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Digestive health specialists in Houston and East Texas

What is gastroenterology?

Have you ever thought about how food moves through your body? A gastroenterologist has, along with how the body absorbs nutrients and removes waste. Gastroenterology focuses on the health of the digestive system—esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts—and liver. 

St. Luke’s Health is committed to advancing gastroenterology while helping our communities grow healthier and stronger. Our expertise and our belief in the power of humankindness allows us to care for patients with some of the most complex conditions. 

Our experienced board-certified gastroenterologists serve patients throughout our health system. No matter where you live or which location you choose, you can trust that we will provide the same patient-centered standards of quality care to everyone.

We are home to one of the largest and most experienced groups of gastroenterologic and general surgeons in the United States, and Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center recently received recognition by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing Hospital in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. We also have centers and institutes that specialize in specific digestive conditions, including our Heartburn & Acid Reflux Institute at St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands Hospital.

Gastrointestinal conditions treated

We treat all digestive diseases and disorders, including:

  • Acid Reflux
  • Advanced Biliary Diseases
  • Barrett’s Esophagus
  • Cancers
  • Celiac Disease
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Diverticulitis
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Gallstones
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Heartburn
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hernias
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Pancreatitis
  • Polyps
  • Swallowing Disorders
  • Ulcers

 

Digestive health treatments offered

  • Appendectomy
  • Gallbladder removal
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Endocrine surgery
  • Digestive surgery
  • Hernia surgery

Frequently asked questions

You would be referred to a gastroenterologist by a primary care provider if you're experiencing unexplained or frequent digestive issues. A gastroenterologist also performs colorectal cancer screenings.

The type of insurance plan you use will determine if you need a referral from your primary care physician to see a gastroenterologist. For example, a PPO generally does not require a referral, whereas HMOs typically do.

Your first appointment will be used to assess your symptoms and conditions. Come prepared with a list of medications you currently take, your personal and family medical history, and the symptoms you’ve been experiencing.

A few steps you might need to follow before your first gastroenterology appointment include:

  • Follow any pre-appointment dietary restrictions
  • Prepare a list of your symptoms and any medications you take
  • Bring a support person
  • Make a list of questions for your physician
  • Be prepared to take notes

Patient Stories

Lifesaving Heart Surgery That Was Meant to Be

MAR 22, 2023

Patients travel from all over the globe for heart surgery at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center. But Duane Roesch's visit from Branson, Missouri illustrates how small and personal the world can be.

Read More Additional information about Lifesaving Heart Surgery That Was Meant to Be

81-year-old Doesn’t Skip A Beat After Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

MAR 15, 2023

To describe Vita Malloy as an active 81-year-old would be an understatement. The self-described “Energizer Bunny” plays seniors’ volleyball for 3 to 4 hours at a time, multiple days a week. “I'm not going to play for just an hour.

Read More Additional information about 81-year-old Doesn’t Skip A Beat After Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

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U.S. News & World Report


U.S News & World Report has recognized Baylor St. Luke's Health Medical Center as one of the best hospitals for several specialties.