Most digestive health problems can be handled by your primary care physician, but if you need a higher level of care your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist. The highly trained gastroenterology experts in the Sutter Health network are equipped to pinpoint the specific cause of your digestive tract issues, putting you on the path to better health.
Evaluation and Diagnostic Services
Whether you need a routine screening such as a stool blood test or a more advanced procedure, most of our diagnostic tests are performed on an outpatient basis. We use minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, advanced imaging techniques and innovative technology, such as the SmartPill, to visualize your digestive tract. This type of technology allows doctors to diagnose your condition without surgical intervention.
Motility Services
If you experience chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, vomiting or bloating caused by muscle spasms, you may have a motility disorder. These disorders range from the common irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease and fecal incontinence to the more rare gastroparesis. Any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestines and colon can be affected by a motility disorder.
To diagnose and understand your individual digestive issues, we provide a wide range of motility tests. Your gastroenterologist may partner with a neurogastroenterologist, who specializes in the interactions between the brain and gut, to diagnose and manage your motility disorder.
Gastroenterologists in the Sutter Health network offer treatment for motility disorders such as achalasia, Barrett’s esophagus, swallowing disorders, chronic constipation and any other condition involving the abnormal movement of food, liquid and waste through your digestive system. We offer a full range of motility and gastroenterology care, including advanced treatments such as:
- Anorectal Biofeedback — Therapy that uses computer feedback and anal sphincter exercises to retrain your muscles to relax during evacuation and to contract at appropriate times.
- Fecal Incontinence Therapy — Injections of Solesta gel help build tissue in the anus, making it more capable of holding waste.
- Gastric Stimulators — Devices that provide mild electrical stimulation to the stomach nerves to help relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with gastroparesis.
Sutter hospitals throughout Northern California have been named top performers by the Integrated Healthcare Association for high colon cancer screening rates that lead to early cancer detection and better patient outcomes. Hospitals and doctors across the network are ranked by the U.S. News & World Report as some of the highest performing in the nation for gastroenterology services. The American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society, a professional organization of physicians and researchers, lists Sutter Health affiliates in its registry of laboratories performing high-quality motility procedures.
Helpful Resources
At Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to get the care you need. Here are preparation instructions for a variety of simple procedures:
