Abdominal Pain
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
Chronic Diarrhea
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
Hemorrhoidal Band Ligation
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
Esophageal Variceal Band Ligation
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 […]
Polypectomy
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
Colonoscopy
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 […]
Endoscopy (Upper GI)
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 […]
Available Medications
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 […]
Obesity Management
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, […]
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a minimally invasive, endoscopic weight-loss procedure that reduces stomach volume by placing full-thickness sutures along the greater curvature, creating a narrow “sleeve.” Why Do I Need ESG? Indicated if you have: BMI 30–40 without or with mild obesity-related comorbidities Failed diet, exercise, or medical therapy Desire for a less invasive alternative […]
