Digestive health problems affect tens of millions of Americans every year. From the persistent burn of acid reflux to the acute pain of gallstones, gastrointestinal (GI) conditions can significantly disrupt daily life and, when left unaddressed, lead to serious long-term complications. For residents across northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay provides a comprehensive response through its dedicated Center for Digestive Health.
Founded in 1903 and part of the Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center has developed one of the region’s most credentialed gastroenterology programs. The center operates through a clinical partnership with Prevea Health, the largest physician-owned and physician-led organization in northeastern Wisconsin. Together, these two institutions have built a gastroenterology service that covers the full spectrum of digestive disease—from common presentations like GERD and irritable bowel syndrome to complex conditions involving the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver.
A Dedicated Center for Digestive Health
The gastroenterology program at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center is anchored by a purpose-built Center for Digestive Health, recognized as one of the hospital’s premier Centers of Excellence. This designation reflects the depth of specialization, the quality of technology, and the level of clinical coordination that defines digestive care at this facility.
The Prevea Health gastroenterology team, which staffs the program, comprises board-certified gastroenterologists trained in the latest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. These physicians specialize in the full range of digestive health issues affecting the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. Advanced practice providers work alongside them to ensure patients receive continuous, well-coordinated care from initial evaluation through treatment and long-term follow-up.
Operating as a 158-bed, not-for-profit community hospital on Green Bay’s west side, St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center leverages its Prevea Health partnership to bring more than 200 physicians into its care ecosystem. This model means that patients benefit from both the infrastructure of a hospital-based specialty center and the consistency of physician-led group practice—an important distinction for those managing ongoing digestive conditions.
The Range of Digestive Conditions Managed at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center
The digestive system is a complex network of organs, and problems can arise at virtually any point along its length. The gastroenterology program at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center is designed to address a wide variety of conditions, from the most frequently occurring disorders to rarer diseases that require specialist expertise. The table below provides an overview of the major categories of digestive conditions managed through the program.
| Condition | Category | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux | Esophageal | Evaluated with pH testing and EGD; managed through medications and lifestyle changes |
| Barrett’s esophagus | Esophageal / Precancerous | HALO radiofrequency ablation available for eligible patients |
| Gallbladder disorders and bile duct stones | Biliary | ERCP used for minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment |
| Colorectal cancer and polyps | Colorectal | High-definition colonoscopy with same-session polyp removal |
| Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis | Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Long-term medical management and endoscopic monitoring |
| Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | Functional GI disorders | Non-inflammatory; addressed through dietary and medical strategies |
| Celiac disease | Small Intestinal | Diagnosed via biopsy; managed primarily through dietary modification |
| Pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts | Pancreatic | EUS provides detailed imaging; ERCP used for certain interventions |
| Liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C | Hepatic | Specialty-led medical follow-up and monitoring |
| Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis | Gastric | Diagnosed via EGD; treated with targeted medications |
| Diverticulitis | Colonic | Medical and, when indicated, surgical management |
This breadth of clinical coverage reflects the program’s role as a primary resource for digestive care in the region, capable of accompanying patients through all stages of their gastrointestinal health journey—from first symptoms to long-term management.
How the Program Approaches GERD and Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, more commonly known as GERD, is among the most frequently treated conditions in any gastroenterology practice. It develops when the lower esophageal sphincter—the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach—weakens or relaxes at the wrong time, allowing stomach acid to travel upward and irritate the esophageal lining. Occasional heartburn is common in the general population, but GERD involves chronic, disruptive reflux that erodes quality of life and, over time, causes structural damage to the esophagus.
At HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, evaluating GERD begins with a thorough clinical assessment, followed by objective diagnostic testing where appropriate. Among the tools available for this purpose are the following:
- EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy): A thin, flexible scope passed through the mouth allows physicians to directly examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine—detecting inflammation, erosions, ulcers, or early signs of more serious change.
- BRAVO pH testing: A wireless capsule temporarily attached to the esophageal wall records acid levels over a 48-hour period, delivering objective data on how frequently and severely acid exposure is occurring.
- Esophageal manometry: This test measures the pressure and coordination of esophageal muscles, helping clinicians identify motility disorders that may complicate or mimic GERD.
These tools together give gastroenterologists a complete picture of how acid reflux is affecting each individual patient. Treatment is then tailored to their circumstances, ranging from dietary and lifestyle adjustments to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy or more targeted interventions for patients who do not respond adequately to conservative approaches.
