The liver is a vital organ plays a very important role in processing nutrients, creating new proteins, and removing wastes that the kidneys are incapable of eliminating. When a person’s liver is not functioning properly, a liver biopsy may be necessary to find out why. During a liver biopsy, a gastroenterologist will remove small tissue…
Most cases of gastroenteritis – especially those caused by a microorganism – do not require treatment, as symptoms typically resolve within a few days. However, people with complications of gastroenteritis, such as electrolyte imbalance or dehydration, as well as people with chronic or recurrent gastroenteritis may require medical intervention. Did you know… that viral gastroenteritis…
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP, is a procedure used to diagnose and treat disorders pertaining to the pancreas, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. During the procedure, a gastroenterologist uses an endoscope to inject contrast dye into the bile ducts or pancreatic ducts. This allows the doctor to view and treat obstructions and blockages within the…
Diverticular disease is an umbrella term used to refer to two separate colon disorders – diverticulosis and diverticulitis. In diverticulosis, pouches form and bulge within the colon, which usually does not cause symptoms. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become blocked with waste materials, causing them to inflame and become infected. Diverticulitis usually causes noticeable symptoms,…
Bowel movements vary in frequency among healthy people, ranging from three times per day to three times per week. Most people fall somewhere in between these norms, passing stools without discomfort or straining. However, constipation can occur when stools become infrequent or difficult to pass. This can lead to dry and hardened stools, as well…
Several tests have been developed to help gastroenterologists screen for colon cancer. Since the majority of all colon cancers begin as polyps along the intestinal wall, these tests are specially designed to either spot growths in the lower intestine or otherwise detect the presence of blood in a person’s stool. Each test offers advantages and…
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a gastroenterologist to view the inner lining of a patient’s colon and rectum. The procedure is performed using a thin, flexible tube (a colonoscope) that is slowly guided through the colon. The end of the colonoscope is lighted and includes a camera that transmits images on a screen…
Colon cancer is a ‘silent’ cancer, meaning it often causes no major symptoms until it has reached advanced stages. Though it is a serious disease, it is also one of the most preventable. Disease awareness and education are among the most effective ways of informing patients of their colon cancer risk and encouraging them to…
A capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to view the inside of the GI tract – specifically the small intestine. Unlike traditional endoscopy procedures, capsule endoscopies are begun in a doctor’s office and carried out in the days that follow. During that time, a patient swallows a capsule that contains a tiny camera. The…
Colon polyps are benign growths that occur on the insides of the lower intestine. Though these small lumps of tissue are usually harmless, some may be pre-cancerous. Less than 1 percent of all colon polyps will turn into colon cancer, yet it is still important to remove them as a preventative measure. When polyps are…
Acid reflux is a condition in which acid from the stomach is pushed into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn. Though nearly everyone will experience acid reflux at some point in their lives, people who have reflux two or more times per week have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Though medical treatments are available to help manage…