Gastrointestinal care
Cheshire’s gastroenterology and hepatology experts care for disorders of the stomach and esophagus, intestines, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. Our team in Keene includes specialized advanced practice providers, gastroenterologists and diagnostic technicians.
We understand how much some gastrointestinal (GI) problems can affect your quality of life. We also know that screening with colonoscopy and early detection of colorectal cancer can save your life.
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Why choose Cheshire for your digestive care?
When you choose us, you’ll get expert care for a wide range of complex digestive health concerns.
World-class expertise
Our board-certified gastroenterologists provide advanced testing, diagnosis and treatment for digestive and liver conditions. Whether you need a routine screening colonoscopy or specialized care, we provide personalized care close to home.
Advanced technologies
Our goal is to help you get back to feeling like yourself. We use the latest technology and treatments to help relieve your symptoms, improve your digestive health and help you feel healthier.
Collaborative care
You'll have the support of a coordinated team that includes highly skilled gastroenterologists, advanced practice providers, nurses and medical assistants. When needed, we also work closely with our General Surgery team and other specialists so you get the care you need.
Personalized support
Our expert team takes the time to understand your symptoms, answer your questions and create a treatment plan that’s right for you. We'll work with you every step of the way, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up care.
Colorectal cancer screenings save lives
Colorectal cancer screenings are one of the most cost-effective and efficient cancer screenings available, for one of the deadliest cancers for both men and women. Schedule your regular screenings with us if you are between 45 and 75 years of age. If your doctor determines you have a high risk for this cancer, they may recommend you have your first screening at a younger age. Contact us to schedule your colonoscopy.
Colorectal Cancer: Why You Should Get Screened Sooner and How To Reduce Your Risk
Although colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in the United States, it is one of the few cancers that can be prevented.
Find more information about colorectal cancer screenings on the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics website:
I sat with [symptoms] for a year or more before even getting it checked out, and I would imagine a lot can happen in a year, in terms of cancer progress. Don’t hesitate.
Michael LaCrosse, a colorectal cancer survivor
How our team can help
Please talk to your primary care provider if you have any of the following GI symptoms. They may refer you to our gastroenterology experts for specialized testing and treatment:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Blood in your stools or rectal bleeding
- Changes in your bowel habits
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fecal incontinence
- Heartburn
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
Some of your symptoms might turn out to be minor and easily relieved. If further testing is recommended, we'll discuss your options and next steps with you.
'Don't Hesitate': Colorectal Cancer Survivor Urges People To Get Screened
Michael LaCrosse, 35, was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in 2024 after experiencing minor symptoms.
Your personalized treatment plan
Our team will work with you from the time we first meet through your treatment. We create personalized care plans for a wide range of problems.
Some of the more common problems we treat include:
- Acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Celiac disease
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
- Disorders of the pancreas
- Esophageal disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Liver diseases, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver disease and genetic liver disorders
- Obesity medicine
Treatments and services
Liver disease care
Our gastroenterology providers treat a wide range of liver diseases from hepatitis C to fatty liver disease. We offer FibroScan®, a specialized, non-invasive test in our office that:
- Evaluates the amount of fatty tissue in the liver
- Helps us evaluate liver health over time
- Measures liver stiffness
Our team provides comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and treatment to manage long-term care for patients with liver disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease care
If you are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea or bloody stool, you may have a chronic autoimmune disease called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Our providers diagnose and treat Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two chronic autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. We offer a wide range of treatment options, including advanced medications that can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Learn more about inflammatory bowel disease.
Endoscopy
Our gastroenterologists perform colonoscopy and upper endoscopy for:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Colorectal and esophageal cancer screenings
- Difficulty swallowing
- Evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Other digestive symptoms
All procedures are performed in our dedicated endoscopy suite. You will receive care from a team of highly skilled nursing professionals and sedation throughout your procedure.
Advanced biliary procedures
In addition to endoscopic procedures, we also offer advanced biliary procedures. Biliary means related to the bile ducts.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure like an upper endoscopy, but the endoscopist can treat conditions affecting the bile ducts. During the procedure, your provider can:
- Collect tissue samples for further evaluation
- Remove bile duct stones
- Place stents to open strictures in the bile duct
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a specialized type of upper endoscopy that uses ultrasound to better view abnormalities in the pancreas, surrounding organs and lymph nodes. This allows us to sample these tissues to help make diagnoses.
Collaboration for the best care
Cheshire’s gastroenterology team works closely with other experts as part of your personalized treatment plan:
- General surgery, which includes surgeons who specialize in colorectal procedures and other surgeries of the torso.
- Diagnostic imaging and laboratory specialists who perform tests to help diagnose and manage your condition.
- Our highly-skilled oncology team at Dartmouth Cancer Center at Cheshire provides world-class care and access to clinical trials.
- Pelvic health rehabilitation specialists who can help improve continence and support recovery after surgery.
- Speech therapists who specialize in evaluating and treating swallowing problems.
More resources
Healthwise Encyclopedia offers detailed information on digestive health topics.