Articles

Understanding Endoscopic Ultrasonography You have been referred to have an endoscopic ultrasound, or EUS, a specialized procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound. EUS can (1) help identify the cause of your symptoms/conditions and/or (2) perform sampling and treatments for various disorders. What

What is Esophageal Manometry? Gastroenterologists perform esophageal manometry to determine the strength and function of a patient’s esophagus and esophageal sphincter. It measures pressures and muscle contraction patterns in the patient’s esophagus. Esophageal manometry is used to evaluate patients

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sometimes simply called reflux, is a condition where acidic stomach contents flow back from the stomach into the food pipe (esophagus). This can happen when the muscular valve between the stomach and the esophagus

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that is estimated to affect between 25 and 45 million people in the United States, and about 5–10% of the population worldwide. IBS symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating and changes in stool frequency and/or appearance. IBS-D

What is Minor Rectal Bleeding? Minor rectal bleeding (MRB) is when a few drops of bright red or fresh blood pass from the rectum into stools, toilet paper and/or a toilet bowl. Most of the causes of MRB are benign, not life threatening and easily treatable. There are, however, instances where rectal

What is a PEG? Gastroenterologists use percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) to surgically insert a feeding tube (often called a PEG tube) into a patient’s stomach — bypassing the mouth and esophagus — so the patient can get the needed nutrients and fluids. The amount of time a patient needs

What is a colon polyp? Polyps are benign growths (noncancerous tumors or neoplasms) involving the lining of the bowel. They can occur in several locations in the gastrointestinal tract but are most common in the colon. They vary in size from less than a quarter of an inch to several inches in diameter.

What is ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine. Crohn’s disease is another form of IBD that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract or gut, extending from the esophagus to the anus. Who gets