MaineHealth Gastroenterology Brunswick provides expert digestive health services in Brunswick, Maine.
High-quality care for gastrointestinal diseases and conditions
Working in collaboration with the surgeons of MaineHealth Surgical Care Brunswick, we provide comprehensive digestive health care, from state-of-the-art diagnostics to advanced treatment options.
Digestive Health Services
- Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal and liver diseases
- Screening colonoscopy
- Diagnostic & therapeutic endoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy
- pH monitoring
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
More about our services
Our Digestive Health Center offers comprehensive outpatient gastrointestinal services for the diagnosis and treatment of problems of the stomach, intestines and related organs and glands. The center features four state-of-the-art endoscopy suites and utilizes the most advanced techniques. These minimally invasive procedures provide accurate, early diagnoses.
The center takes full advantage of its proximity to the offices of MaineHealth Gastroenterology Brunswick and its skilled professional team. Surrounded by a peaceful, natural setting; patients receive personalized attention and care from our friendly, professional and experienced care team.
MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital Digestive Health Center
123 Medical Center Drive
Brunswick, ME 04011
Phone: 207-373-6300
Abdominal pain
Anemia
Anorexia/Bulimia
Appendicitis
Cancers of the digestive system
Celiac Sprue
Cirrhosis of the liver
Colitis
Colon Cancer
Crohn’s Disease
Diverticulitis
Eating disorders
Gallstones
Gastritis
Heartburn
Hepatitis B & C
Hernia
Liver cancer
Malnutrition
Pancreatitis
Reflux
Severe constipation
Severe diarrhea
Swallowing disorders
Ulcers
Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome
If you have difficulty swallowing due to a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumor, head injury or anoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain and nervous system), you may have dysphagia and require the services of our licensed speech and language pathologist. Dysphagia can result from a defect in any one of the three phases of swallowing. These phases are:
- Oral phase: During the oral phase of swallowing, food is chewed by movement of the lower jaw and teeth. The chewed food forms a soft mass or bolus, which must then be moved by the tongue to the back of the mouth, ready for swallowing. During this phase the lips must be able to maintain a seal to prevent food leaking out of the mouth, and sufficient tension in the cheek muscles to prevent the food from getting caught between the jaw and the cheek. The oral phase of swallowing relies on voluntary muscle action initiated by the person who is eating.
- Pharyngeal phase: The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is a reflex action, in which the food moves through the pharynx. It takes place in less than a second. During this phase, the tongue and the soft palate must work together to prevent food from entering the nasal cavity. Once in the pharynx, the food is pushed down toward the esophagus by the action of the constricting muscles of the pharynx. The larynx (voice box)closes to prevent food from entering the trachea (airway).
- Esophageal phase: This final phase of the swallowing process uses waves of muscle contraction to push the food down the esophagus, through the esophageal-gastric sphincter, and into the stomach. The process of swallowing relies on a host of muscles and nerves in the face, neck and mouth to be successful. A disruption of any part of the process can result in an inability to swallow, leading to an inability to acquire and maintain proper nutrition.
If you or someone you love is affected by a swallowing disorder, call 207-373-6327 to make an appointment with our speech pathologist.
