Common Bile Duct (CBD) Management & ERCP
What Is ERCP for CBD? Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography uses an endoscope and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat CBD stones, strictures, and leaks. Why Do I Need ERCP? Indications include: CBD stones, cholangitis Biliary strictures or leaks Stent placement or removal How Should I Prepare? Fasting 8 hours. Stop anticoagulants per protocol. What Happens During the […]
Gallstone Management
What Are Gallstones? Solid deposits of cholesterol or pigment in the gallbladder. Why Do I Need Treatment? You may have biliary colic, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or cholangitis. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: Abdominal ultrasound; fasting not required. Lab Tests: LFTs, pancreatic enzymes if pancreatitis suspected. What Happens During Treatment? Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Standard removal of gallbladder. ERCP: […]
Gallbladder Cancer Management
What Is Gallbladder Cancer? Malignancy arising from gallbladder epithelium, often diagnosed incidentally after cholecystectomy or by imaging. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Symptoms include right upper-quadrant pain, jaundice, or mass on ultrasound/CT. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: Ultrasound, CT/MRI; concurrent liver markers. Lab Tests: LFTs, tumor markers (CA 19-9). What Happens During Treatment? Extended Cholecystectomy: […]
Cholangiocarcinoma Management
What Is Cholangiocarcinoma? Cancer of the bile ducts, intrahepatic or extrahepatic, often causing obstructive jaundice. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? You may present with jaundice, pruritus, or cholestatic liver-function tests. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: MRCP/CT; no special prep for CT. ERCP/EUS: Fasting 8 hours, consent for stenting or biopsy. What Happens During Treatment? Surgical […]
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Management
What Is HCC? Primary liver cancer arising from hepatocytes, often in cirrhotic livers. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? You may have elevated AFP, liver lesions on imaging, or chronic liver disease. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: Multiphasic CT/MRI; fast 4–6 hours for CT. Laboratory: AFP, liver panel, coagulation. What Happens During Treatment? Resection: Partial hepatectomy […]
Small Bowel Cancer Management
What Is Small Bowel Cancer? A rare malignancy of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum). Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Symptoms include: Abdominal pain or obstruction Gastrointestinal bleeding Weight loss How Should I Prepare? Imaging: CT/MR enterography; no special prep for CT. Endoscopy: Double-balloon enteroscopy prep similar to colonoscopy. What Happens During Diagnosis & Treatment? […]
Colorectal Cancer Management
What Is Colorectal Cancer? Cancer arising from the lining of the colon or rectum, often starting as non-cancerous polyps. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? You may have: Blood in stool or change in bowel habits Unexplained weight loss or fatigue Family history of colorectal cancer How Should I Prepare? Bowel Prep: Clear-liquid diet 1–2 days […]
Hemochromatosis Management
What Is Hemochromatosis? A genetic disorder causing iron overload in liver, heart, and pancreas. Why Do I Need Treatment? To prevent cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, diabetes, and arthritis. How Should I Prepare? Blood tests: serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, genetic testing. MRI to quantify liver iron. What Happens During Treatment? Phlebotomy: weekly removal of 500 mL blood until […]
Wilson Disease
What Is Wilson Disease? A genetic disorder of copper metabolism causing copper accumulation in liver and brain. Why Do I Need Treatment? To prevent liver failure, neurologic damage, and psychiatric symptoms. How Should I Prepare? Blood tests: ceruloplasmin, copper level; 24-hour urinary copper. Eye exam: check for Kayser-Fleischer rings. What Happens During Treatment? Copper chelation: […]
Pediatric Gut Issues
Why Evaluate Children’s Gut Health? Children can present with distinct GI problems affecting growth and development. Common Causes Infections: rotavirus, norovirus, bacterial enteritis Inflammatory: pediatric IBD (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis) Allergies: cow’s milk protein intolerance, eosinophilic esophagitis Functional: infantile colic, functional constipation, IBS Malabsorption: celiac disease, lactase deficiency Anatomic: pyloric stenosis, malrotation How Should I Prepare? […]
