Diagnostic and Therapeutic Gastroenterology Program

Overview

Using state-of-the-art technology and leading-edge medical and surgical interventions, the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Gastroenterology Program provides patients with a timely diagnosis of their condition as well as individualized, ongoing care for the entire spectrum of gastrointestinal disease.

About This Program

The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Gastroenterology Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital offers comprehensive detection, treatment and management options for patients with acute and chronic gastrointestinal conditions.

We treat patients for the full range of conditions, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Anorectal and rectal conditions, including anal fissures, anal fistulas and rectal-vaginal fistules
• Barrett's esophagus
• Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract
• Cancer
• Celiac disease
• Chronic diarrhea
• Chronic constipation
• Clostridium Difficile
• Colorectal polyps, including large polyps and multiple instances
• Crohn's disease and colitis
• Diverticular disease
• Gastritis
• Heartburn
• Helicobacter pylori
• Liver disease
• Motility disorders
• Pancreatitis
• Pelvic floor disorders, including constipation, prolapse, and fecal incontinence
• Ulcers

Patients with Crohn’s disease and colitis are treated through the Crohn’s and Colitis Center.

Patients with liver conditions are treated through the Liver Center.

After referral and initiation of therapy, the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Gastroenterology Program works closely with both the patient and the referring physician on long-term care plans to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Care with a Multidisciplinary Approach

In addition to personal care from our gastroenterologists, we offer a team approach that taps into the expertise of other specialists including:

• Endoscopists
• Surgeons
• Gastrointestinal and interventional radiologists
• Oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Pathologists
• Nurse practitioners
• Nurses

The care team works with both the patient and the referring physician to coordinate a care plan designed to offer the best outcomes.

Innovative Technologies

The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Gastroenterology Center offers the most advanced screenings and treatments currently available for a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders. In addition to standard screening procedures, including colonoscopy, we offer patients access to cutting-edge techniques, some of which we have helped to pioneer, including:

• Upper endoscopy
• Gastroscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Small bowel capsule endoscopy
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
• Endoscopic therapies for Barrett’s esophagus (BARRX)
• Liver Biopsy
• Stent Placement
• Balloon Dilations
• Feeding tube placement
• Chromoendoscopy
• Magnification endoscopy
• Esophageal manometry
• Ano-rectal manometry
• pH probe monitoring
• Genetic testing

Specialized Treatment, Advanced Diagnostics

We offer outpatients and inpatients a quick turnaround and expert analysis of their test findings, 24 hours a day, for a range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Our specialists are available around the clock to confer with referring physicians.

Our diagnostic radiology team is composed of dedicated imaging specialists whose practice focuses specifically on GI scans. They are nationally recognized for expertise in all forms of sophisticated imaging, including: CT scans, PET scans, MRI scans, and interventional procedures.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

Minimally invasive treatments often present additional options for patients who required traditional open surgery in the past. Our colleagues in the Department of Surgery offer these new techniques that have the benefit of faster recovery times, smaller surgical scars and greater nerve preservation.

Expertise in Treating Cancers

The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Gastroenterology Center has extensive experience treating many types of gastrointestinal cancers. We treat esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, liver, colorectal and anal cancers with chemotherapy and/or radiation in the Tucker Gosnell Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers. Our patients benefit from the expertise of a highly skilled radiation oncology team that makes use of the latest multimodality treatments.

Diverse Treatment Options for Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic floor disorders are often under-reported and under-diagnosed because many patients feel uncomfortable talking about their symptoms or assume they can’t be corrected. Our specialists can accurately recognize and manage many conditions, including prolapse and incontinence.

A Dedicated Referral Line for Physicians and Patients

We provide patients and referring physicians with an experienced access coordinator, a clinician who helps assess patient needs, coordinate appointments and begin the appropriate testing regimen.

Contact the Center’s access coordinator

Calls will be returned within 24 hours.

Leadership in Treating Gastrointestinal Disorders

Our center is ranked consistently as a top program in the country. In 2020, our Gastroenterology and GI Surgery programs ranked seventh by U.S. News & World Report.Our center is ranked consistently as a top program in the country. In 2020, our Gastroenterology and GI Surgery programs ranked seventh by U.S. News & World Report.

Our Magnet® award-winning nursing staff offers excellence in care at every step of the patient experience.

The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Gastroenterology Program at Massachusetts General Hospital is a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of primary motility and continence disorders and rectal/bowel problems that arise following surgery. We are a resource for patients who have had unsuccessful treatments and surgeries for conditions including diverticulitis and chronic anal disease.

Clinical Research Studies & Trials

Our physicians are active in clinical trials and research studies related to acute and chronic colorectal conditions, allowing us to bring our patients promising new treatments as quickly as possible.

Along with several area hospitals, we are part of a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Gastrointestinal Cancer. Our patients may benefit from being able to take part in this multimillion-dollar National Cancer Institute-funded research program.

Patients interested in participating in clinical trials can browse online for open trials.