Blog

How Do Hemorrhoids Develop?

At some point in your life, you’ll probably have hemorrhoids. In fact, these bulging veins on your rectum and anus are more common as you get older. What Are Hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids (which are also called piles) are bulging and irritated veins just beneath the mucous membranes that line the lowest part of your rectum and […]

Oct.

Am I a Candidate for a Liver Biopsy?

Your liver is your largest internal organ, and it’s located mainly in the upper right part of your abdomen. It carries out many essential functions, including making proteins and blood clotting factors, producing bile, and manufacturing triglycerides and cholesterol. When your doctor suspects that you may have a liver-related issue, they may recommend a liver […]

Sep.

What is an Esophageal Dilation?

An esophageal dilation is performed to assist a patient who has difficulty swallowing due to an abnormal narrowing within the esophagus. The narrowing itself is called a stricture. It can be caused by a wide range of conditions. Why Would You Need It? Narrowing of the esophagus may make it difficult for you to eat […]

Aug.

How to Determine When You Need an Upper Endoscopy

An upper endoscopy is a common procedure that’s used to identify – and in some cases, treat – problems in your upper digestive system. What Is An Upper Endoscopy? An upper endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure that allows a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive system) to examine your upper […]

Jul.

Why Is Variceal Banding Performed?

Having variceal bleeding is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt care and treatment. Variceal banding is commonly used to stop this bleeding and reduce the risk of serious complications. What Is Variceal Bleeding? It is the bleeding that occurs when you have enlarged veins or varices in your digestive tract – it can happen […]

Jun.

Why Is A Colonoscopy Performed?

When you reach a certain age, your doctor might recommend having a colonoscopy. This procedure helps detect colon cancer early, but it has other uses as well. Uses for a Colonoscopy If you are at least 50 years old and have an average risk of getting colon cancer, your doctor will recommend that you have […]

May.

What Is Involved In a Small Bowel Endoscopy

What Is a Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy? A small bowel capsule endoscopy is a procedure used to examine the three parts of the small intestine, which forms the middle segment of the human gastrointestinal tract. It is one of the most effective and least invasive ways to get diagnostic images of the small intestine. During […]

Apr.

What Is Barret’s Esophagus?

When you have chronic or frequent acid reflux, the tissue in your esophagus can end up changing. These changes – known as Barrett’s esophagus – are associated with an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer, so it’s important to have the condition diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus Barrett’s esophagus […]

Mar.

When Is pH Monitoring Recommended?

A fluid’s pH level is its balance of acidic to alkaline content. Virtually any type of fluid can be checked for pH. For example, water is frequently analyzed for its pH balance before being used for growing certain types of plants. Human blood also has a pH level. For people, pH balance is largely determined […]

Feb.

When Is An EGD Performed?

Everyone gets a stomach ache from time to time. Sometimes the answer is as simple as overindulging in food or getting hit by a stomach bug. However, if you have persistent stomach aches accompanied by other troubling symptoms, your gastroenterologist may suggest pinpointing the cause by performing an upper GI endoscopy. What Is an Upper […]