Advanced Digestive Care Now Available Close to Home
5/4/2026
New Interventional Gastroenterology Services Bring ERCP to Hood County
GRANBURY, Texas – Residents of Hood County and surrounding communities now have access to a highly specialized level of digestive care without the need to travel to larger metro areas.
Owen Maat, M.D., a board-certified interventional gastroenterologist, has joined the medical staff, bringing advanced knowledge in procedures that diagnose and treat complex conditions of the digestive system.
Interventional gastroenterology is a subspecialty that goes beyond traditional endoscopy. Physicians in this field are trained to perform advanced, minimally invasive procedures that can both identify and treat problems in the gastrointestinal tract, often avoiding the need for surgery.
“One of the most important things we offer is the ability to treat conditions in a less invasive way,” said Dr. Maat. “Many patients are surprised to learn that we can often resolve serious issues using specialized endoscopic techniques, which typically means less pain, fewer complications, and a quicker recovery.”
A key procedure now available locally is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). While the name may sound complex, the possible benefit for patients is simple: faster diagnosis, effective treatment, and care delivered close to home.
“ERCP is a highly specialized procedure that allows us to examine and treat problems in the bile ducts, pancreas and gallbladder,” Dr. Maat explained. “Using a flexible scope and advanced imaging, we can identify blockages, remove gallstones, place stents and even treat certain tumors, all without traditional surgery.”
Conditions commonly treated with ERCP include bile duct stones, strictures (narrowing of the ducts), pancreatic disorders and complications related to gallbladder disease. In many cases, these conditions can cause significant pain, infection or other serious health risks if left untreated.
Before the availability of ERCP locally, patients often had to travel to larger cities such as Fort Worth or Dallas to receive this level of care.
“That travel can be stressful, especially for patients who are already dealing with discomfort or serious illness,” said Dr. Maat. “Being able to provide this service here means patients can stay close to their support systems, which makes a real difference in both their experience and their recovery.”
In addition to convenience, having access to advanced procedures like ERCP in a community setting can lead to earlier diagnosis and faster treatment, both of which are critical in managing complex digestive conditions.
Dr. Maat emphasized that patient education is an important part of his approach.
“My goal is to make sure patients understand what’s going on and feel comfortable with their care plan,” he said. “When people understand their options, it takes a lot of the fear out of the process.”
The addition of interventional gastroenterology services represents a meaningful step forward in expanding local healthcare capabilities and keeping high-quality care within the community.
For residents of Granbury and surrounding areas, it means access to advanced, specialized treatment right here at home.
For more information, please contact:
Lakeside Physicians Gastroenterology
Phone: (817) 579-3978
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