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department of medicine

Section of Gastroenterology

Robert S. Fisher, MDA Message from Robert S. Fisher, MD

Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Gastroenterology Section

 

The Gastroenterology Section at Temple University Hospital is one of the nation’s most comprehensive centers for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders. In addition, Temple’s GI Section is a major center for research in gastroenterology and the training of future gastroenterologists.

 

Temple University Hospital is a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Our continued research and large clinical practice allow us to apply the very latest techniques to treat even the most challenging patients. Patients have access to virtually every available endoscopic, manometric and endosonographic technique--plus some investigational diagnostic and therapeutic procedures not available elsewhere.

 

We bring together a wide variety of disciplines to help patients deal with every aspect of gastroenterology. For example:

  • Our innovations with ultra-high frequency endosonography can vastly improve evaluation of vascular and neoplastic lesions.
  • Temple’s expertise with “push” and capsule enteroscopy has made us one of only a few centers able to routinely use these techniques.
  • Our specialists are experienced and published in the fields of gastroesophageal reflux disease, motility, endoscopy, endosonography, laser cancer therapy, sphincter motility with behavior modification, acid/peptic disorders, hepatology and the role of scintigraphy in gastroenterology.

The close relationship with Temple’s Departments of Diagnostic Imaging, Pathology and Surgery also enables us to utilize specialized techniques for diagnosing and treating even the most complex disorders--all in one convenient location.

 

For years, some patient’s unexplained heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, constipation or abdominal pain have been difficult to accurately diagnose and treat.  But in the last decade, Temple physicians have played a vital part in measuring gastrointestinal myoelectric and contractile activity, as well as transit. 

In addition to routine testing, such as esophageal manometry with provocative testing and anal manometry with biofeedback, we also perform other leading-edge techniques. We’re one of the few centers, for example, offering antroduodenal motility, impedance tomography, and electrogastrography. And at Temple, you’ll also find:

  • 24-hour and 48-hour (BRAVO) monitoring of esophageal and oropharyngeal acidity,  24-hour monitoring of esophageal motility, and 24-hour monitoring of esophageal bile reflux.
  • High resolution esophageal and anal sphincter motility.
  • Electrogastrography, antroduodenal motility, and scintigraphic techniques can be performed simultaneously to evaluate esophageal transit, gastroesophageal reflux, gastric emptying, small intestinal transit and colonic transit in complex patients.
  • Colonic transit testing for patients with chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Gastroenterology Section researchers are world-renowned for their efforts in the fields of esophageal, gastric, and colonic motility. Other areas of research include endoscopic ultrasound, new endoscopic techniques, and research in hepatology. GI Section researchers are supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, national associations and foundations, and private industry.

 

The GI Section is committed to excellence in teaching. Our faculty teach medical students, residents, and GI fellows. Members of the faculty are recognized as great teachers on a national and international level, being invited to speak at international meetings and being course directors for the American Gastroenterological Association national postgraduate courses.

 

Temple’s GI Section has been recognized regionally (Top Hospitals, Philadelphia Magazine), and nationally (Best Hospitals, US News & World Report). Four Section doctors were recently recognized as “Best Doctors” for 2005 (Best Doctors, Inc.).   To view biography information for each of our doctors, please go to "Gastroenterology Related Links" at the upper right of this page, click on the "Faculty" link, then click on their names to view their professional qualifications.

 

The Temple Gastroenterology Section has a comprehensive armamentarium available for every aspect of digestive disorders. From routine cancer screening to the most sophisticated ultrasound techniques and everything in between, endoscopists at Temple do it all. Cutting edge research and state-of-the-art teaching enhance patient care at all levels. I welcome you to explore our website to learn more about us.

 

Sincerely,

Robert S. Fisher, MD