Gastroenterology in Ventura and Los Angeles counties

Gastroenterology relates to the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract. If you suffer from GERD or other gastrointestinal conditions, you know how it can affect your life, and the team at Los Robles Health System is here to help. Gastroenterology treatment covers the range of organs starting at the mouth and ending at the rectum, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, appendix, upper and lower intestines and the rectum.

To find a physician or speak with a nurse for gastroenterology treatment, please call our Consult-A-Nurse® line at (877) 888-5746.

With an all-encompassing approach to digestive disease disorders, Los Robles offers the latest advances in modern technology to provide comprehensive care options for GERD treatment in Ventura.

What is GERD?

GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a digestive disorder driven by chronic acid reflux. If you experience reflux twice or more per week, you may have GERD. GERD impacts the muscle between the esophagus and stomach, creating persistent discomfort, such as burning in the chest. For people who suffer from GERD, the muscle is dysfunctional and unable to prevent acid from refluxing into the esophagus.

While heartburn is the most common symptom you may experience, you may also encounter:

  • Asthma
  • Bloating
  • Burning in the mouth or throat
  • Dental erosion or inflammation
  • Excessive clearing of the throat
  • Frequent swallowing
  • Hoarseness or sore throat
  • Inability to sleep lying down
  • Intolerance of certain foods
  • Pain or discomfort in the chest
  • Persistent cough

GERD is most commonly treated with medication designed to suppress acid production in the stomach, however, medication does not address GERD's root causes, and more than 40 percent of patients still experience symptoms.

Types of treatments offered

Our patient-centered care plans are designed to effectively treat GERD in ways that can make up for the shortcomings of a strictly pharmaceutical treatment plan, including the following:

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF)

The latest treatment for effectively treating GERD, TIF is a completely incisionless procedure and leaves no visible scarring. TIF reconstructs the anti-reflux barrier with a specially-designed device positioned at the junction of the stomach and esophagus. By pulling and fastening a tissue fold, preventing the reflux of stomach fluids into the esophagus, this device provides a ground-breaking solution to the anatomical root cause of GERD.

The TIF procedure typically lasts no more than 50 to 60 minutes, and most patients can go home the next day and return to work within a few days. In clinical studies, 79 percent of patients remained off GERD medications and 93 percent experienced a total elimination of heartburn two years after the TIF procedure. For patients who are concerned about the long-term effects of daily-use reflux medications, TIF is an optimal course of treatment.

Conventional surgical treatment

For people who have severe GERD, surgical intervention may be required. Although the conventional laparoscopic procedure is a very effective long-term solution, it still requires several days of recovery in the hospital. For that reason, the number of patients who undergo the procedure is relatively small. However, for those who possess any risk factors that could impact the effectiveness of the TIF procedure, conventional surgery can be a suitable treatment option. Speak with your doctor to find out which type of GERD treatment is best for you.

Diagnostic testing for GI disorders

Our surgical care team can also provide you with diagnostic testing options for a variety of digestive disease disorders. These diagnostic tests include colonoscopy exams.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a laparoscopic imaging procedure that examines the colon for polyps and other abnormalities. A thin tube is inserted with a tiny light and camera attached to view the inside of the colon, giving colonoscopy doctors a full picture to understand any potential complications that may be present.