Upper GI/Advanced GI and Hepatobiliary Center

The Advanced GI and Hepatobiliary Center offers a fully integrated, multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach to care for
patients with diseases and tumors of the:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Pancreas
• Biliary system
• Liver

The experienced team offers unique treatment options for the most complex cases, including:

• Endoscopic ultrasound
• Endoscopic mucosal resection/early GI
• Neoplasms/Barretts
• Advanced endoscopic stenting/fistula closure/benign and malignant structures
• Pancreatic endotherapy/necrosectomy/cholangiopancreatoscopy
• Laparoscopic and open surgery of liver, bile duct and pancreas
• Minimally invasive and complex surgery of esophagus, stomach and duodenum
• Laparoscopic ultrasound and directed ablation procedures
• Chemoembolization and regional chemotherapy

The Advanced GI and Hepatobiliary Center is a collaborative effort between referring physicians and expert gastroenterologists and oncologic surgeons. Patients benefit from a nurse navigator who serves as a consistent care coordinator throughout the continuum of care. Working together under the co-medical directorship of Dr. Jan Franko and Dr. Archana Verma, the care team develops and implements an individualized disease management plan, working diligently to keep the referring physician informed and return the patient to his or her care as soon as possible. Patients diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal tumors
also have full access to the programs and services of Mercy Cancer Center – the only cancer center in Iowa selected to participate in the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP).

Treatment and Research
Patients treated at the Advanced GI and Hepatobiliary Center and Mercy Cancer Center may have the opportunity to participate in a variety of research or clinical trials through the Iowa Oncology Research Association, the University of Iowa, and The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology – national clinical trials network sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. Clinical trials are studies in which individuals volunteer to test new drugs or treatments to determine if they are effective and safe. Talk with your physician to see if clinical trials may be an appropriate option to give you access to new treatment benefits and to help others benefit in the future.

Appointments
To contact our patient navigator statewide, please call 1-888-221-4849