At the Digestive Health Center, we treat various types of digestive disorders. Our interdisciplinary team provides a unique level of technical sophistication and experience consistent with the country's top gastroenterology (GI) centers.
We are supported by more than 200 academic physicians and surgical specialists, two hospitals and approximately 25 specialty outpatient care centers. We work closely with our primary care colleagues and other specialists to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, liver disorders, biliary, liver and pancreatic cancer, acid reflux disease, and Barrett's esophagus.
The Digestive Health Center hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Our physicians are also educators in the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama. Visit the Department of Internal Medicine to learn about its academic mission, residency and fellowship programs, including the Gastroenterology Fellowship.
With these tests, we measure hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide to detect digestive issues relating to lactose, fructose intolerance and bacterial overgrowth. The breath tests are particularly useful in managing irritable bowel syndrome.
This minimally invasive technology—also known as camera in a pill—allows doctors to examine and diagnose disorders of the gastrointestinal tract without having to sedate the patient.
Colonoscopy is a procedure used to search the colon and rectum for possible growths or other irregularities.
Utilizing specialized endoscopes, we can examine much farther into the small bowel. With this device, we can also control bleeding in the small intestine to often prevent the need for invasive surgery.
We perform standard upper and lower GI endoscopy procedures, including colonoscopies, to examine the gastrointestinal tract. We have special expertise in advanced endoscopy that may be needed for removing bile duct stones, biliary and pancreatic stent placements, and evaluation of biliary and pancreatic tissues.
These tests are available to patients considering anti-reflux surgery, exhibiting atypical or non-responsive GERD symptoms, or having non-cardiac chest pains that may be related to gastrointestinal disease.
Using the most advanced high-definition technology, we conduct tests that allow us to evaluate patients with GERD, non-cardiac chest pain, constipation and incontinence. These tests include esophageal and anorectal motility studies.
The center is equipped with advanced equipment for treating digestive diseases with interventional and diagnostic radiology procedures.
Our team has special interest and expertise in diagnosing and treating patients with liver cancer, non-alcohol steatohepatitis (fatty liver), and chronic viral hepatitis.
Together with USA Health colorectal surgeons, our gastroenterologists offer integrated and comprehensive management of inflammatory bowel conditions including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Patients suffering from GERD whose condition can't be adequately controlled with medication may be candidates for the LINX procedure. This treatment uses a magnetic device to treat weak esophageal muscles that cause GERD.
Small bowel endoscopy, or SBE, is a procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions in the small intestine. During a small bowel endoscopy, a small, flexible tube called an enteroscope is passed through your mouth, esophagus and stomach to reach the small intestine.
A swallow study allows us to diagnose digestive health issues such as ulcers, tumors, swallowing disorders, polyps, GERD and hiatal hernias.
USA Gastroenterology was the first in the country to use volumetric laser endomicroscopy to evaluate and diagnose conditions of the esophagus, such as Barrett's esophagus.
Let us connect you with a one of our expert gastroenterology providers at the Digestive Health Center.
Find a ProviderThe Digestive Health Center is located at University Commons in Suite 6000-B, across the street from the University of South Alabama campus.
This facility offers free parking and complimentary Wi-Fi to patients and their guests.
“I look forward to using the knowledge and skills I gain from this program to advocate for improved healthcare services in rural communities, especially those in Mobile and along the Gulf Coast,” said Janel Lowman.
“It has been nice to come back to the place where it started. I had some excellent mentors, and hopefully I can be that for the next generation,” said Michael Fesenmeier, M.D.
USA Health is the only health system in the area to offer vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES), an advanced approach to hysterectomy that removes the uterus through the vagina, with no abdominal incisions.
Our calendar lists special events and regularly scheduled classes separately. To display a list of upcoming classes, select the "Classes" option above or visit Events, Classes and Support Groups at USA Health.
