Want Information on Other Medical Programs? 

If you don’t see the specialty you’re looking for, call the Rockford Health System Information Line at (815) 971-1999. We’ll help you find the physician and program you’re looking for.

 

 

Gastroenterology Department

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.  Early detection and removal of polyps that may lead to colorectal cancer is critical to improving your chance of survival.  In fact, polyp removal has been shown to reduce your chance for colon cancer by 76 to 90 percent.  Therefore, colonoscopy tests for men and women over the age of 50 are strongly recommended.    Colonoscopies are performed at the Endoscopy Center at Rockford Memorial Hospital.  The state-of-the-art Endoscopy Center offers advanced recovery rooms, an expanded family medical waiting area and more space for patient privacy. The center offers all the amenities of an ambulatory care facility, along with safety features that only a hospital can provide.

In addition to colonoscopies, other services provided are:
  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD):  Also known as an upper endoscopy.  EGD enable the gastroenterologist to examine the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the duodenum to evaluate the symptoms associated with GERD and other unexplained abdominal pain.

Other indications for an EDG are:

  • Diagnostic evaluation for signs and symptoms suggestive of upper GI disease (for example, dyspepsia, dysphagia, noncardiac chest pain, recurrent emesis)
  • Surveillance for upper GI cancer in high-risk settings (for example, Barrett esophagus, polyposis syndromes)
  • Biopsy for known or suggested upper GI disease (for example, malabsorption syndromes, neoplasma, infections)
  • Therapeutic intervention (for example, retrieval of foreign bodies, control of hemorrhage, dilatation or stenting of stricture, ablation of neoplasms, gastrostomy placement)
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP):  ERCP helps our physicians diagnose and treat:
    • Gallstones, which are trapped in the main bile duct
    • Blockage of the bile duct
    • Yellow jaundice, which turns the skin yellow and the urine dark
    • Undiagnosed upper-abdominal pain
    • Cancer of the bile ducts or pancreas
    • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
    • Unexpected weight loss
  • pH/Motility Studies:  A pH probe study is used to determine if acid from the stomach is coming into the esophagus.  A motility study is used to evaluate the function of the esophagus.
  • Video capsule Endoscopy (Pill Cam):  Miniature high-tech cameras, encapsulated in a super-coated pill, re swallowed by patients.  These cameras take thousands of photos in an eight-hour period and help physicians identify gastrointestinal problems such as internal bleeding and Crohn's Disease in the small and large intestines.

Hours of Operations

Gastroenterology Department at Rockford Health Physicians - North Rockton Avenue:    Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday hours are also available.

Gastroenterology Department at Rockford Health Physicians - Perryville:  Hours vary, evening hours available.

Endoscopy Center at Rockford Memorial Hospital:  Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, call (815) 971-2544.
 
       
print
To find the Rockford Health System physician
search by name or specialty.
     
Physician Last Name
 
or
   
Specialty