Gastroenterology

Why Digestive Health Matters

Your digestive system does more than help you process food. It plays an important role in how your body gets energy, absorbs nutrients, supports immunity, and removes waste. When digestive health is affected, it can impact how you feel every day, from discomfort and fatigue to more serious health concerns if left untreated.

Digestive conditions can affect many parts of the body, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and esophagus. Some issues, like irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers, can interfere with daily life and comfort. Others, such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, or colon and rectal cancer, may require ongoing care and early detection for the best outcomes. Because symptoms are not always obvious, regular screenings and expert evaluation are key to staying healthy.

At Mount Carmel, our board‑certified gastroenterologists focus on helping patients prevent problems, identify concerns early, and receive the right treatment for their condition. Our team takes the time to understand each patient’s symptoms and health history, creating personalized care plans designed to improve comfort and long‑term health.

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Anemia

Low red blood cell levels that can cause fatigue and weakness, sometimes linked to digestive problems.

Celiac Disease

An autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine and affects nutrient absorption.

(Detection of) Colorectal Cancer

Cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, often preventable with regular screenings.

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Crohn’s Disease

A long‑term condition causing inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to pain and diarrhea.

Esophageal Disorders

Conditions affecting the tube that carries food to the stomach, often causing heartburn or trouble swallowing.

Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disorders

Problems that affect bile flow needed for digestion, which can cause pain or nausea.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A common condition that causes bowel discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation without damage.

Liver Diseases

Conditions that reduce the liver’s ability to process nutrients and remove toxins.

Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders

Digestive conditions that affect enzyme or bile delivery needed to break down food.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Painful sores in the stomach or small intestine lining.

Ulcerative Colitis

A form of IBD that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, often progressive disease caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES acts like a valve, allowing food and liquid to pass through to the stomach. Normally, the LES resists opening to gastric pressures to prevent reflux. In people with GERD, the LES is weak and allows acid and bile to reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, often causing injury to the lining of the esophagus and symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, sore throat and cough.

LINX® Reflux Management System

The LINX® Reflux Management System is an FDA-approved device that may be recommended for patients experiencing symptoms of GERD. Surgical treatment of GERD should be considered when patients’ symptoms are not controlled with lifestyle modification and medications. Patients who do not want to take medications indefinitely may also want to consider surgical options.

How does LINX® work?

The LINX® system is a small, flexible magnetic band of titanium beads. The magnetic attraction between the beads is intended to help the weak LES resist opening to gastric pressures, preventing reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. LINX is designed so that swallowing forces temporarily break the magnetic bond, allowing food and liquid to pass normally into the stomach. Magnetic attraction of the device is designed to close the LES immediately after swallowing, restoring the body’s natural barrier to reflux.

Patients are placed under general anesthesia during the minimally invasive procedure, which is completed in approximately an hour. Every case is different, so there is some variability in the time it takes to perform the procedure. Once implanted, the device will begin working immediately.

In a recent 5-year study of patients who had the LINX® procedure:

• 85% remained free from dependence on daily GERD medication.
• 99% experienced no regurgitation.
• Baseline heartburn was reduced from 89% to 11.9%.

LINX® BENEFITS

• Restores reflux barrier
• Preserves the ability to belch and vomit
• Reduces or eliminates dependence on medication
• Reduces gas and bloating
• No alteration to gastric fundus
• Removable
• Does not limit future treatment options

If your GERD symptoms aren't being controlled by current medications or are getting worse, it might be time to consider advanced treatment. Call 614-234-LIFE for a physician referral.

For additional information regarding the LINX® Reflux Management System, please visit www.linxforlife.com.