Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when stomach acid, bile and enzymes repeatedly flow back up the esophagus. This results in acid reflux, heartburn and often chest pain. GERD is common, affecting about 20% of the US population. Without treatment, it can lead to serious health complications.

We provide EGD diagnostic screening for GERD. EGD (esophagogastric duodenoscopy) is a simple procedure using an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera at the end). The endoscope is placed down your throat to look at your esophagus and identify whether GERD is the cause of your symptoms.

If diagnosed, initial treatments include diet and lifestyle changes and medications, but when these don’t work, surgery is often recommended.
If surgery is needed, our team is prepared to discuss surgical treatment options to find the best procedure for your individual needs.

Hernias can occur in the abdomen, groin or diaphragm. While most abdominal hernias aren’t considered emergencies, they can be painful and interfere with your quality of life. Based on the severity of the hernia, it may need to be surgically repaired. Many patients undergo elective surgery to prevent the possible complication of a strangulated hernia in the future.

Hernias do not go away on their own. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the signs and symptoms of a hernia:

• Swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum (the pouch that contains the testicles)
• Increased pain at the site of the bulge
• Pain while lifting
• Increase in the bulge size over time
• A dull aching sensation
• A sense of feeling full or signs of bowel obstruction

Hernia types include:

• Inguinal hernia - located in the groin, one of the most common types of hernia
• Femoral hernia - less common groin hernia
• Incisional hernia - hernias that result from a prior incision caused by a previous operation
• Ventral hernia - occurs on your anterior abdominal wall and can be present at birth or developed later
• Spigelian hernia - can be difficult to detect as it is a hernia that does not involve all layers of the abdominal wall so the bulge may not be as obvious  

Our surgeons offer minimally invasive hernia procedures and surgeries on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Treatments include:

• Open surgical repair - one incision, usually over the hernia
• Laparoscopic repair - multiple small incisions, usually away from the hernia

Both repairs close the hernia using sutures, mesh, or both. Deciding which option is best is based on multiple factors, is highly individual, and is determined after an in depth discussion with your surgeon.

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to image, inspect and diagnose conditions within the lower gastrointestinal tract and digestive system.

It is recommended that colonoscopy screenings begin at the age of 45. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer may be encouraged to begin screenings earlier (your primary care doctor can provide recommendations for your specific situation).

A colonoscopy uses a scope with a thin tube that has a tiny camera at the end called a colonoscope. The colonoscope is inserted through your rectum and displays images of your colon through a monitor in real-time.

With a colonoscopy, your doctor can carefully evaluate sensitive conditions like ulcers, polyps, cancer, or other colorectal issues such as inflammation and infections. The detailed images created by the colonoscope also allow for accurate diagnoses of colon cancer and help determine next steps for cancer treatment.

If your colonoscopy results in any concerns, our team will evaluate the results and work with you on necessary next steps. Often, surgery can correct or improve many conditions. And, if colon cancer is found, 90% of cases can be cured when caught early.

There are many types of colon surgeries we perform right here, close to home.

Mammograms use low energy X-rays to examine the breast as a diagnostic and screening tool to detect the early presence of breast cancer.

Mammograms are recommended annually for women age 45 to 54. Women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every 2 years, or continue yearly screening. Some women are at an increased risk for breast cancer and may be encouraged to begin screenings earlier (your primary care doctor can provide recommendations for your specific situation).

St. Joseph Medical Center’s imaging department provides easy scheduling for mammograms. You can schedule a mammogram today by calling 406-883-8402.

If our imaging team finds something that needs a second look, we’ll help you navigate next steps to get immediate care.

If it’s determined breast surgery is needed, our expert general surgery team is here to provide personalized, compassionate care. We treat a variety of breast conditions including:

• Breast cancer:
• Lumpectomy
• Mastectomy
• Benign breast disease, such as:
• Cysts
• Mastitis
• Benign breast lumps
• Breast pain
• Breast abscess
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Most insurance requires a referral from a primary care provider prior to being seen for an initial evaluation. Please reach out to your primary care provider to request your referral, or call our office for further assistance. You can reach us at 406-883-5680.

If you don’t have a primary care provider, we can help you find one using our provider directory.