The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen involved in digestion. Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The most common causes are alcohol consumption and gallstones. Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Patients may need to be hospitalized for treatment,

This test is used to measure how often and for how long acid enters the esophagus from the stomach. It is done to evaluate the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as measure how effective GERD is being treated by medication. It is performed by placing a very thin tube through

Anal fissures are tears in the lining of the anal canal. Common symptoms include anal pain, especially with bowel movements, and bleeding. Treatment can include stool softeners, Sitz baths, topical medications, or minor surgery.

This test measures the muscle function of the rectum and anus. It is commonly performed in patients who have constipation, difficulty passing stool, or leakage of stool (incontinence). A very thin tube is inserted into the rectum. It is attached to a machine that records data on the muscle contractions

Barrett's esophagus is a condition where the lining of the esophagus is damaged by chronic acid reflux (GERD). It does not cause any symptoms and can be diagnosed by a physician performing an upper endoscopy (EGD). There is a small increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. It is therefore managed

Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that allows for video images to be taken off the digestive tract. The patient swallows a capsule that contains cameras, a light, a battery, and a transmitter. Images are sent to a recorder that the patient wears during the day while the capsule passes through the digestive

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes damage to the lining of the small intestine, interfering with digestion. It is triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats. It can cause a variety of symptoms, although some patients are asymptomatic. Treatment

The pancreas is an abdominal organ involved in digestion. Repeated injury can lead to inflammation and then scarring of the pancreas. This can lead to problems with digestion, as well as the development of diabetes. The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is chronic alcohol consumption.

C. diff is a bacterial infection of the large intestine that causes diarrhea, and sometimes colitis (inflammation of the lining of the large intestine). This bacteria is found in the environment. Patients most commonly develop an infection after taking a course of antibiotics, or after being exposed

Colorectal cancer is a cancer of the large intestine and rectum. It is the third most common cancer in the United States. These cancers typically form from smaller polyps which are abnormal growths on the lining of the colon. Common symptoms include a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal

Colon polyps are growths that occur on the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum). They typically do not cause symptoms, although larger polyps can bleed or cause a change in bowel habits. Some polyps have the potential to turn into colon cancer, which is why they are completely removed at

This is a procedure that allows a physician to visually examine the large intestine (colon and rectum), typically while the patient is sedated. Prior to the exam, patients will drink a laxative to clean out their digestive tract. A colonoscope is used, which is a long thin flexible tube with a light

Crohn's disease causes inflammation of part of the digestive tract. Any area can be affected but most commonly occurs at the end of the small intestine and the right side of the large intestine. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, fatigue, and weight loss. Crohn's disease

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a disorder characterized by multiple recurring episodes of nausea and vomiting. It can sometimes be severe enough to lead to dehydration. In between episodes, patients typically have no symptoms. Chronic marijuana use has been associated with some cases. Physician and emotional

Diverticula are pockets or sacs that form in the lining of the intestine. Risk factors for forming these pockets include age, obesity, smoking, and a low-fiber diet. Diverticulitis occurs when these pockets become inflamed or infected. Symptoms include abdominal pain and fever. Antibiotics are typically

This is a procedure that allows a physician to visualize the upper portion of the digestive tract, which is the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). It is performed for symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or difficulty swallowing. Patients