Areas of Practice
What is Gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts..
These include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal strictures, eosinophilic esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus. Reflux is one of the most common esophageal disorders. It means that stomach acid and juices flow from the stomach back up into the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach (esophagus). This causes heartburn. When you have heartburn that bothers you often, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Esophageal Disorders
There are multiple types of liver diseases that we diagnose and treat, including fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver disease, cirrhosis and liver transplantation evaluation, autoimmune liver disease, various metabolic liver diseases including hereditary hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease, and viral liver disease including hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
This includes constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and functional abdominal pain. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder affecting the intestine. IBS involves problems with motility (movement of digested food through the intestines) and sensitivity (how the brain interprets signals from the intestinal nerves), leading to abdominal pain, changes in bowel patterns and other symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Pancreatic disorders
Nutritional Disorders
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes a group of conditions, the two main forms of which are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are diseases that inflame the lining of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract and disrupt your body’s ability to digest food, absorb nutrition, and eliminate waste in a healthy manner.
Pancreatic disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the pancreas, an essential organ responsible for digestion and blood sugar regulation. Common disorders include pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, and pancreatic cancer, a serious condition that can be difficult to diagnose early. Symptoms may vary but often include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and digestive problems. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes and enhancing quality of life. Regular check-ups, lifestyle modifications, and awareness of risk factors can aid in the prevention and early detection of pancreatic disorders.ch as chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer.
Liver Diseases
Colorectal cancer
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Nutritional disorders encompass a range of health conditions that arise from an imbalance in nutrient intake, absorption, or metabolic utilization. These disorders can stem from inadequate dietary habits, malabsorption conditions such as celiac disease, or excessive intake of specific nutrients. Celiac disease (CD) is a common disorder that is estimated to affect about one percent of the population. It is a condition in which the absorptive surface of the small intestine is damaged by a substance called gluten. Gluten is a group of proteins present in wheat, rye and barley and their cross bred grains. The damage to the intestine can lead to a variety of symptoms and result in an inability of the body to absorb nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for good health.Early identification and management is crucial for improving overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Colorectal cancer is a significant health concern, being one of the most common types of cancer in Canada. It develops in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system. The disease often starts as polyps, small growths on the inner lining of the colon, which can become cancerous over time. Regular screening, such as colonoscopy, is crucial for early detection, as the disease may not present symptoms in its early stages. Risk factors include age, family history, dietary habits, and certain medical conditions. Awareness and education about symptoms, which may include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, or abdominal discomfort, can facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for patients.