Sarath Krishnan, M.D.

About Sarath Krishnan, M.D.

Dr. Sarath Krishnan is a board-certified Gastroenterologist. He performs routine GI procedures such as EGDs, colonoscopies, and ERCPs in the diagnosis, screening, and surveillance of gastrointestinal diseases and cancer. In addition, he also specializes in acid reflux and performs pH BRAVO studies and STRETTA procedures and treats hemorrhoids with hemorrhoidal banding. He is fluent in English and Tamil. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the Louisiana Gastroenterology Society.

Education

Undergraduate: Tulane University

Medical School: LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans

Residency & Fellowship: Tulane University

Why did you choose to specialize in Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology has always fascinated me. It combines the intellectual facets of internal medicine with the procedural aspects of surgical specialties. Furthermore, Gastroenterology encompasses a wide array of organs within this organ system, many of which are interdependent on organs outside of the GI tract. I work closely along side many other subspecialists, whether in Cardiology, Pulmonology, Infectious Disease, Nephrology, etc., to help patients recover as soon as possible so that they can recapture a great quality of life. As I have worked in hospitals for most of my career, I have been able to see and treat the sickest patients. Many patients suffer from a wide array of gastrointestinal disorders and it gives me great pleasure to be able to treat all of their conditions, whether mild but persistent symptoms, such as dyspepsia, constipation, or diarrhea, or life threatening conditions, such as cirrhosis.

Do you have a specialty of interest in Gastroenterology?

I love all aspects of Gastroenterology, but I have a passion for colon cancer. Colon cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths in this country, but it is a preventable cancer. Many patients believe they do not need to undergo a colonoscopy as they are asymptomatic, however, colon cancer often tends to be asymptomatic, which is why the GI societies based their guidelines on age appropriate screening rather than only symptom appropriate screening. Furthermore, we are seeing a higher incidence of colon cancer, especially among younger populations. I also enjoy removing obstructive gallstones from the common bile duct in a procedure called an ERCP. Thirdly, many people suffer from constipation or diarrhea and they believe they need to live with this condition as they may have had it for a while. It gives me great pleasure when they are treated and develop a much better quality of life.

Do you fluently speak any other languages in addition to English?

Tamil

What do you and your family enjoy doing in your spare time?

I really enjoy construction. I spend a lot of my free time doing a lot of construction projects. I also love reading about philosophy and spirituality. My family and I love going on long walks and prior to COVID-19, we used to frequent all the parks and playgrounds regularly. My children loved to go to the zoo and aquarium as well as ride the streetcars.