Find Relief at Cooper

Why Choose the Cooper Digestive Health Institute?

At Cooper University Health Care’s Digestive Health Institute, our team of 14 nationally recognized gastroenterologists offers a level of expertise and clinical excellence that is unmatched in South Jersey. As part of a leading academic health system, our digestive health experts provide a range of comprehensive services to meet your needs, from general gastrointestinal (GI) health and routine screenings to management of complex GI conditions, including cancer.

Additional advantages:

Advanced diagnostic testing and innovative treatments, including the latest generation of medications and surgical options
Convenient outpatient locations in Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, and Salem counties
State-of-the-art endoscopy centers in Camden, Mount Laurel, and Willingboro accredited by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Exceptional patient satisfaction scores for physician communication and quality of care
Comprehensive GI cancer care, including Cooper gastroenterologists who are certified MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper physicians, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, GI surgeons, and other cancer specialists

Advanced Treatment Options for GERD

After gathering your history of symptoms and performing a physical examination, your physician may be able to make a diagnosis of GERD. If necessary to confirm the diagnosis of GERD and/or check for additional health complications, testing like an upper endoscopy, 24-hour pH monitoring, or an X-ray of the upper digestive system may be ordered by your physician.

Once you have been diagnosed with GERD, your gastroenterologist may initially recommend lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, losing weight, quitting smoking, etc.) and over-the-counter medication. If your symptoms persist after a few weeks of following your treatment plan, prescription medication or surgery may be necessary.

Medication Options:

Antacids (Tums, Alka-Seltzer, Gaviscon, etc.) – Often the first recommendation, these medications naturally work to relieve heartburn and diminish some of the symptoms common with GERD

H2 Blockers (such as Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac) – Often used to relieve heartburn in the evening

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs – Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, etc.) – The strongest medication for reducing stomach acids

Surgical Options

Fundoplication – Cooper surgeons are among the most experienced at this procedure, in which the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus. This provides support for the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, allowing it to close tightly and prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus.

LINX® Reflux Management System – Continuing a tradition of innovation, Cooper University Health Care recently became the first health system in South Jersey to implant the LINX device, a small, flexible band of titanium, magnetic beads that wraps around the base of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to keep it closed. Swallowing temporarily breaks the magnetic bond, which allows food and liquids to pass into the stomach but keeps acid from coming back up.

Find Relief With a Cooper Gastroenterologist

It’s important to be proactive in your managing your digestive health to avoid serious health conditions. It’s equally important to choose a physician with the right expertise who will work with you to create a personalized plan of care that best meets your needs. Our gastroenterologists at the Digestive Health Institute are here for you.