Outpatient Clinics

• Gastroenterology Clinic
• Liver Clinic
• Hepatitis C Interferon Clinic
• Metabolic Clinic

Multi-Specialty Endoscopy Suite

The Gastroenterology Department opened the new Multi-Specialty Endoscopy Suite in January 2006 and is seeing patients in a new facility and treating them with leading-edge technology.  The old Dobyns area, previously used for outpatient surgery, has been turned into an endoscopy center that rivals any similar facility in northeast Ohio.  New equipment featuring high definition/high resolution endoscopes and plasma monitors will give MetroHealth gastroenterologists the best technology available with which to diagnose and treat patients. 

When Roy Ferguson, MD, Director, Endoscopy Unit, consulted with an architect to design the center, he solicited input from the staff as well, and the end result is an efficient, accessible location that patients will appreciate.  There are six treatment rooms, four of which are for routine procedures, and two for more complex procedures.  A cleaning room is set up between each pair of treatment rooms for fast, efficient cleaning and turnaround.  There are 19 recovery beds for patients who have undergone procedures, and a private room for physicians to speak with patients.  Also included are teaching rooms for patients and a lab for non-invasive procedures.  “We will be able to perform in a much more efficient manner with much less disruption for patients,” says Dr.  Ferguson.  One of the unique aspects of the center is a sizeable conference room with a very large-screen TV.  “No one else in this area has a big screen telestration unit like we have, which will allow us to educate 14 to 15 people at a time,” says Dr.  Ferguson.  “We will start with internal staff and then invite small groups of physicians in from the community for demonstrations as well.  If we’re having a difficult case, everyone can gather, watch and learn.  Questions can be asked and we can provide answers with no disruption whatsoever for the patient,” Ferguson says.

Procedures offered provide views and ability to diagnose and/or treat:

• Bravo pH monitoring: measures pH with a small capsule attached to the esophagus
• Bronchoscopy: trachea and bronchial tubes
• Capsule endoscopy: patient swallows a “pill” camera for small intestine viewing
• Colonoscopy: large intestine
• EGD: upper gastrointestinal tract
• Endoscopic ultrasound: new endoscope features ultrasound capability
• Esophageal and Rectal Manometry: measures pressure of the muscles in these areas
• Esophageal pH Monitoring 
• ERCP: liver’s common bile duct, gallbladder and pancreatic duct
• Gastroscopy: lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
• Liver biopsy: removal of liver tissue for study
• Paracentesis – removes fluid from abdomen