Pain anywhere in the belly, ranging from mild to severe. Causes: Gas, ulcers, gallstones IBS, IBD, infections Surgical emergencies Evaluation: History, exam Blood tests, imaging Endoscopy if needed Treatment: Depends on cause Pain relief, dietary changes Surgery if indicated Follow-up: Monitor symptoms Reassess if pain worsens
Loose stools lasting more than 4 weeks. Causes: IBS, IBD, infections Malabsorption (celiac, lactose intolerance) Medications Evaluation: Stool tests, blood work Endoscopy or colonoscopy Treatment: Diet changes (low-FODMAP) Medications (antidiarrheals, antibiotics) Treat underlying cause Follow-up: Monitor hydration and weight Repeat tests if symptoms persist
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
Placement of rubber bands on swollen veins in the esophagus to prevent bleeding. Why it's done: Portal hypertension History of variceal bleeding Preparation: Fast 6 hours Continue beta-blockers if prescribed What to expect: Sedation given Bands placed via endoscope Takes 10–20 minutes Risks: Chest pain, ulcers Rare bleeding or infection Follow-up: Repeat banding every 2–4 [...]
Removal of polyps during endoscopy or colonoscopy. Why it's done: Prevent cancer Treat bleeding or obstruction Preparation: Same as endoscopy/colonoscopy Stop blood thinners if advised What to expect: Snare or forceps used May use cautery Takes 10–30 minutes Risks: Bleeding (1–2%) Rare perforation Follow-up: Pathology report in 3–5 days Repeat scope based on findings
A procedure to examine the entire colon using a flexible camera tube. Why it's done: Rectal bleeding, anemia Screening for colon cancer Polyp removal Preparation: Bowel prep with laxatives Clear-liquid diet 1 day before What to expect: Sedation given Scope passed through rectum Takes 20–45 minutes Risks: Bloating, bleeding Rare perforation Follow-up: Results in 3–5 [...]
A procedure using a flexible tube with a camera to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Why it's done: Heartburn, nausea, vomiting Suspected ulcers, gastritis, or cancer Biopsy or treatment of bleeding Preparation: Fast 6–8 hours Stop blood thinners if advised What to expect: Sedation given Scope passed through mouth Takes 10–20 minutes Risks: Sore [...]
Semaglutide (Wegovy) Treatment duration: 68 weeks Dose escalation: • Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg weekly SC • Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg weekly SC • Incrementally up to 2.4 mg weekly SC Average weight reduction: 14.9% of baseline weight【STEP1】 Common side effects: nausea (40%), vomiting (20%), diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain Tirzepatide (Zepbound) Treatment duration: 72 weeks Dose [...]
When diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, prescription medications can help reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, or alter metabolic signals to achieve meaningful weight loss and improve health. Why Consider Medication? Diet and lifestyle changes may fail to overcome biological factors that drive hunger and fat storage. Medications work alongside behavioral therapy to help you [...]
Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excess body fat (BMI ≥30) that increases risk of diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, and certain cancers. Why Do I Need Management? Effective obesity management improves metabolic health, reduces comorbidities, and enhances quality of life. How Should I Prepare? Assessment: BMI and waist-circumference measurement Laboratory: fasting glucose, lipid profile, [...]
