Gastroenterology at PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center

Gastroenterologists treat a wide range of conditions that affect your digestive system, which is also called your gastrointestinal or GI tract. Your digestive system includes your esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, colon and rectum. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist at PeaceHealth if you have:

• Abnormal liver test labs
• Bloating
• Blood in the stool
• Colorectal cancer screening needs
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Jaundice
• Nausea
• Pain in your stomach or abdomen
• Trouble swallowing

The most common conditions treated by our gastroenterologists include:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
• Crohn's Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Liver Disease
• Chronic Constipation

If you have pain or discomfort when you eat, drink or have bowel movements, your primary-care provider can help determine if you need to see one of our specialists. You may also be referred to us for routine screenings such as a colonoscopy, depending on your age or family medical history.

When should you consider a colonoscopy?

Colon screening is an important part of preventive health care. Primary risk factors for the development of colon cancer are greater for age 45 years and above, a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of adenomatous polyps. Even if you don’t have a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of colon polyps, you should still be screened after age 45, and then at regular intervals. Additionally, if you have any symptoms involving blood in the stool, diarrhea or constipation, you should undergo a diagnostic colonoscopy.

Our gastroenterology physicians offer comprehensive endoscopic services, with dedicated nurses and staff who care about your needs. We provide screening and diagnostic procedures that include:

• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy

Gastroenterologists work with a wide range of specialists to make sure you get the complete care you need. They work with imaging experts, oncologists, surgeons, weight loss experts, dietitians and other specialists to give you personal attention and quality care.

Colorectal cancer expertise

PeaceHealth offers a wide range of minimally invasive methods to diagnose and treat colorectal cancer. You’ll work with a team that will design a care plan to meet your needs — with personal attention and support throughout your healing journey.

Fast, accurate diagnosis

We use advanced technology to find the cause of your symptoms. In some instances, your doctor can diagnose and treat your condition during a single procedure. Your care team focuses on giving you the power to help you heal better and faster.

Individual attention

Digestive health experts design treatments around your needs. Your care team treats you — not just your illness. You’ll get care from a team focused on your health and well-being.

Our GI specialists travel to Ketchikan regularly. The current visiting clinics schedule may be found at www.peacehealth.org/visitingcalendar.