The Digestive Disorders Center (Gastroenterology), based at Valdese Hospital, will provide inpatient and outpatient facilities for state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of such common problems as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, colorectal cancer and swallowing disorders.

Digestive disorders account for as many as 13% of all hospital admissions, according to the Nation Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

The plan will create dedicated facilities at Valdese for “minimally-invasive surgery” using cutting-edge fiber-optic endoscopy. Endoscopic surgery is generally less painfiul, involves less scarring and results in shorter hospital stays. The American College of Gastroenterology estimates that 95 million Americans routinely experience some digestive problem, with 10 million persons hospitalized every year.

Plans also call for the Digestive Disorders Center to include treatment programs for diabetes and obesity, as well as inpatient and outpatient programs at Valdese Hospital for geriatric patients.