Rubber bands placed on internal hemorrhoids to cut off blood supply. Why it's done: Bleeding or prolapsing hemorrhoids Failed medical treatment Preparation: Light diet Enema may be advised What to expect: No sedation needed Bands placed via anoscope Takes 5–10 minutes Risks: Pain, bleeding Rare infection Follow-up: Repeat if needed Avoid straining
Pancreatic cancer arises when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It most often involves the exocrine cells (adenocarcinoma) and can spread locally or to distant organs. Why Do I Need Evaluation and Treatment? You may be evaluated if you experience: Painless jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite [...]
Gut–Brain Axis Definition: Bi-directional communication between the GI tract and central nervous system via neural, hormonal, and immune pathways. Importance: Influences motility, sensitivity, and mood; targeted by diet, probiotics, and psychological therapies. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Definition: Functional disorder with abdominal pain and altered bowel habits (IBS-C, IBS-D, mixed). Management: Low-FODMAP diet, fiber adjustment, antispasmodics, [...]
Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) Definition: Primary malignancy arising in chronically diseased liver. Risk Factors: Cirrhosis, hepatitis B/C, fatty liver. Diagnosis: Triphasic CT/MRI; AFP marker; biopsy if needed. Treatment: Resection, ablation, transplant, or TACE depending on stage. Follow-Up: Imaging and AFP every 3–6 months. Liver Cyst & Abscess Simple Liver Cyst Benign fluid-filled lesion; asymptomatic or [...]
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) Definition: Compression of third duodenal segment between SMA and aorta. Symptoms: Postprandial fullness, bilious vomiting, weight loss. Diagnosis: CT or upper-GI series showing duodenal dilation and narrowed angle. Treatment: Nutritional rehabilitation; small frequent meals; duodenojejunostomy if refractory. Follow-Up: Weight gain monitoring; repeat imaging if symptoms persist. Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome [...]
Helicobacter pylori Infection Definition: Bacterial colonization of stomach lining linked to ulcers and cancer. Symptoms: Dyspepsia, nausea, bloating; often asymptomatic. Diagnosis: Urea breath test, stool antigen, or biopsy. Treatment: 10–14-day triple or quadruple antibiotic regimen plus PPI. Follow-Up: Confirm eradication ≥4 weeks post-therapy. Peptic Ulcer Disease & Gastric Ulcer Definition: Mucosal breaks in stomach (gastric) [...]
Pancreatic Divisum Definition: A congenital variation where the dorsal and ventral pancreatic ducts fail to fuse, altering pancreatic juice flow. Symptoms: Recurrent upper-abdominal pain, acute or chronic pancreatitis in adulthood. Diagnosis: MRCP or secretin-enhanced MRCP confirms ductal anatomy. Management: Pain control and enzyme supplementation; endoscopic minor papilla sphincterotomy for drainage; surgery rarely. Follow-Up: Monitor for [...]
Advanced technique to remove larger or deeper GI lesions en bloc by cutting through the submucosal layer. Why it’s done • Early cancers >2 cm or with fibrosis • High-grade dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus or stomach Preparation • Fasting or bowel prep per location • Stop anticoagulants per protocol • Discuss higher-risk of complications Procedure [...]
Removal of superficial lesions or early cancers from the GI mucosa by injecting fluid beneath the lesion, then snaring it. Why it’s done • Large or sessile polyps • Early-stage mucosal cancers Preparation • Bowel prep or fasting depending on location • Adjust blood thinners as advised Procedure • Sedation; lesion lifted with solution injection [...]
Combines endoscopy and high-frequency ultrasound to image and biopsy structures adjacent to the GI tract. Why it’s done • Pancreatic masses or cysts • Submucosal GI lesions • Staging of esophageal or rectal cancer • Lymph-node sampling Preparation • Fast 6–8 hours • Consent for possible FNA/FNB biopsy Procedure • Sedation; echoendoscope advanced to target [...]
