Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. These disorders can be structural, inflammatory, infectious, or functional in nature. Common examples include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and liver conditions like hepatitis. Symptoms often involve abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and digestive disturbances, though severity and presentation vary widely. Diagnosis typically relies on clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and endoscopic procedures. Management strategies depend on the underlying cause and may include dietary adjustments, medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical interventions.
Maine Resources
MaineHealth Gastroenterology & Digestive Care - Offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of GI conditions, including GERD, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and pancreatitis. Patients can access services such as colonoscopy, endoscopy, and dietary counseling through a network of hospitals and clinics across the state. Care is coordinated with primary care providers to ensure timely referrals and personalized treatment plans.
MaineGeneral Gastroenterology (Augusta & Waterville) - Provides advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services for digestive system problems. Their offerings include colonoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, capsule endoscopy, and ERCP. The team collaborates closely with radiologists and surgeons to deliver comprehensive care.
MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital Digestive Health Center (Brunswick) - Offers outpatient GI services with four state-of-the-art endoscopy suites. Patients receive care for conditions like GERD, ulcers, and GI bleeding, with a focus on minimally invasive procedures and personalized attention in a serene setting.
MaineGeneral GI Oncology Program (Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care) - Offers diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for cancers of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, and colon. The team collaborates to provide personalized treatment plans for each patient.
MaineHealth Gastrointestinal Cancer Care (Maine Medical Center) - Offers advanced care for GI cancers. This center provides services like endoscopic procedures, interventional radiology, and access to clinical trials. The multidisciplinary team ensures comprehensive treatment for conditions such as colorectal, pancreatic, and liver cancers.
Regional Resources
Massachusetts
New England Gastroenterology Associates (Worcester) - Specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of GI conditions, including GERD, peptic ulcers, IBD, and IBS. They also offer colorectal cancer screenings. Their team is committed to providing comprehensive care to adults with digestive health concerns.
Baystate Gastroenterology (Springfield) - Provides a full spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic services. Their team focuses on patient-centered care, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to manage various GI disorders.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston) - Renowned for its Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s offers advanced interventional endoscopic services. They are a national leader in treating GI oncology, IBD, pancreatobiliary, and esophageal diseases. Brigham and Women's
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston) - The Digestive Disease Center at BIDMC provides comprehensive treatment for all types of gastrointestinal and digestive disorders. As one of the largest gastroenterology divisions in the country, they offer high-quality clinical care to thousands annually.
Boston Medical Center (Boston) - Offers comprehensive, patient-centered care for various digestive disorders, including liver and pancreatic diseases, IBD, and gut-brain interaction disorders. Their multidisciplinary approach includes physicians, nurses, psychologists, pharmacists, and nutritionists.
Connecticut
Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group - Gastroenterology (Springfield) - As a Center of Excellence in Gastroenterology, Trinity Health offers state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic services. Their board-certified specialists address all major GI disorders, emphasizing patient comfort and well-being.
MidState Medical Center Digestive Health Center (Meriden) - Serving central Connecticut, the Digestive Health Center at MidState provides comprehensive resources for preventing, diagnosing, and treating a full range of GI disorders. Their team ensures that patient visits are as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
Rhode Island
Gastroenterology Associates (Providence) - Dedicated to providing exceptional clinical care for patients in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. With multiple locations, they strive to offer timely access and ensure continuity of care in affiliated hospitals.
University Gastroenterology (Providence and East Greenwich) - A 20-member group providing advanced, patient-friendly care for liver and GI diseases. Their team utilizes the latest diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
New Hampshire
Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon) - As part of the Center for Digestive Health, their gastroenterology and hepatology specialists offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment of all digestive disorders. The team conducts clinical research to provide the latest treatment technologies.
Vermont
University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington) - The Gastroenterology and Hepatology department provides consultation and treatment for GI and liver diseases. As the largest gastrointestinal specialty group in Vermont and northeast New York, they serve as a major referral center for diverse and complex digestive disorders.
National Resources
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) - A leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology. It offers clinical guidelines, educational resources, and research publications to support healthcare professionals and patients in managing digestive health.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) - A nonprofit organization focused on education, research, and support for individuals affected by chronic digestive conditions. It provides information on various GI disorders, funds research initiatives, and advocates for improved patient care.
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) - Offers resources for clinicians and patients, including clinical guidelines, educational materials, and information on GI health and diseases. It also organizes events and awareness campaigns to promote digestive health.
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) - Dedicated to advancing the practice of endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of GI diseases. It provides clinical education, practice support, and patient information to promote quality and safety in endoscopic procedures.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) - Conducts and supports research on digestive diseases. It offers comprehensive information on various GI conditions, diagnostic tests, and treatments for both healthcare professionals and the public.