Gastroenterology

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is the medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions affecting the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing problems with digestion or any of the following symptoms:

• Chronic abdominal pain or discomfort
• Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
• Bloating or gas
• Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
• Loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
• Change in bowel habits or colour of stool
• Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes

Why should you choose Prince Court gastroenterology specialists?

Expertise and Specialisation

At Prince Court Medical Centre, our gastroenterology specialists, also known as gastroenterologists are highly skilled and experienced, having received training from prestigious medical institutions worldwide. With their extensive experience, they are well-equipped to diagnose and treat various gastrointestinal conditions effectively.

Advanced Technology

At Prince Court Medical Centre, we are committed to providing the latest and most advanced technologies for accurate and timely diagnoses, as well as safe and effective treatment options. Our state-of-the-art endoscopy unit is equipped with:

• Digital Multi-purpose Flat Panel Fluoroscopic System
  • An advanced system that enables physicians to better diagnose problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas
• Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
  • This advanced modality combines endoscopy with ultrasound technology to provide detailed imaging of the gastrointestinal tract and surrounding organs
  • Useful in staging gastrointestinal cancers, as it allows for a more accurate assessment of tumour depth and lymph node involvement
  • Our team of dedicated pathologists is on-site to assist with tissue biopsies obtained during EUS-guided fine needle biopsies, ensures a faster diagnosis and allows for the timely initiation of appropriate treatment strategies 
• Capsule endoscopy
  • A non-invasive procedure that involves swallowing a small, disposable capsule containing a camera
  • As the capsule travels through the digestive system, it captures images of the small bowel, providing valuable information for the evaluation of conditions such as unexplained causes of anaemia and small bowel disorders
    
• Colonoscopy
  • Advanced technology and techniques to detect abnormalities, such as polyps, tumours, or signs of inflammation
  • Crucial for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer
  • Our specialists ensure a comfortable and thorough examination to promote your digestive health

High Success Rate

Our success rate speaks for itself, as we have treated numerous patients over the years, and many have benefited from our personalised treatment plans. We understand that every patient's condition is unique, and our gastroenterology specialists take the time to develop individualised treatment plans that address the root cause of the problem. We aim to make our patients feel comfortable and supported as they receive the best possible care for their digestive health, through our commitment to personalised and comprehensive treatment plans.

Common Gastrointestinal Conditions

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Celiac disease
• Colon polyps and cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder and biliary tract disorders
• Hepatitis and other liver diseases
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia)

Gastrointestinal Procedures

• Endoscopy (upper GI, lower GI, ERCP) – a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end to examine the digestive tract. Upper GI endoscopy examines the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum, while lower GI endoscopy examines the colon and rectum. ERCP combines endoscopy with X-rays to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.
• Capsule endoscopy – a non-invasive procedure that allows for visualisation of the small intestine
• Colonoscopy – a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end to examine the colon and rectum, commonly used for colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis.
• Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) – a procedure that combines endoscopy with ultrasound to examine the digestive tract and surrounding organs, to diagnose and stage gastrointestinal cancers and to evaluate other digestive disorders
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – a technique that combines endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts
• Manometry and pH monitoring – Tests that measure the pressure and acidity levels in the digestive tract. Manometry measures the muscle contractions in the oesophagus and rectum, while pH monitoring measures the acidity levels in the oesophagus
• Liver biopsy – involves taking a small sample of liver tissue for examination, helps diagnose liver disease and determines the extent of liver damage
• Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery – Minimally invasive surgical techniques for a range of gastrointestinal procedures, including gallbladder removal, hernia repair, and colorectal surgery
• Intragastric balloonplasty – a weight management procedure in which a deflated balloon is inserted into the stomach and then filled with saline solution to take up space, making the patient feel full and eat less