Digestive Health

We Treat Digestive Health Disorders so You Can Get Back in Action

Digestive health disorders can slow you down and stop you from doing the things you love. Digestive disorders can cause you daily pain and discomfort when you eat and can disrupt your normal bodily functions. Left untreated, these issues can decrease your quality of life and can even become life-threatening. If you are living with disruptive digestive health problems, Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring and Holy Cross Hospital in Germantown offer advanced diagnostic technologies and cutting-edge treatment options to improve your quality of life.  Our digestive care covers a wide range of issues related to the gastrointestinal tract, including the liver, stomach, colon and rectum, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Many of our digestive health surgeons perform advanced, minimally invasive surgeries, including robotic -assisted surgeries. Minimally invasive surgeries use smaller incisions, which lead to a faster recovery, less pain, and an improved cosmetic result.  Robotic-assisted surgery can have additional benefits due to the enhanced technologies and precision.  Many Holy Cross Health surgeons are specially trained and certified to perform robotic-assisted surgery using multiple cutting-edge da Vinci surgical robots to ensure optimal, high-quality surgical treatment.

Digestive Conditions We Treat

Through comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options, Holy Cross Health’s Digestive Health Program addresses conditions and diseases including:

  • Acid Reflux
  • Barrett’s Esophagus
  • Celiac Disease
  • Colorectal Cancer
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Diverticulitis (inflammation in the digestive tract) Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
  • Fecal Incontinence
  • Gallstones
  • Gastroparesis and other motility disorders
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or heartburn, including through use of the LINX© Reflux Management System
  • Gastrointestinal disorders during pregnancy
  • Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
  • Heartburn
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hernias
  • Inflammatory or Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS)
  • Liver disease
  • Obesity
  • Pancreatic cysts
  • Pancreatitis
  • Swallowing disorders such as Dysphagia and Achalasia
  • Ulcers

Treatments 

Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring and Holy Cross Hospital in Germantown are equipped to support these advanced diagnostic and treatment approaches for digestive health issues:

  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Bile Duct Stenting/Stone Removal
  • Botox Injection
  • Capsule and Catheter-based pH Monitoring
  • Cholangioscopy and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Complex Colorectal Surgery
  • Endoscopic Fistula Closure
  • Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
  • Endoscopic Stent Placement
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
  • Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS) and Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (ENB)
  • Esophageal Dilatation
  • Fecal Transplantation (Bacteriotherapy)
  • LINX© Reflux Management System, an innovative magnetic band implant used to treat heartburn
  • Manometry (esophageal and anorectal)
  • Minimally invasive surgery, including robotic-assisted surgery 
  • Nissen Fundoplication
  • Therapeutic Endoscopy

A Welcoming Environment

If an inpatient stay is necessary at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring or Holy Cross Hospital in Germantown, both offer all-private patient rooms with a comfortable sleeper sofa for the patient’s support person to remain by their side. Amenities also include room-service-style meal delivery, free Internet access, and an in-room entertainment center.

Our Team

Holy Cross Health’s Digestive Health Program includes experienced, board-certified physicians in the following surgical specialties:

General Surgery 
Gastroenterology 
Thoracic Surgery 
Colorectal Surgery 
Bariatric Surgery

These physicians collaborate with other specialists and team members including physician assistants, specially trained nurses, endoscopy technicians and support staff.

To find a physician, view our physician teams, search the online physician's directory or call 301-754-8800.