Digestive Health (Gastroenterology)

Digestive problems can seriously impact your daily life, but the gastrointestinal (GI) experts at Cook County Health are here to provide comprehensive care for digestive track issues.
While some GI issues are genetic, others are caused by your immune system or diet.

The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Cook County Health treats patients with gastrointestinal, pancreatic or biliary (liver, gallbladder and bile ducts) disorders. We work with our patients to not only treat digestive disorders, but also provide education about conditions and procedures.

Common Conditions

Our board-certified gastroenterologists and hepatologists, along with our specially trained staff, are well-versed in the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of GI and liver diseases, including:
Celiac disease

An immune response to gluten that affects the digestive system.

Cirrhosis and other liver diseases

Chronic liver damage from a variety of causes leading to scarring and liver failure.

Constipation

Difficulty in bowel movements, often causing painful defecation.

Diarrhea

Frequent loose or liquid bowel movements.

Esophageal motility disorders

Problems with the movement of food down the esophagus.

Gallstones

Hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause pain and blockages.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Acid reflux and heartburn affecting the lower esophageal sphincter.
GI/colon cancer

Malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract and colon.

Heartburn

A burning pain or discomfort that may move from your stomach to your abdomen or chest, or even up into your throat.

Hepatitis B & C

Viral infections that cause inflammation of the liver.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

A group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together.

Liver diseases
Nausea

A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit.

Pancreatic and biliary disorders

Conditions affecting the pancreas and biliary system, including pancreatitis and biliary duct obstructions.

Ulcers

Open sores on the stomach lining, small intestine, or esophagus.

An immune response to gluten that affects the digestive system.

Chronic liver damage from a variety of causes leading to scarring and liver failure.

Difficulty in bowel movements, often causing painful defecation.

Frequent loose or liquid bowel movements.

Problems with the movement of food down the esophagus.

Hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause pain and blockages.

  • Acid reflux and heartburn affecting the lower esophageal sphincter.

Malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract and colon.

A burning pain or discomfort that may move from your stomach to your abdomen or chest, or even up into your throat.

Viral infections that cause inflammation of the liver.

Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis; chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

A group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together.

A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit.

Conditions affecting the pancreas and biliary system, including pancreatitis and biliary duct obstructions.

Open sores on the stomach lining, small intestine, or esophagus.

Treatment

We offer a broad range of treatments in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

We also offer endoscopic and biopsy procedures to examine the digestive tract and any problems without a surgical procedure.

Providing guidance on nutritional practices to improve gastrointestinal health.

Non-surgical techniques such as endoscopies and biopsies that allow for direct visualization and sampling of the GI tract.

  • Upper endoscopy (EGD)
  • Video capsule endoscopy

Utilizing the latest medications to manage and treat various gastrointestinal disorders.

At Cook County Health, we are committed to advancing the field of gastroenterology and hepatology through our dedicated patient care, research, and education. Our team is continuously engaged in research projects and clinical trials to bring innovative treatments to our patients, ensuring that you receive the most effective and advanced care available.

Choosing Cook County Health for your gastrointestinal and liver health means you are opting for a team that is at the forefront of digestive health care. Our comprehensive services and compassionate approach ensure the best outcomes for our patients, helping them lead healthier, more comfortable lives.

Clinic Locations

The division of Gastroenterology has two primary clinical and patient locations within Cook County Health.

Please make sure to follow the instructions of your doctor regarding procedures especially regarding bringing an escort with you for upper endoscopy, colonoscopy and ERCP procedures which require use of conscious sedation. Please take your blood pressure medication in the morning. You may not take your diabetes medication because you will be fasting before the procedure. Check with your physician regarding appropriate instructions.

Endoscopy Unit - Clinic R
John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County

  • Colonoscopy
  • Enteroscopy
  • ERCP
  • Esophageal dilation
  • EUS
  • PEG
  • Upper endoscopy (EGD)
  • Video capsule endoscopy


GI Clinic - Clinic F

John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County

The outpatient GI Clinic is available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm – 5 pm. All patients have prior referrals with scheduled appointments. No procedures are performed in this clinic.

Why Choose Cook County Health for Digestive Health (Gastroenterology)?

  • Expert Care: Our gastroenterologists and hepatologists are recognized leaders in their field.
  • Comprehensive Services: We manage all aspects of GI and liver diseases from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up.
  • Advanced Technology: Utilizing the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to provide minimally invasive care.
  • Patient-Centered Approach: Tailored treatment plans that focus on the individual needs and comfort of each patient.

 

To discuss your digestive health concerns or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, please contact Cook County Health.

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Schedule an appointment

Call us at: (312) 864-0200

Providers

Frida P. Abrahamian, MD
Frida P. Abrahamian, MD
Frida
P.
Abrahamian,
MD
Nutrition, Interventional Endoscopy, Pancreatic and Biliary Diseases, Malabsorptive disorders
Bashar M. Attar, MD
Bashar M. Attar, MD
Bashar
M.
Attar,
MD
Liver Disease, Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Acid-peptic Disorders, Chemoprevention of cancer, Epidemiology of diseases, Geriatric GI, Public Health issues, and Medical informatics
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Melchor V. Demetria, MD
Melchor
V.
Demetria,
MD
Dr. Seema R. Gandhi
Seema R. Gandhi, MD
Seema
R.
Gandhi,

Locations

Care Close to Home

High quality care with a large network of health care centers in Cook County

1969 W. Ogden Avenue
Chicago, IL 60612

(312) 864-6000
Hospitals
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Digestive Health (Gastroenterology)
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