provide the highest quality care.

The Gastroenterology Labs at Parkridge Medical Center and Parkridge East provide physicians with access to the latest equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of colon, esophageal and lung-related diseases and offer a convenient location for patients to obtain routine tests, such as colonoscopies.

The Endoscopy Suite

The Center for Digestive and Respiratory Health at Parkridge Medical Center and the Endoscopy Suite at Parkridge East feature a gastroenterology lab with suites dedicated to diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal conditions.

  • Bronchoscopy - examination of the lungs and airways
  • Colonoscopy - examination of the interior of the rectum and colon
  • Cystoscopy - examination of the bladder and urethra
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound - combines endoscopy (inserting a probe into a hollow organ) and ultrasound to obtain high-quality images of the inside of the body
  • Laparoscopy - minimally invasive surgery that allows a physician to view and treat the organs of the pelvis and abdomen
  • Upper GI - examination of the esophagus and stomach

The Center for Diagnostic and Respiratory Health at Parkridge Medical Center is equipped to use artificial intelligence (IA) to enhance the detection of precancerous colonic polyps during screening colonoscopies. The enhanced screening capability is a powerful new ally in preventing colorectal cancer (CRC).

Colorectal cancer screenings help physicians find colon cancer before it causes symptoms and when the chances for successful treatment, optimal outcomes and fewer adverse effects are greatest.

The computer-aided polyp detection system was “trained” with 13 million pictures of precancerous polyps to precisely recognize their surface characteristics during a colonoscopy. This enhanced ability to detect precancerous colon polyps will likely result in better CRC screenings and improved outcomes.

Our gastroenterology locations

Parkridge Medical Center
2333 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN

Parkridge East Hospital
941 Spring Creek Road
Chattanooga, TN

Specialty GI services we offer

Whether you are seeking treatment for anything from acid reflux to a form of gastrointestinal cancer, our gastroenterology services are designed to help you turn your quality of life around.

Advanced adult GI care

Our gastroenterologists provide complete care for the GI tract, the system of organs that work together to digest food. Organs in the GI tract include the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine and anus.

Heartburn is a very common condition affecting the GI tract, one most people experience at some point. However, chronic heartburn can be a symptom of acid reflux or, in more severe cases, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A potentially serious complication of GERD happens when the lining of the esophagus changes to resemble tissue lining the intestines, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer, a condition called Barrett's esophagus.

GERD treatments

Our hospitals provide effective treatment for GERD, including several types of bariatric surgery.

We also treat Barrett's esophagus with a procedure called radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This procedure destroys damaged cells with heat while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.

Gastrointestinal cancer treatment

Our GI specialists screen for, diagnose and treat a variety of gastrointestinal cancers. We offer unique services and use state-of-the-art equipment to serve the special needs of each patient and create personalized care plans. If you are concerned about a possible diagnosis, it is important to note the potential risk factors for GI cancer.

Risk factors for GI cancer

Certain factors may increase the risk for GI cancers, such as:

  • Being 55 years old and older
  • Certain medical conditions or infections:
    • Common variable immune deficiency (CVID)
    • Gastric atrophy
    • Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) bacterial infection
    • Hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus
    • Pernicious anemia
    • Untreated GERD
  • Diet high in meat, salt, fat, smoked foods and pickled vegetables
  • Diet low in fruits and vegetables
  • Family history of gastrointestinal cancers
  • Lack of exercise
  • Obesity
  • Previous stomach surgery
  • Smoking

Diagnostic services for GI cancer

Once you come in to see us about a potential diagnosis, we will use advanced imaging tests and diagnostic procedures to provide an accurate diagnosis. Our suite of diagnostic services includes:

  • Biopsy
  • Blood test
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan
  • Digital rectal scan
  • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Upper GI series

GI cancer treatments

Our surgical oncologists have specialized knowledge of rare, unusual and complex cancer types and apply various treatments for these disorders. Some of our GI cancer treatments include:

  • Chemoembolization
  • Radiation therapy
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Radiosurgery

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