Gastroenterology Center

Center Overview

The Gastroenterology Center provides rapid diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases. The gastrointestinal system is divided into the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum), the lower digestive tract (colon, rectum, anus), and the hepatobiliary–pancreatic organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas).

Gastrointestinal diseases range from benign conditions such as acute appendicitis, enteritis, ulcers, polyps, and gallstones to malignant cancers. Because of this diversity, timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Our center integrates the expertise of gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons, who work closely together to provide seamless diagnosis and treatment.

Endoscopy Center

Endoscopic examinations are indispensable for diagnosing upper and lower gastrointestinal diseases. To ensure rapid diagnosis and treatment, gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons share and review endoscopic images together, enabling the most appropriate next steps.

• Polyps and early‑stage cancers → treated endoscopically by gastroenterologists (EMR, ESD)
• Cases requiring open surgery → handled by gastrointestinal surgeons

Abdominal Ultrasound, CT, MRI

These imaging modalities are essential for diagnosing hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases. Although examinations are generally by appointment, emergency slots are available so that tests can be performed on the same day when necessary.

After prompt image interpretation and diagnosis, gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons collaborate to provide the required treatment, including hospitalization, procedures, or surgery.

Affiliated Gastroenterology‑Related Societies

Our hospital is an accredited training facility of the following societies:

• The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology
• The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society
• The Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery
• The Japan Society of Hepatology
• The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology (Digestive Tract Division)

Staff Introduction

Gastroenterology

Director / Shinji Kubota

• Certified Physician, Japanese Society of Internal Medicine
• Specialist / Instructor, Japanese Society of Gastroenterology
• Specialist / Instructor, Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society
• Specialist, Japan Society of Hepatology

Advisor / Naoki Hara

• Specialist / Instructor, Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society
• Specialist / Instructor, Japanese Society of Gastroenterology
• Certified Physician / Instructor, Japanese Society of Internal Medicine
• Certified Hepatologist / Instructor, Japan Society of Hepatology
• Part‑time Lecturer, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine

Staff Physician / Naohisa Takeda

• Specialist, Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society
• Specialist, Japanese Society of Gastroenterology
• Certified Physician, Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

Staff Physician / Munehiro Ashida

• Certified Physician, Japanese Society of Internal Medicine
• Specialist, Japanese Society of Gastroenterology
• Specialist, Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society
• Specialist, Japanese Society of Gastroenterology (Digestive Tract Division)

Part‑time Physicians

• Yoshinori Iwata
• Hiroki Nishikawa
• Shohei Yoshikawa
• Takashi Iwai
• Kyohei Kishino
• Yoshihiro Shimono
• Tetsuya Ueshima

Staff Introduction

Gastroenterology Director / Shinji Kubota

• Specialist / Instructor, Japan Surgical Society
• Specialist / Instructor, Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery
• Certified Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgeon, Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery
• Specialist / Honorary Instructor, Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society
• Specialist, Japanese Society of Gastroenterology

Deputy Director / Yasuhito Kawasaki

• Board‑Certified Surgeon, Japan Surgical Society
• Certified Surgeon, Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery

Department Chief / Junichi Tanaka

• Board‑Certified Surgeon, Japan Surgical Society

Assistant Chief / Ryota Mukai