Department of Gastroenterology

In the intricate world of medical specialties, we introduce to you the field of GASTRO-ENTEROLOGY, which emerges as a cornerstone of healthcare, championed by specialists known as Gastroenterologist. We, gastroenterologists, the digestive detectives, navigate the complex terrain of our patient’s digestive system, offering a beacon of hope for those grappling with an array of esophageal, gastric, Intestinal and hepato-biliary issues as well as the nutritional consultation for the critical care patient.

Gastroenterology and Hepatology department at Ali Fatima Hospital is a specialized medical unit dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders affecting the digestive system, liver, and related organs. This department plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive care for patients suffering from conditions such as gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel disease, liver diseases, and pancreatic disorders. One of the essential procedures performed within this department is endoscopy, a minimally invasive technique used to visualize and examine the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopy enables physicians to detect abnormalities, obtain biopsies, and even perform therapeutic interventions, such as removing polyps or placing stents. With state-of-the-art equipment and a highly skilled team, the department ensures accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans for patients, promoting their overall gastrointestinal health and well-being.

We provide a patient-centered and comprehensive advanced endoscopy service for a wide array of disorders of the pancreas and biliary tree, along with other gastrointestinal conditions. The unit undertakes multiple pancreato-biliary endoscopies, primarily endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). These are mainly under fluoroscopic guidance and a proportion of cases are performed with anesthetic support. As the regional tertiary referral Centre for HPB Procedures, we provide crucial support for these services, as well as the referring hospitals across the region. An inpatient ‘treat and transfer’ service is provided for patients requiring procedures who are admitted in other hospitals.

Conditions We Treat:

The Gastroenterology Department at Ali Fatima Hospital specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of digestive conditions. Some of the conditions we treat include: 

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): a common condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.  

2. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): a group of conditions, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, that cause inflammation in the digestive tract.  

3. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a chronic disorder that affects the large intestine and causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea.  

4. Liver disease: a group of conditions that affect the liver, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. 

5. Gastrointestinal cancers: including cancer of the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreas. 

6. Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas that can be acute or chronic and cause severe abdominal pain. 

7. Hemorrhoids: swollen veins in the anus or rectum, which can cause itching, pain, and bleeding. 

8. Gastroparesis: a condition in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. 

Our team of specialists uses advanced diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments to provide personalized care for each patient. We offer services such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, upper gastrointestinal studies, and liver function tests, as well as the management of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and gastrointestinal cancers. 

Faculty: