Getting a colonoscopy is one of the most important things older adults 50 years and above can do to prevent colon cancer and ensure early treatment if colon cancer does develop. Gastroenterology Associates understands the importance of having a skilled, experienced gastroenterologist perform a colonoscopy, which is why we work to provide the most expert… Read more »
Dr Walker McDonald and Dr Neelima Reddy of Gastroenterology Associates are the only specialists to provide endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the Baton Rouge area. This minimally invasive procedure is extremely useful for evaluating and diagnosing a range of conditions, including cancers of the esophagus, lung, pancreas or stomach, colon, ampulla, and rectum. If you need an endoscopic ultrasound,… Read more »
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure whereby an endoscopic tube is inserted into the mouth (for an upper GI EUS) or the anus/rectum (for a lower GI EUS). The endoscopic tube is outfitted with an ultrasound device on the tip that provides imaging from the inside of a patient, as opposed to alternative… Read more »
The liver is one of the most essential organs of your body, playing a vital role in metabolism and the removal of toxins. Cirrhosis is a hardening and scarring of the liver that occurs as a result of disease and harm to the organ, such as hepatitis infection or alcoholism. Left untreated, cirrhosis will cause… Read more »
Being overweight can have serious effects on several parts of your body, including your liver. Although your liver usually has a small amount of fat in it, too much can result in a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While this condition usually doesn’t cause symptoms, it can lead to more serious health problems. If… Read more »
Acid reflux and eosinophillic esophagitis (EE or EoE) are medical problems that affect a large number of Americans. Both children and adults suffer from these ailments, which can cause a large amount of discomfort when it comes time to eat and digest. Acid Reflux, or GERD, and eosinophilic esophagitis have similar symptoms and are EoE is commonly mistaken… Read more »
Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that allows a gastroenterologist to examine the pancreatic and bile ducts. ERCP is an essential tool in diagnosing pancreatic conditions, managing jaundice, and dealing with gallstones that migrate to the bile ducts. ERCP is best performed by a board-certified gastroenterologist, who will have the highest ability to perform the procedure, interpret… Read more »
If you’ve ever experienced a burning sensation in your chest or throat, you’re not alone. Heartburn is one of the main symptoms of a condition known as acid reflux, which affects roughly 60 million people in the US at least once a month, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Acid reflux occurs when digestive stomach… Read more »
C diff refers to a bacterium known as Clostridium difficile, which is found in several environments, including feces, water, food products, and soil. While it’s possible to have C. diff in the large intestine on a regular basis and not show signs of illness, this only occurs in a small number of people. In most… Read more »
As the end of the year approaches, many people have met their insurance deductible so that full insurance coverage kicks in for elective procedures. This makes it a great time to schedule medical care that is not immediately necessary. What Medical Procedures Should I Schedule After Hitting Deductible? Seeking medical care for conditions that are… Read more »
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a number of conditions characterized by inflammation of the large and/or small intestines, with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) representing the most common forms. Left untreated, IBD can lead to severe complications, as well as substantial pain and discomfort. Below, we will look at some of the symptoms of… Read more »
Hemorrhoids are swollen tissue in the lower rectum and anus that are typically caused by too much pressure in the area. This condition affects roughly 10 million people in the US, according to a review published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Some estimates indicate that over half of Americans will deal with hemorrhoids… Read more »
