Our specialists treat a wide range of biliary system and gallbladder conditions including:
- Ampulla of Vater disease
- Bile duct stones
- Biliary strictures
- Gallbladder cancer
- Gallbladder diseases
- Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD)
- Traumatic injury
We treat esophagus conditions including:
We also treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, the backing up of stomach acid into your esophagus.
We treat a number of conditions that affect the intestines, colon and rectum such as:
The liver is essential to digest food and rid your body of toxic substances. When your liver doesn’t function as it should, you need a specialist to diagnose your condition and talk with you about your treatment options. We treat liver conditions at University’s Robert B. Green downtown campus.
Hepatitis C
This chronic viral infection of the liver can lead to liver damage. Hepatitis C is the number-one reason adults and children need liver transplants. Usually it is passed by exposure to blood infected with the virus, such as:
- Intravenous (needles) or inhaled drug use
- Blood transfusion (before 1992)
- A needle stick from an unsanitary needle, including tattoos
- Sexual contact with someone with hepatitis
- Through birth
Symptoms of hepatitis C can be so subtle that you may not notice them. They include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Discomfort in your abdomen
- Itching in advanced cases
- Yellow discoloration of your eyes and skin (jaundice)
If you have hepatitis C, don’t donate blood, share a razor, toothbrush or nail clipper, and never have sex without a condom. You also should take these steps to protect your health and the health of others:
- Avoid all alcohol if you have hepatitis C
- Have your partner, sexual partners and others who live in your household tested for hepatitis C
- Ask your doctor if you need a vaccination for hepatitis A or B
- See a liver specialist to check your health
Liver Cancer
Certain liver diseases, including viral hepatitis and fatty liver disease, can lead to development of liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Gastroenterologist are often the first to diagnose liver tumors or cancers. Our gastroenterology specialists can refer you to the Texas Liver Tumor Center for a multidisciplinary treatment approach to treat liver tumors.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Non Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common types of liver disease in both adults and adolescents, and is also one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (a form of primary liver cancer). NAFLD is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most severe form of NAFLD and occurs when the excess fat in the liver is accompanied by liver inflammation and scarring over time. In more severe cases this condition can lead to end stage liver disease or HCC. Our gastroenterology specialists can treat NAFLD and NASH. Should you develop a liver tumor or HCC, our Gastroenterologists can refer you to the Texas Liver Tumor Center for a multidisciplinary treatment approach to treat liver tumors.
For symptoms that originate from conditions within the pancreas and pancreas duct disorders, University physicians specialize in treating:
- Cysts
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD)
- Stones and strictures
- Tumors
We diagnose and treat a number of stomach conditions, from mild to severe. Our expertise includes:
- Stomach cancer
- Gastric bleeding
- Placement and management of gastric feeding tubes
- Tumors
- Ulcers