Gastroenterology

At Mediclue, our gastroenterology department specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of digestive system disorders. Our expert gastroenterologists provide comprehensive care for conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. We handle prevalent issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), peptic ulcers, and liver conditions like hepatitis. Using advanced diagnostic tools including endoscopy, colonoscopy, and state-of-the-art imaging technologies, our team ensures accurate assessments and effective treatment plans. Our goal is to alleviate symptoms, manage chronic conditions, and improve your overall digestive health. At [Hospital Name], we are dedicated to delivering personalized care for both common and complex gastrointestinal conditions, aiming for the best possible outcomes and enhanced quality of life for our patients.

Upper endoscopy, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a procedure used to examine the upper part of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Purpose:

  1. Diagnosing conditions such as GERD, ulcers, and tumors.
  2. Evaluating symptoms like persistent nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
  3. Taking biopsies for further analysis.

Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows gastroenterologists to examine the entire colon (large intestine) and rectum using a flexible tube with a camera, known as a colonoscope. Purpose:

  1. Screening for colorectal cancer and polyps.
  2. Diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
  3. Investigating symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.

ERCP is a specialized procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts and pancreas. Purpose:

  1. Diagnosing and removing bile duct stones.
  2. Evaluating and treating conditions such as pancreatitis and bile duct tumors.
  3. Placing stents to relieve obstructions.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combines endoscopy and ultrasound to obtain detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding organs. Purpose:

  1. Assessing and staging cancers of the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas.
  2. Evaluating conditions such as pancreatic cysts and chronic pancreatitis.
  3. Guiding fine needle aspiration (FNA) for tissue biopsy.

PEG tube placement involves inserting a feeding tube directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall using endoscopic guidance. Purpose:

  1. Providing long-term nutritional support for patients who cannot eat by mouth.
  2. Used in conditions such as severe dysphagia or neurological disorders.

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a procedure to remove abnormal or cancerous tissue from the lining of the gastrointestinal tract using an endoscope. Purpose:

  1. Removing precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers from the esophagus, stomach, or colon.
  2. Preserving the affected organ’s function while treating disease.

HAIP therapy involves placing a small pump in the liver to deliver chemotherapy directly to liver tumors. Purpose:

  1. Treating primary liver cancer and metastases confined to the liver.
  2. Offering targeted treatment to reduce systemic side effects.

Balloon enteroscopy is a procedure used to visualize and treat conditions affecting the small intestine using a specialized endoscope equipped with balloons. Purpose:

  1. Diagnosing and managing small bowel disorders such as Crohn’s disease.
  2. Performing therapeutic interventions like polypectomy or balloon dilation.

Endoscopic band ligation is used to treat bleeding or variceal hemorrhage by placing rubber bands around the bleeding veins in the esophagus. Purpose:

  1. Managing esophageal varices due to liver cirrhosis.
  2. Preventing recurrent bleeding from variceal veins.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently leaks into the esophagus, leading to irritation and discomfort. Symptoms:

  1. Heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest
  2. Regurgitation of acid or food
  3. Difficulty swallowing
  4. Persistent cough or throat irritation
  5. Sour taste in the mouth

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Symptoms:

  1. Abdominal cramping or pain
  2. Bloating and gas
  3. Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both
  4. Mucus in the stool

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) encompasses chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestines, primarily Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms:

  1. Persistent diarrhea or bloody stools
  2. Abdominal pain and cramping
  3. Weight loss and loss of appetite
  4. Fatigue and fever
  5. Unexplained weight loss

Peptic Ulcer Disease refers to open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, typically caused by infection with H. pylori or prolonged use of NSAIDs. Symptoms:

  1. Burning stomach pain
  2. Nausea or vomiting
  3. Indigestion or bloating
  4. Loss of appetite
  5. Dark or black stools

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections (Hepatitis A, B, C) or other factors such as alcohol abuse or autoimmune diseases. Symptoms:

  1. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  2. Fatigue and weakness
  3. Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant
  4. Dark urine and pale stool
  5. Loss of appetite and nausea

Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that can form in the gallbladder and may cause pain or blockages in the bile ducts. Symptoms:

  1. Sudden and intense abdominal pain, often in the upper right side
  2. Nausea or vomiting
  3. Indigestion and bloating
  4. Fever or chills (in severe cases)

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine lining. Symptoms:

  1. Chronic diarrhea or constipation
  2. Abdominal pain and bloating
  3. Weight loss and malabsorption of nutrients
  4. Fatigue and weakness
  5. Skin rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis)

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) in the wall of the colon become inflamed or infected. Symptoms:

  1. Abdominal pain, often in the lower left side
  2. Fever and chills
  3. Nausea or vomiting
  4. Changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic. It is often caused by gallstones, chronic and excessive alcohol consumption, or certain medications. Symptoms:

  1. Severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back
  2. Nausea and vomiting
  3. Fever and rapid pulse
  4. Unexplained weight loss

Esophageal varices are enlarged veins in the esophagus, often caused by liver cirrhosis or severe liver disease. These veins can bleed significantly. Symptoms:

  1. Vomiting blood or having black, tarry stools
  2. Difficulty swallowing
  3. Painful swallowing
  4. Signs of liver disease such as jaundice and ascites