Gastroenterologists in Portsmouth

The gastrointestinal (GI) specialists at Portsmouth Regional Hospital treat a wide range of diseases and conditions of the GI tract—the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, colon and rectum. Our accurate diagnoses and advanced treatment methods help you feel better, stay disease free and get back to your daily routine as quickly as possible.

Our team provides you access to specialized services and healthcare professionals encompassing many disciplines, including cancer care, dietary counseling, colorectal services, digestive testing, treatment of Barrett's esophagus, surgery and imaging procedures.

Digestive health conditions we treat

From bringing food and fluids into the body to digesting and absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste, the GI tract is one of the most complex organ systems in the human body. Our digestive health specialists treat a wide range of conditions affecting the GI tract, including:

  • Acid reflux and heartburn
  • Colitis or proctitis
  • Cancer of the esophagus, stomach, colon, bile duct or pancreas
  • Colon polyps
  • Crohn's disease
  • Diseases of the bile ducts, gallbladder or pancreas
  • Esophageal disorders, including Barrett's esophagus and strictures
  • Gastritis
  • Gallstones
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding (upper or lower)
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Liver diseases

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

This condition, commonly referred to as GERD, is a disorder in which stomach acid or bile irritates the lining of the food pipe. As a result, people experience heartburn or acid indigestion. Common signs and symptoms of GERD include:

  • A burning sensation in your chest
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Sensation of a lump in the throat
  • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid

TIF – Non-invasive treatment for GERD

Portsmouth Regional Hospital now offers transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) for the treatment of GERD, or chronic acid reflux. The procedure, which is performed through the mouth, creates a barrier at the top of the stomach to prevent gastric acid from backing up. It’s non-invasive, which could mean fewer complications and shorter recovery times than traditional surgical options. For a consultation, call (888) 421-1080.

Colorectal services

At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, you benefit from individualized care plans and personal attention, as well as direct access to colorectal doctors. With our team, you'll find the resources you need to address conditions related to colorectal health, such as:

  • Anal fissures
  • Anal fistulae
  • Anal condylomas
  • Colitis
  • Colon and rectal cancer
  • Fecal incontinence or outlet obstructions
  • Rectal prolapse
  • Gastrointestinal tumors

Colorectal surgery

Our colorectal surgery program provides comprehensive care to prevent and treat various GI disorders. We offers the highest level of care for:

  • Colon and rectal cancer
  • Anal cancer
  • Crohn's disease
  • Colitis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Colon polyps
  • Diverticulitis
  • Constipation
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Hemorrhoids and other conditions

Endoscopy Center

Endoscopy is an outpatient procedure that allows physicians to visually examine the esophagus, stomach and intestines using an endoscope—a long, thin tube with a camera on the tip.

Endoscopic tests give your doctor crucial information for accurate diagnosis of digestive tract disorders, such as pain in the stomach or abdomen, swallowing difficulties, vomiting, indigestion, tumors and ulcers.

As a member of the New Hampshire Colon Cancer Registry, we receive the most comprehensive information about colon cancer, which we incorporate into your diagnosis and treatment.

You also benefit from our team of highly experienced gastroenterologists, certified endoscopy nurses and technicians who conduct services for accurate diagnosis and treatment, including:

  • Colonoscopy
  • Endoscopic removal of gallstones and treatment of bile duct obstruction
  • Multiple types of esophageal studies and digestive testing
  • Endoscopic ultrasound
  • Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Esophageal dilation
  • Ambulatory pH monitoring for acid reflux
  • Motility studies
  • Feeding tube placement
  • Photodynamic therapy
  • Barrx™ radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

We aim to make your visit to the Endoscopy Center as comfortable and convenient as possible. We offer:

  • Sedation by an anesthesiologist, if requested
  • 11 private pre-/post-procedure rooms with designated space for advanced procedures, including bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy
  • Our Caring Connection collaboration with the Cancer Care Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital to deliver compassionate care and nurse navigation for patients with GI cancers
  • Convenient scheduling, including same-week appointments and three-hour registration-to-discharge appointment times

After scheduling an appointment at the Endoscopy Center, you'll receive detailed instructions to get you back to your daily routine as quickly as possible.

Endoscopy procedures

Colonoscopy

A colon screening—known as colonoscopy—is the single most effective early detection system for colon cancer. During a colonoscopy, a doctor uses a flexible scope with a tiny camera inside to view the entire length of the colon and see any signs of a potential problem. If polyps are discovered, they can be removed immediately with another tiny instrument inside the scope.

Advanced technology available at Portsmouth Regional Hospital allows us to perform some colon screening procedures as virtual colonoscopies using computed tomography (CT).

Current guidelines suggest starting your colon cancer screenings at 50 years old, so talk to your doctor about when and how often you need a colonoscopy.

Endobronchial ultrasound

Endobronchial ultrasound is a tool for diagnosing lung infections, lung cancer and other diseases that enlarge the lymph nodes in the chest. Endoscopic procedures may be used to take tissue samples and remove polyps, often avoiding the need for surgery.