Inspira Health Network

Additional Advanced Procedures The gastroenterologists of Jefferson Digestive Health at Inspira, located in Woodbury, perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in South Jersey that were once available only at Jefferson Health. The following procedures — with the exception of capsule endoscopy — are performed using an endoscope, a long, thin tool that gastroenterologists insert in patients' mouths or rectums to view structures along the digestive tract and perform treatments, such as removing tumors or placing stents. • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) — This specialized procedure is used to identify or treat benign and malignant conditions of the gallbladder and bile and pancreatic ducts. • Endoscopic ultrasonography with fine needle aspiration — Providing highly detailed images of the digestive tract, this procedure helps gastroenterologists diagnose benign conditions and determine the size and reach of cancerous lesions. Ultrasound guidance allows physicians to advance a thin needle to the tissue or lesion under examination and obtain a sample. • Capsule endoscopy and small bowel enteroscopy — To examine the small intestine, gastroenterologists may prescribe a camera-equipped capsule that patients swallow and pass naturally. This device captures images used to evaluate obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic diarrhea and mucosal disease of the small bowel. • Endoscopic mucosal resection — During this procedure, gastroenterologists pass an endoscope through the rectum to remove large, typically benign polyps in the stomach or colon. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JEFFERSON DIGESTIVE HEALTH AT INSPIRA SERVICES, VISIT www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org/DigestiveHealth OR CALL 856-315-1000. eliminating smoking, not eating close to bedtime and raising the head of the bed a few inches. If lifestyle changes fail to reduce or eliminate symptoms, over- the-counter antacids, acid blockers and proton pump inhibitors may be more effective. Prescription medications are also an option for persistent problems. When heartburn occurs several times a week, stomach acids and juices may be flowing back into the esophagus due to weakening or malfunctioning of the valve-like muscle between the stomach and the esophagus. This common digestive condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). "Consequences of GERD can include esophageal ulcers and bleeding," said Robert Coben, M.D., medical director of Jefferson Digestive Health at Inspira. "This kind of reflux can also cause narrowing of the esophagus, which may lead to swallowing problems." Providing Reflux Relief For patients experiencing reflux, Jefferson Digestive Health at Inspira offers esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring, a service that can help gastroenterologists determine the severity of symptoms and whether they're due to GERD. The test requires placement of a small device into the esophagus that collects data for 24 hours. "We wanted to provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients in South Jersey, a level of care that wasn't available in the region before," Dr. Coben said. "Patients are able to have tests and procedures performed in their community. Local referring physicians also appreciate this collaboration because access to Inspira is easy and care coordination is quick and efficient." Proper diagnosis is especially important for the small number of patients whose GERD leads to Barrett's esophagus, characterized by stomach acid-inflicted damage to the lining of the esophagus. "These patients have increased risk of esophageal cancer," Dr. Coben said. "Individuals with certain levels of dysplasia, a precancerous condition, may be candidates for Barrx TM ablation, a procedure in which the physician uses an endoscope to deliver thermal energy to the tissue to destroy it during two to four appointments. Five to 10 years ago, the treatment of choice was to continue to biopsy patients until they developed cancer or remove part or all of the esophagus. Barrx TM ablation isn't typically offered in community settings, but we're pleased to be able to perform it at Inspira." TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GI SERVICES AT INSPIRA, VISIT www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org, SCROLL OVER "SERVICES" AND CLICK "DIGESTIVE HEALTH." Robert Coben, M.D., medical director of Jefferson Digestive Health at Inspira, with Anthony DiMarino, Jr., M.D., director of Jefferson Health's Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Late Fall 2015 7 Inspira Health Network Family & Friends + You

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