Gastroenterology

Our specialists diagnose and medically manage diseases of the entire digestive system—the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas (excluding cases requiring primary surgical intervention). The most common conditions include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric and duodenal ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), medical management of inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, and various liver and biliary disorders.

The appointment begins with an in-depth discussion (medical history taking) covering your past medical history, lifestyle habits, and current symptoms. This is followed by a physical examination where the physician palpates and auscultates the abdomen. Based on your symptoms and prior medical records, the specialist establishes a clinical diagnosis, outlines any necessary diagnostic investigations, and recommends therapy, lifestyle modifications, or dietary adjustments.

Fasting is generally not required for an initial specialist consultation. However, if you also have scheduled same-day diagnostic procedures, such as an abdominal ultrasound or specific fasting blood tests (e.g., blood glucose or lipid panel), the respective fasting requirements for those examinations must be followed.

Please bring all prior medical records, especially laboratory reports, imaging studies (such as abdominal ultrasound, CT, or MRI reports), and hospital discharge summaries related to your digestive system. An accurate list of your current medications and dietary supplements is also essential. If your complaints are tied to meals, keeping a detailed food and symptom diary for a few days beforehand can greatly assist your doctor in identifying the cause.

Beyond the physical examination, several non-invasive diagnostic and laboratory tools are available to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms. Our specialist may order:

• Specialized laboratory panels: complete blood count, liver and pancreatic enzyme panels, celiac disease screening, and food allergy testing.
• Stool diagnostics: fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), stool cultures, and inflammatory marker quantification (e.g., fecal calprotectin).
• Breath tests: hydrogen/methane breath tests for lactose or fructose malabsorption, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and Helicobacter pylori infection.
• Diagnostic imaging: abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

Yes. Chronic gastrointestinal complaints are frequently caused by sensitivities to specific dietary components (such as lactose, milk proteins, gluten, or histamine). Based on the nature and timing of your symptoms, the gastroenterologist will order targeted laboratory panels or breath tests, formulate a tailored treatment plan, and often involve our clinical dietitians to ensure balanced nutritional support.