Gastroenterology

Our Complex GI program at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital has been recognized by Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, as a Signature Program. This is the first signature program in the state of Florida for Sarah Cannon. The Sarah Cannon Signature Program internally recognizes and celebrates programs that have taken significant steps to provide a higher quality of care to the patients they serve. Achievement of the Signature Program recognition speaks to the collective commitment of our physicians, nurses, oncology nurse navigators and administrators focused on continually improving patient-centered care.

Endoscopic bariatric therapy (EBT) has been shown to be a reliable choice for individuals who have chosen not to undergo weight loss surgery and those who have undergone such surgery but are presently coping with weight regain.

Typically conducted on an outpatient basis, these endoscopic procedures allow patients to resume their normal routines within days after the treatments:

• Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) — With the use of a specialized device called the "overstitch," we are able to administer approximately five to seven full-thickness sutures to decrease the size of your stomach. This procedure does not involve the removal of any portion of the stomach, which is different than the surgical approach called sleeve gastrectomy.
• Endoscopic transoral outlet reduction (TOR) — This procedure is for weight regain after gastric bypass surgery. Due to scar tissue and adhesions, a traditional bariatric surgery revision can sometimes be extremely challenging. An endoscopic bariatric revision decreases these potential risks.

Learn more by watching this video on endoscopic bariatric therapy.

Third space endoscopy comprises a variety of endoscopic techniques conducted within the "third space," referring to the potential cavity within the gastrointestinal tract wall. Typically, this involves interventions within the submucosal layer of the organ wall, which provides a wide variety of endoscopic minimally invasive alternatives to the conventional surgical approach.

Our HCA Florida North Florida Hospital team specializes in providing some of the most cutting-edge techniques in the gastrointestinal clinical space. This means you can receive the highest level of care closer to home. We perform:

• Third space endoscopy
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in native and altered surgical anatomy
• Diagnostic and interventional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• Endoscopic bariatrics
• Endoscopic management of bariatric complications
• Advanced endoscopic management of bleeding
• Advanced endoscopic tissue resection
• Luminal stenting
• Additional endoscopic interventions
  • Endoscopic Zenker's diverticulum treatment

Since all of the organs of the GI system are internal, we use specialized diagnostic procedures to identify diseases and evaluate function. We perform the following GI screenings and tests:

• Bravo pH testing
• Capsule endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Small bowel enteroscopy
• Upper GI endoscopy

Our GI surgeons offer surgical treatment options for digestive health conditions, including:

• Colectomies
• Complex biliary tract surgery
• Complex liver and pancreatic surgeries
• Esophagostomy
• Gastrectomy
• Liver resection
• Surgical oncology, including abdominal surgery and treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis
• Whipple procedure

Our hospital offers a comprehensive cancer care program to provide diagnostic testing and treatment for patients with GI cancer. We treat:

• Colon and rectal cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Small and large intestinal cancer
• Stomach cancer

North Florida Endoscopy Center hosts experienced gastroenterologists who provide quality care for patients undergoing an endoscopic procedure. The gastroenterologists work alongside registered nurses, endoscopy technologists and support staff who work hard to facilitate your care before, during and after your endoscopy.

For more information, please call (352) 333-5900. We are open Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 4:30pm.

Endoscopy patient instructions

Your physician will give instructions about when to arrive on the day of your procedure. We ask you not to eat or drink anything after the time provided during your preadmission visit. On the morning of your procedure, take only the medications your doctor instructed you to.

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to take on and off. Please leave any valuables at home. Do not wear eye makeup or nail polish.

You will need to arrange for a responsible party to drive you home after the endoscopy. You will not be allowed to drive yourself. If a responsible party is not available to take you home, your doctor will cancel the procedure. You may only take a taxi or car service if someone can ride with you.

Due to limited space in our waiting area, we ask you to bring no more than two support people.