Conditions We Treat 

These disorders can be complex, as they may involve the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary tract and/or the pelvic musculoskeletal system. Therefore, an evaluation by a team of different kinds of doctors is important. At BMC, colorectal and gastrointestinal surgeons, gastroenterologists, gynecologists, urologists, therapists, psychologists, and primary care physicians all work together to determine the best course of treatment for individual patients.

Achalasia is a rare swallowing disorder characterized by two problems with the esophagus.

Acid reflux happens when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus (tube that carries food to the stomach from the mouth), called the esophageal sphincter (LES), does not close properly and stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest area. Acid reflux is caused by a number of things, including certain foods like citrus foods and onions, alcohol, and conditions like pregnancy and being overweight.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disease (passed from parent to child) that can cause serious lung and liver diseases. This occurs when the liver doesn’t make enough alpha-1 protein, which protects the lungs from infection and inflammation. Symptoms, like shortness of breath, typically begin in the 20s or 30s.

Common anorectal conditions including hemorrhoids, fissure, and abscess. A comprehensive evaluation is performed to diagnose these conditions. Most patients can undergo in-office treatment using medications and/or hemorrhoidal banding (if needed). Outpatient, limited surgery using newer minimally invasive techniques is possible for other patients.

Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) is a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The normal valve between the esophagus and stomach is incompetent and stomach fluid causes changes in the type of cells in the esophagus.

A bile duct stricture is a narrowing of the bile duct, which connects the liver to the intestine and drains bile (digestive fluid from the liver). A stricture can be caused by different diseases or injury (surgical) to the bile ducts, and it is usually treated with a stint to open the obstruction and help the bile drain.

The Biliary and Pancreatic Disorders practice offers diagnosis and treatment for various disorders of the gallbladder, pancreas, and bile ducts. Bile, a substance that aids the digestion and absorption of fats, is carried from the liver by the bile ducts. The gallbladder stores the bile between meals and empties it back into the bile duct, once food is consumed.

Blood in the stool can signal colon conditions like cancer or polyps, where a few streaks of blood on toilet paper most likely means hemorrhoids or a scratch in the rectal area. Stool will become noticeably dark or even deep red when blood is present.

Celiac disease is an immune disorder where the body reacts to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye. The small intestine becomes inflamed and its lining damaged. When this happens, key nutrients cannot be absorbed which causes digestion problems and weight loss. In children, growth and development can be affected.

Chronic (long-term) diarrhea is watery or loose stool that lasts for four weeks or more. When children are affected, it is usually caused by other chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease. Because chronic diarrhea is a sign of an underlying condition, medical attention for a diagnosis is necessary.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Painful and debilitating, there is no cure, but long-term remission and reduced symptoms are possible with treatment.

Constipation happens when bowel movements become difficult to pass or occur less frequently than normal. Commonly caused by inadequate fiber in the diet or disruption of the regular diet, constipation may also be due to dehydration, medications, stress or being distracted by other activities.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic conditions that causes your esophagus to become inflamed. It's caused by a buildup of white blood cells in the esophagus.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is when your pancreas doesn't make enough digestive enzymes, which means your body can't fully digest food.

Both fecal and urinary incontinence issues range in severity from an occasional leak of urine or stool from a cough or sneeze to complete loss of control. Commonly nerve or muscle damage from childbirth, aging or physical disability is the cause, but things like constipation, surgery or illness can also be factors. Medical treatment and lifestyle changes can ease symptoms.

Functional dyspepsia is a type of upset stomach that happens often with no apparent cause.

The gallbladder is a small organ under the liver on the right side of the abdomen that stores digestive fluids called bile, responsible for breaking down the fat in digestion. Bile flows through 3 different ducts (including the bile duct) to the small intestine. Different conditions that affect the gallbladder include cancer, cholecystitis, and inflammation. Obesity and diabetes are two risk factors that affect gallbladder conditions.

Gastroenterology doctors work in close collaboration with the Cancer Center at Boston Medical Center to offer patients with these cancers comprehensive, compassionate cancer care. The team of doctors treating patients will include doctors from radiology, gastroenterology, and surgery who will work together to develop each patient’s care plan.

Gastroparesis is a condition where the muscles in your stomach don't move food as well as they should, which keeps the stomach from emptying at a normal rate.