When GERD Progresses: Addressing Barrett’s Esophagus
One of the more serious consequences of chronic, inadequately controlled GERD is the development of Barrett’s esophagus—a condition in which the normal squamous lining of the esophagus is replaced by intestinal-type tissue, in a process called intestinal metaplasia. Barrett’s esophagus is classified as a precancerous condition and significantly elevates a patient’s risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma.
To address this risk, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center offers HALO radiofrequency ablation (RFA) through its digestive health program. The HALO system delivers precisely controlled bursts of radio-frequency energy via an endoscopic catheter, removing the thin layer of diseased esophageal tissue without damaging the healthy structures beneath it. The procedure is performed across a series of outpatient sessions, involves no surgical incisions, and allows patients to return home the same day. Once treated tissue is cleared, normal esophageal cells regenerate in its place.
Research in this field has demonstrated that Barrett’s esophagus tissue can be completely eliminated through HALO ablation in the vast majority of treated patients. Those who undergo this treatment are typically maintained on acid-suppression medication throughout and after the process to support healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Gallbladder Disease and Bile Duct Disorders
The gallbladder plays a quiet but essential role in digestion—storing bile produced by the liver and releasing it into the small intestine to aid in the breakdown of fats. When gallstones form, the bile duct becomes obstructed, or the gallbladder becomes inflamed, the resulting symptoms can range from intermittent discomfort to severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and jaundice. These conditions often require timely specialist evaluation and intervention.
The gastroenterology team at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center is experienced in diagnosing and managing gallbladder and biliary tract disorders using a combination of imaging, endoscopy, and, where necessary, coordination with surgical colleagues. For many patients, the most effective tool in this area is a procedure called ERCP.
ERCP: A Minimally Invasive Approach to the Biliary Tract
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography—ERCP—is a procedure that uses an endoscope together with fluoroscopic X-ray imaging to examine and treat problems in the bile ducts and pancreas. At HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, ERCP is used to identify and, in many cases, address conditions including:
- Gallstones lodged in the main bile duct
- Bile duct blockages from strictures or external compression
- Jaundice caused by biliary obstruction
- Cancers of the bile ducts or pancreas
- Pancreatitis linked to bile duct or pancreatic duct abnormalities
Because ERCP is performed through a natural body opening—without surgical incisions—recovery is typically far shorter than with conventional surgery. In many cases, the physician can identify a bile duct stone or obstruction and remove it or place a drainage stent within the same procedure, reducing the need for multiple interventions. When the gallbladder itself requires surgical removal, such as in recurrent gallstone disease or cholecystitis, the gastroenterology team works collaboratively with the surgical staff at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center to ensure patients move through a coordinated, well-planned care pathway.
The Endoscopic Technology Behind Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment
A defining feature of the gastroenterology program at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center is the range and sophistication of its endoscopic capabilities. The clinical team performs thousands of minimally invasive procedures annually—giving physicians the ability to directly examine, biopsy, and in many cases treat the GI tract without requiring conventional surgery. The table below outlines the key procedures available through the program and their primary clinical applications.
| Procedure | Primary Clinical Application |
|---|---|
| Colonoscopy | Colon cancer screening, polyp detection and removal, IBD evaluation |
| EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) | Examining the upper GI tract; diagnosing GERD, ulcers, early cancer, and esophageal conditions |
| ERCP | Diagnosing and treating bile duct stones, blockages, and pancreatic disorders |
| EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasonography) | Detailed imaging of the GI tract and surrounding organs including the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas |
| Capsule Endoscopy | Non-invasive examination of the small intestine using a swallowable camera capsule |
| Enteroscopy | Diagnosis and treatment of small bowel conditions beyond the reach of standard EGD |
| HALO Radiofrequency Ablation | Removing precancerous Barrett’s esophagus tissue |
| Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) | Treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile (C. diff) colitis |
| BRAVO pH Testing and Esophageal Manometry | Objective assessment of acid exposure and esophageal muscle function in GERD evaluation |
These procedures are conducted in the hospital’s endoscopy facilities, which include private preparation and recovery rooms to support patient comfort and privacy. Where clinically appropriate, they are structured to allow same-day discharge—minimizing disruption to patients’ routines while maintaining the standard of care associated with a hospital-based specialty center.
