Gastroenterology Blogs

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that combines upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and X-rays to identify and treat medical problems involving the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and liver. What is the purpose of an ERCP? The ERCP procedure is used to identify and treat biliary and pancreatic diseases. Non-invasive procedures such as MRI are preferable for diagnosis alone. When the bile or pancreatic ducts get blocked as a consequence of: Gallstones Pancreatitis, both acute and chronic Bile Duct Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatic Pseudocysts How to prepare for an ERCP? It is important to discuss all the medications currently being used by the patient including vitamin and mineral supplements, medications for arthritis, diabetes, blood pressure, NSAIDs, etc. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily discontinue drugs that interact with sedatives. Prior to the treatment, the doctor would also give the patient the following instructions: Do not eat or...

The liver is the second largest organ in the body performing multiple functions. Its primary function is to digest the food we consume and transform it into nutrients that the body can absorb, while also filtering harmful toxins from the blood. Liver failure is a serious medical condition that needs immediate medical attention. Acute and chronic liver failure are the two types of liver failure. Acute liver failure (also known as fulminant hepatic failure) is characterized by the sudden loss of liver function, often within weeks, and may be accompanied by no symptoms in the majority of cases. Chronic liver failure occurs slowly, requiring months or years to manifest symptoms. What are the signs and symptoms? The most prevalent sign of Acute Liver Failure is jaundice. Other indications and symptoms include: Jaundice Pain in the top right part of the abdomen Swelling Nausea Vomiting Disorientation Drowsiness If you are facing any of these symptoms, do consult Dr. Vedant Karvir one of ...

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis is a kind of pancreatitis that worsens over time, causing irreversible damage to the structure and function of the pancreas. The pancreas produces enzymes and hormones that help in food processing and digestion. It also plays an important function in controlling blood sugar levels. Chronic pancreatitis is more frequent in males than women and is more common in those aged 30 to 40. What are the signs and symptoms? The patient may not have any symptoms in the early stages of the illness. Severe pain in the upper part of the abdomen Diarrhea Vomiting and Nausea Breathing difficulty Unknown cause of weight loss Excessive thirst & fatigue What are the Causes? Chronic Pancreatitis may be caused by a variety of factors, the most prevalent of which is excessive alcohol intake. Chronic pancreatitis may also be caused by the following medical conditions: Autoimmune conditions Genetic Factors High levels of calcium in the ...

The digestive system includes the small and large intestines (colon or bowel). The small intestine is responsible for 90% of nutrient digestion and absorption. Intestinal disorders or injuries may cause discomfort, impair digestion, impede growth, or result in life-long or life-threatening complications. What are the types of pediatric gastrointestinal disorders? There are various forms of intestinal problems, some of which are listed here. They may be present in either the small or large intestines, or both. Disorders of the large intestine: Colonic polyps, also known as colorectal polyps or colon polyps, are malignant tissue lumps in the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer is characterized by benign or malignant cancers of the colon and rectum. Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of the diverticulosis pouches of the colon. Occurs when the colon's wall muscles weaken and lose elasticity (ability to expand/contract) as a result of constant tension from hardened stools. Pe...

What exactly is a perianal abscess? An infection in a mucous-secreting gland in the anal canal around your anus causes a perianal abscess. What exactly is a perianal fistula? A perianal fistula, almost always the result of a previous abscess, is a small passage connecting the anal gland from which the abscess arose to the skin where the abscess was drained. What exactly causes an abscess? When a small gland just inside the anus becomes infected due to bacteria or stool trapped in the gland, an abscess forms.   Certain conditions, such as constipation, diarrhea, colitis, or other intestine inflammation, may make these infections more likely. What causes a fistula to form? After an abscess is drained, a passage between the anal gland and the skin may remain, resulting in a fistula. If the gland does not heal, drainage will continue through this passage. A recurrent abscess may develop if the outside opening of the fistula heals first. What are the signs and symptoms of an abscess or ...

  What is Peptic Ulcer? Peptic Ulcer is a medical condition in which open sores develop in the stomach, small intestine, or lower esophageal lining. If you facing the same disease, Consult Dr. Vedant Karvir one of the best  Gastroenterologist in Mumbai . What are the types of peptic ulcers? Peptic ulcers are categorized into two types: Gastric Ulcers are located within the stomach and are painful. Duodenal Ulcers are most often seen in the upper portion of the small intestine known as the duodenum. Causes Peptic ulcers may be caused by a variety of factors, including: The bacterium H.pylori is the most prevalent cause. Use of certain medicines, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, over an extended period of time This disease is also caused by smoking and alcohol use. Peptic ulcers may be aggravated by stress and spicy foods. Symptoms The following are some of the most typically seen symptoms of Peptic Ulcers: Burning pain in the stomach Nausea Loss of weig...