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GASTROENTEROLOGY

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Gastroenterology Procedures in Traverse City

Copper Ridge Surgery Center provides advanced gastroenterology procedures in Traverse City and throughout Northern Michigan, helping patients diagnose, manage, and treat a wide range of digestive health conditions. Our experienced gastroenterologists perform minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in a comfortable outpatient environment designed to make the process as efficient and stress-free as possible.

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As an accredited ambulatory surgery center, Copper Ridge Surgery Center offers patients a convenient alternative to hospital-based procedures. Many gastrointestinal procedures can be performed safely on a same-day basis, allowing patients to return home shortly after their procedure while receiving high-quality care close to home in Traverse City.

Our Gastroenterology Specialist Providers

Munson Healthcare Digestive Health

  • Heather Carroll, DO

  • Mark Galan, MD

  • Montgomery Hegewald, MD

  • Glen Henbest, DO

  • Alex Weick, DO

Digestive Conditions Commonly Evaluated

Gastroenterology focuses on the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Our physicians evaluate and treat many digestive conditions, including:

  • Acid reflux and GERD

  • Chronic abdominal pain

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)

  • Colon polyps

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Chronic diarrhea or constipation

  • Unexplained digestive symptoms

  • Screening for colorectal cancer
     

Many gastrointestinal conditions can be identified early through diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy.

Gastroenterology Procedures Performed

Copper Ridge Surgery Center offers several common gastroenterology procedures used to diagnose and treat digestive disorders, including:

  • Colonoscopy

  • Upper endoscopy (EGD)

  • Screening colonoscopy for colorectal cancer

  • Diagnostic colonoscopy

  • Polyp removal (polypectomy)

  • Evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Biopsy of digestive tract tissue
     

These procedures allow physicians to closely examine the digestive tract and identify abnormalities that may require treatment or monitoring.

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Many gastroenterology procedures are minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Colon Cancer Screening and Prevention

Colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools for the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. During a colonoscopy, physicians can identify and remove colon polyps before they develop into cancer.

 

Health organizations typically recommend that individuals begin regular colon cancer screening around age 45, though earlier screening may be recommended for those with family history or certain risk factors.

 

Routine screening colonoscopies play an important role in protecting long-term digestive health and can significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer when abnormalities are detected early.

Benefits of Outpatient Gastroenterology Procedures

Many gastrointestinal procedures can be performed safely and comfortably at an outpatient surgery center like Copper Ridge. Benefits include:

  • Same-day procedures with quick recovery

  • Comfortable, patient-focused environment

  • Reduced wait times compared to hospital settings

  • Experienced medical teams specializing in endoscopic procedures

  • Convenient location for patients throughout Northern Michigan

  • Efficient scheduling for routine screenings and diagnostic procedures

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Patients often find that outpatient procedures provide a more relaxed experience while still delivering the same high standard of medical care.

Why Choose Copper Ridge Surgery Center?

Patients across Traverse City and Northern Michigan choose Copper Ridge Surgery Center for gastroenterology procedures because of our commitment to patient safety, efficiency, and comfort.

Our surgery center offers:

  • Board-certified gastroenterologists

  • Accredited outpatient surgical facility

  • Experienced nursing and anesthesia teams

  • Modern endoscopic technology

  • Efficient, patient-centered care

  • Convenient Traverse City location
     

Our goal is to provide a comfortable environment where patients can receive important digestive health screenings and procedures with confidence.

Who Should Consider a Colonoscopy?

You may benefit from a colonoscopy or other gastroenterology procedure if you:

  • Are age 45 or older and due for colon cancer screening

  • Have a family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps

  • Experience chronic digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits

  • Have persistent acid reflux or difficulty swallowing

  • Have been advised by your physician to undergo a diagnostic evaluation of digestive symptoms
     

A consultation with your physician can help determine whether a colonoscopy or other gastroenterology procedure is appropriate for you.

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