Gastrointestinal Care
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There are a number of fairly common illnesses of the gastrointestinal tract that gastroenterologists on the medical staff at San Leandro Hospital are poised to diagnose and treat with the latest medical advances.
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Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix affects about 10 percent of people at some point in their lives. It can start with a viral infection of the digestive tract or other unknown cause, and it is deemed a medical emergency. It can be diagnosed with a computerized tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound and, if treatment with antibiotics fail, surgery may be performed to remove the appendix.
Colorectal Cancer
Cancer of the colon or rectum is diagnosed in 130,000 Americans annually. Equally affecting men and women, it typically hits after age 50 but risk increases after 40. Colorectal cancer is diagnosed with a colonoscopy (see box below) and a tissue biopsy. Depending on how advanced the illness is, treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of all three.
Constipation
Affecting women two to three times more often than men, constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the U.S. When exercise, a fiber-rich diet and adequate water intake don’t clear up the problem, lab tests may be ordered to investigate further. If constipation is accompanied by blood in the stool or other symptoms, a colonoscopy may be ordered to rule out underlying problems.
Gallstones
Gallstones form when bile in the gallbladder contains too much cholesterol, preventing proper break down of dietary fat. Twice as common in women as in men, one in five women suffers from gallstones. An ultrasound or blood test leads to a definitive diagnosis. Once painful symptoms start occurring, surgery is usually recommended.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD, or heartburn, affects half of Americans, and both men and women are affected equally. Occasional, mild attacks are treated with over-the-counter remedies, and more persistent cases are treated with prescription medication. When lifestyle changes and medicine fail, surgical intervention may be recommended.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Chronic inflammation of the colon and small intestine, known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comes in different forms, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis - each of which affect 500,000 Americans. IBD is diagnosed with a colonoscopy and biopsy. Mild cases are treated with medication but removal of the colon may be recommended for serious cases of ulcerative colitis.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Affecting one in five Americans, irritable bowel syndrome is found in twice as many women as men. A diagnosis is made based on a stool specimen and symptoms. Treatment involves a fiber supplement, dietary changes or medication.
Ulcer
Affecting about 20 million people in the U.S. at some point in their lives, an ulcer is caused by H. pylori bacteria or ongoing overuse of a combination of nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Lab, X-ray or endoscopy testing may be ordered to diagnose an ulcer. Medication usually resolves it, but a bleeding ulcer could require emergency surgery.
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