Digestive disease care
We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the digestive tract, such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, Crohn’s disease and colitis. Patients may be referred by a primary care physician but a referral is not absolutely necessary.
Colonoscopy Screening
Colon cancer is a killer that consistently ranks in the top three in the Bahamas and the developed world. The American Cancer Society and the US Preventative Services Task force both recommend screening by colonoscopy every ten years beginning at age 50. African-Americans are at increased risk from colon cancer and authorities recommend that they should begin screening at age 45. Persons with a family history of colon cancer or polyps are also at increased risk and should also be screened at an earlier age than the general population.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
We perform upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy at our well-equipped outpatient endoscopy centre. We strive to remain at forefront of technology and our unit helps to train students.
Liver Diseases
Our specialty includes a focus on the treatment of hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Obesity management
If you need to lose less than 100 lbs, traditional methods have not worked for you and especially if you must lose weight for health reasons then the Centre for Digestive Health’s gastric balloon program may be your best option. Persons who need to lose more than 100 lbs and have planned to undergo bariatric surgery or other major operation may benefit from gastric balloon treatment to reduce risks. Orthopedic surgeons strongly encourage obese persons who plan to undergo joint replacement surgery to lose weight to lower operative risk and to speed rehabilitation. The gastric balloon is an option for many of these persons.
Capsule Endoscopy
The patient swallows a miniature TV camera and transmitter, which moves naturally through the digestive tract. This allows for the diagnosis of a wide range of internal conditions
in conjunction with diet and lifestyle education for the management of obesity.
We are specially trained to perform advanced endoscopic procedures, which allow direct viewing of the inside of the stomach or colon. We know that the prospect of having an outpatient procedure can sometimes produce anxiety and uncertainty. As a way of reducing your stress, we invite you to learn more about your scheduled procedure by reading the information available here. Our staff are always happy to answer any questions and to address concerns that you may have.
If you have already made an appointment please download and complete our registration form before your visit to save time. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Payment for services
Payment is due at the time of your visit. We accept most Bahamian insurance plans and we will work to ensure that you get full and appropriate coverage. We will file your insurance claim for you at no cost. Your insurance co-payment and payment to meet any insurance deductible will be due at the time of your visit.
Overseas Patients
We welcome patients from outside The Bahamas and increasingly persons are traveling to our Centre for colon cancer screening. Note that current guidelines recommend screening for those aged 50 to 75; from age 45 for African-Americans Cancer - Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines (for Healthcare Professionals and the layman). The average cost of a screening at our practice - using the same advanced techniques and equipment - is about a third less than in the USA: see Cost of a Colonoscopy. Our staff can recommend appropriate onshore accommodation and other services to prospective patients from overseas. |
