Diagnosing and Treating Digestive Disorders

At The University of Arizona Health Network’s gastroenterology section, our renowned physicians and researchers are experts in digestive diseases.

We are is involved in liver transplantation with the Liver Research Institute and works closely with the University of Arizona Cancer Center  to provide state-of-the-art treatments for cancers of the digestive organs. Our physicians also work with gastrointestinal, colon and transplant surgeons to provide outstanding and comprehensive care.

Our Center for Advanced Endoscopy uses the latest instruments with high-resolution imaging capabilities, and we provide expertise and advanced procedures unique to the region. We work closely with some of the best biomedical researchers and optical engineers in the nation to develop new and advanced imaging techniques.

Our HepatoPancreaticoBiliary Center tackles diseases that involve the functions of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and biliary system. Diseases in these connected areas represent some of the most complex and challenging problems we see.

We specialize in:

Esophagus

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
•  Barrett’s esophagus
•  Eosinophilic esophagitis
•  Swallowing disorders
•  Esophageal cancer.

We provide surgical services for total or partial removal of the esophagus, followed by reconstruction and reconnection. We are highly skilled in both traditional and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Stomach and duodenum

• Gastric and duodenal ulcers
• Gastric cancer
•  Nausea and vomiting
• Bariatric surgery

Intestines

• Irritable bowel syndrome
•  Unexplained bleeding
•  Diarrhea
• Celiac disease
• Lactose intolerance
•  Inflammatory bowel disease
•  Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Microscopic colitis
• Intestine transplantation

Colon and rectum

• Familial colon cancers such as Lynch syndrome and FAP
• Genetic counseling for familial cancers
• Constipation, diarrhea
• Diverticular disease, diverticulitis
• Colitis

We use minimally invasive and traditional techniques to perform several types of colorectal surgery, including for

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Anorectal disease
• Benign and malignant colorectal diseases
• Fecal incontinence from pelvic floor disease
• Colon cancer screening and surveillance with colonoscopy
• Endoscopic treatment of polyps
• Rectal cancer with a focus on nerve preservation and minimizing the need for permanent bags
• Coloplasty
• Procotocolectomy. 

Liver

• Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)
• Liver transplantation
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Acute and chronic hepatitis
• Chronic liver diseases
• Cirrhosis
• Liver failure
• Liver cancer
• Metabolic syndrome

Gallbladder and bile duct

• Gallstones
• Bile duct cancer
• Jaundice
• Bile duct strictures

Pancreas

• Acute and chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatic cysts and pseudocysts
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Our Endocrine Surgery Center provides these surgical procedures:

• Laparoscopic pancreatectomy
• Hand-assisted laparoscopic pancreatectomy

• Tumor enucleation
• Whipple procedure
• Pancreas transplantation
• Islet cell transplantation

Unexplained conditions

• Abdominal pain
• Bleeding
• Weight loss