Gastrologists in Las Vegas, Nevada

Digestive issues, such as upset stomach, gas and heartburn, are common and don't always warrant a trip to the hospital. However, chronic, long-lasting gastrointestinal (GI) issues should not be ignored. A properly functioning digestive tract is essential to your overall health. That's why Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center provides high-quality gastrointestinal care to the Southern Nevada community. Our GI specialists diagnose and treat conditions of the intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver.

To find out more information about our gastroenterology centers, please call our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (702) 916-5023.

Gastrointestinal conditions we treat

Our GI doctors care for a wide range of digestive conditions, including:

  • Abdominal pain syndrome
  • Acid reflux and heartburn
  • Biliary tract disorders
  • Dyspepsia
  • Gas-related conditions, such as:
    • Belching
    • Bloating
    • Flatulence
  • Gallbladder disorders
  • Gallstone pancreatitis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Vomiting

Gastrointestinal procedures we perform

Depending on your symptoms, treatment options for GI conditions range from medication management to surgical procedures. Many of our diagnostic procedures and treatments are noninvasive and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, which do not require surgery.

When surgery is needed, we use advanced techniques, including minimally invasive options such as endoscopic surgery. Endoscopic surgery is performed using a scope that is inserted through small incisions.

Colorectal surgery

If colorectal surgery is needed, we offer traditional, laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures to treat disorders of the colon, rectum and anus.

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)

EBUS is a minimally invasive but highly effective procedure used to diagnose lung cancer, infections and other diseases, which cause enlarged lymph nodes in the chest. EBUS allows physicians to obtain tissue and fluid samples from the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes, which can be used to diagnose and stage lung cancer, detect infections and identify inflammatory diseases.

What to expect during EBUS

EBUS is an endoscopic procedure, so no incisions are needed. During this procedure, a special endoscope fitted with an ultrasound processor and fine-gauge aspiration needle is guided through the patient’s trachea. The physicians then performs the needle aspiration on lymph nodes using a bronchoscope inserted through the mouth.

Benefits of EBUS

There are several benefits of EBUS, including:

  • Greater access of smaller lymph nodes for biopsy with the aspiration needle than through a conventional mediastinoscopy
  • High-quality visualization of difficult-to-reach areas
  • Minimally invasive, only moderate sedation or general anesthesia required
  • Quick recoveries for patients
  • Rapid onsite pathologic evaluation
  • Real-time imaging of the surface of the airways, blood vessels, lungs and lymph nodes

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)

EUS is a procedure that combines endoscopy and diagnostic imaging to obtain images and information about the digestive tract and the surrounding tissues and organs. Doctors use EUS to diagnose certain conditions that may cause abdominal pain or abnormal weight loss.

What to expect during EUS

During an EUS, a small ultrasound transducer is installed on the tip of an endoscope. By inserting the endoscope into the upper or the lower digestive tract, physicians can obtain high-quality ultrasound images of the organs inside the body.

This procedure requires moderate to deep sedation to help patients relax. It takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. After the procedure, a recovery area is available to monitor vital signs until patients are fully awake.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is an effective solution for chronic acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This minimally invasive procedure is performed inside the patient's stomach without incisions offering patients minimal side effects and less downtime compared to traditional surgical procedures.