Colon Cancer Screening: Prevention Through Early Detection
Colorectal cancer remains the third most common cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States—yet it is also one of the most preventable when screening occurs on schedule. The gastroenterology program at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center places considerable emphasis on colon cancer prevention, recognizing that timely detection of precancerous polyps is the most powerful tool available against this disease.
Colonoscopy is the gold-standard method for colorectal cancer screening. During the procedure, the physician passes a flexible, camera-equipped scope through the entire colon to inspect its lining. Any precancerous polyps identified can be removed during the same examination—interrupting the cancer development process before it has a chance to progress. The steady decline in colorectal cancer death rates over the past decade and a half is attributed in significant part to increased rates of routine screening.
At HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, colonoscopies are performed using high-definition endoscopy equipment, including monitors that provide superior visualization for thorough examination and accurate polyp removal. Current guidelines recommend that average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Those with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or hereditary conditions may need to begin earlier and screen more frequently. Most major insurance plans, including Medicare, cover colonoscopy at the recommended intervals, making the procedure broadly accessible across the patient population served by the hospital.
Managing Chronic and Complex Digestive Conditions
Beyond acute presentations and screening procedures, the gastroenterology program at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center provides ongoing management for a range of chronic digestive conditions. These are diseases that demand long-term relationships with specialist physicians, regular surveillance, and individualized treatment strategies that evolve alongside the patient’s needs. Among the chronic conditions regularly addressed through the program are:
- Crohn’s disease: A form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any segment of the digestive tract, causing inflammation, pain, and malabsorption. Management typically involves a combination of medication, endoscopic monitoring, and surgical consultation when needed.
- Ulcerative colitis: An IBD condition confined to the colon and rectum, requiring individualized medical therapy and periodic surveillance colonoscopy to detect dysplastic changes early.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A functional disorder of the colon that does not cause structural changes but significantly affects quality of life. Treatment focuses on dietary modification, stress management, and medication where appropriate.
- Celiac disease: An immune-mediated condition triggered by gluten ingestion that damages the lining of the small intestine. Diagnosed via endoscopic biopsy and managed with a strict gluten-free diet.
- Liver disease and viral hepatitis: Including hepatitis B and C, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis—managed through medical therapy and specialist-led monitoring to assess progression.
- Pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts: Both acute and chronic forms are addressed, with advanced imaging through EUS helping to guide management and identify complications or malignant potential.
Effective long-term management of these conditions depends on continuity—consistent access to the same specialist team, coherent medical records, and an evolving treatment plan that responds to how a patient’s condition changes over time. The collaborative structure between St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center and Prevea Health is designed precisely to support this kind of sustained, specialist-led care.
What Patients Can Expect from the Digestive Health Program
When seeking care through the gastroenterology program at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, patients typically begin with a consultation with one of the Prevea Health gastroenterologists affiliated with the center. During this appointment, the physician reviews presenting symptoms, medical history, current medications, and any existing diagnostic results. From there, a personalized evaluation and care plan is developed—whether that involves additional testing, a specific procedure, or the initiation of medical treatment.
Procedures are scheduled in the hospital’s endoscopy suite, where experienced staff guide patients through pre-procedure preparation, the procedure itself, and post-procedure recovery. For patients with complex needs or conditions requiring multidisciplinary input, the program draws on the broader resources of St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center—including surgical services, oncology support through the hospital’s cancer care partnerships, and advanced radiology. This integration ensures that patients navigating more complicated diagnoses are supported by a connected team rather than moving between isolated specialists.
Conclusion
Digestive health is foundational to overall well-being, and conditions affecting the GI tract—whether as common as acid reflux or as serious as gallbladder disease and colorectal cancer—deserve specialist attention grounded in evidence and experience. The gastroenterology program at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center delivers exactly that, through a Center for Digestive Health that brings together board-certified physicians, advanced endoscopic technology, and a comprehensive scope of treatable conditions.
The partnership between St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center and Prevea Health has produced a program equipped to handle digestive disease at every level of complexity—from prevention and screening to the management of chronic inflammatory conditions and the treatment of precancerous esophageal tissue. For patients across northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, this program represents a significant and accessible local resource for care that might otherwise require travel to a distant major medical center. Whether beginning a GERD evaluation, navigating the demands of inflammatory bowel disease, or scheduling an overdue colonoscopy, patients at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center can expect a clinically grounded, well-coordinated approach to their digestive health from a team with the credentials and technology to back it up.