Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases include those of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, colon, rectum and other organs associated with digestion such as the liver, gallbladder, bile ductsand pancreas.It includes the medical and surgical treatment of diseases such as colon polyps, gastrointestinal cancer, jaundice, cirrhosis of the liver, gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract disease, nutritional problems, irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), pancreatitis, etc.

We at Umkal Hospital, are dedicated to the management of diseases of the digestive and hepatobiliary systems in children and adults. We have round the clock gastroenterologist in the hospital to treat emergency cases with best in class treatments at affordable cost. We also offer a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) surgical procedures including complex operations. Laparoscopic surgery is the standard procedure for many pathologies.

Medical gastroenterology which includes endoscopy services and Umkal Hospital offers excellent round the clock services for patients.

Surgical Gastroenterology offers wide variety of surgical procedures for all the diseases related to gastrointestinal, liver and pancreas. The department consists of highly qualified and experienced staff members. The department is equipped with state of the art equipment to compliment the experienced staff to offer high class service to our patients.

Symptoms/conditions when the patients should consult a specialist:

• Constipation
• Abdominal Pain
• Diarrhea
• Blood in the stool
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or Acid Reflux
• Difficult Swallowing
• Sever and persistent heartburn
• Ulcers
• Unexplained weight loss

Colonoscopy :

This diagnostic procedure helps the surgeon to look at the inner lining of the large intestine (entire colon) by using a long, narrow and flexible tube with a camera, called the colonoscope. It helps to detect ulcers, polyps, tumors, and areas of bleeding or inflammation in the colon.

Gastrointestinal bleeding :

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can be upper and lower. When upper GI bleeding is caused by peptic ulcer, it is treated by endoscopic clipping or coagulation or epinephrine injection or others, when needed. Similarly, when upper GI bleeding is caused by ruptured esophageal varices, it is treated by Endoscopic Variceal Band Ligation (EVL). The lower GI bleeding is also controlled by endoscopic hemostatic methods.

Pancreatitis :

Treatment for pancreatitis, which requires hospitalization, is based on its cause and the severity of symptoms. In severe cases, the pancreas may require drainage by ERCP. If pancreatitis is associated with common bile duct stones, ERCP is done to remove the bile duct stones.

Strictures :

A stricture is a portion of the esophagus, intestine, bowel or bile duct that has become narrow. Strictures can result from growth of a tumor, scarring, swelling, muscle spasm or pressure from other organs. Endoscopic methods using balloons and stents are used to treat strictures in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. ERCP and stenting often are used to treat strictures in the bile ducts and pancreas.