Gastrointestinal & Liver Conditions We Treat

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), commonly known as Fatty Liver Disease, is the most common chronic liver disorder worldwide. It occurs when excess fat accumulates within the liver, usually due to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or insulin resistance. While many people have no symptoms, untreated fatty liver may progress to liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and, in some cases, liver cancer.

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are viral infections that cause inflammation of the liver. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, chronic infection can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Fortunately, highly effective treatments are now available, allowing many patients to successfully control or cure the disease.

Excessive alcohol consumption can progressively damage the liver, causing fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually liver failure. The severity depends on both the amount and duration of alcohol intake, as well as individual susceptibility.

Cirrhosis is the advanced stage of chronic liver disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, reducing the liver's ability to function. Increased pressure within the portal vein (portal hypertension) may lead to serious complications, including ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and liver failure.

Jaundice and abnormal liver function tests are signs of an underlying liver or bile duct disorder rather than diseases themselves. They may be caused by viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, bile duct obstruction, medication-related liver injury, autoimmune liver disease, or several other conditions.

Autoimmune liver diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver or bile ducts. These include Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH), Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). Early diagnosis and long-term treatment can effectively control inflammation and reduce the risk of cirrhosis.

Benign liver lesions, such as simple liver cysts, haemangiomas, and focal nodular hyperplasia, are commonly detected during routine imaging and are usually non-cancerous. Most do not require treatment but should be accurately evaluated to exclude more serious conditions.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary cancer of the liver. It usually develops in individuals with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B infection. Regular surveillance in high-risk patients greatly increases the chance of detecting cancer at an early and potentially curable stage.

Acute liver failure is a rare but life-threatening condition in which liver function deteriorates rapidly over a short period in a previously healthy liver. Common causes include viral infections, drug-induced liver injury, and certain toxins. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate specialist care.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus. Occasional acidity is common, but frequent or persistent reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus, leading to inflammation, ulcers, narrowing (strictures), Barrett's esophagus, and, rarely, esophageal cancer.

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. It may develop suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually over time (chronic gastritis). Common causes include Helicobacter pylori infection, prolonged use of pain-relieving medications (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, stress, autoimmune disorders, and certain infections.

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Most ulcers occur due to Helicobacter pylori infection or long-term use of pain-relieving medications (NSAIDs). With appropriate treatment, most ulcers heal completely.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterium that infects the stomach lining. Many infected individuals have no symptoms, while others develop gastritis, peptic ulcers, or indigestion. Long-standing infection also increases the risk of stomach cancer and gastric MALT lymphoma in some patients.

Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing food or liquids. It is a symptom rather than a disease and may result from conditions affecting the esophagus, muscles, or nerves involved in swallowing. While some causes are benign, persistent dysphagia should always be evaluated, as it may indicate a serious underlying disorder.

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the normal lining of the lower esophagus changes due to long-standing acid reflux. Although most patients never develop cancer, Barrett's esophagus increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma and requires regular surveillance in selected individuals.

An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the food pipe that makes swallowing difficult. Most benign strictures result from chronic acid reflux, previous surgery, radiation therapy, or accidental ingestion of corrosive substances.

Achalasia is a rare swallowing disorder in which the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly, preventing food and liquids from entering the stomach. Although symptoms usually develop gradually, effective treatments are available.

Esophageal cancer develops from the lining of the food pipe and is often associated with long-standing acid reflux, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, or Barrett's esophagus. Early-stage disease may cause few symptoms, making timely evaluation essential.

Stomach cancer develops from the lining of the stomach and often progresses silently during its early stages. Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, certain dietary habits, family history, and chronic stomach inflammation.

Functional dyspepsia, commonly known as indigestion, is a chronic disorder causing upper abdominal discomfort despite the absence of structural abnormalities on routine investigations. It is one of the most common digestive disorders and may significantly affect daily activities and quality of life.

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Many people remain symptom-free, but gallstones can sometimes block the flow of bile, leading to severe abdominal pain, infection, jaundice, pancreatitis, or other complications.

Acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by blockage of the gallbladder outlet by a gallstone. It usually presents with severe abdominal pain and requires prompt medical evaluation.

Sometimes gallstones leave the gallbladder and become lodged in the common bile duct, obstructing the normal flow of bile. This can lead to jaundice, infection, pancreatitis, and liver damage if left untreated.

Acute cholangitis is a serious bacterial infection of the bile ducts, usually caused by blockage from bile duct stones or strictures. It is a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment.

Bile duct strictures are abnormal narrowings of the bile ducts that obstruct the normal flow of bile. They may occur after surgery, chronic inflammation, pancreatitis, or as a result of cancer.

Cholangiocarcinoma is a cancer arising from the bile ducts. Although uncommon, it often presents with progressive jaundice and requires early diagnosis for the best chance of successful treatment.

Gallbladder polyps are growths arising from the inner lining of the gallbladder. Most are benign, but larger polyps may carry a risk of cancer and require surgical removal.

Gallbladder cancer is an uncommon but aggressive cancer that often develops silently in its early stages. Risk factors include long-standing gallstones, gallbladder polyps, chronic inflammation, and certain congenital biliary abnormalities.

Obstructive jaundice occurs when the normal flow of bile from the liver to the intestine is blocked. Common causes include bile duct stones, strictures, pancreatitis, and cancers of the bile ducts or pancreas.

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that can range from a mild illness to a life-threatening condition. The most common causes are gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption, although certain medications, high triglyceride levels, infections, and other conditions may also be responsible.

Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation of the pancreas that gradually causes irreversible damage, leading to chronic pain, poor digestion, diabetes, and nutritional deficiencies. Early diagnosis helps preserve pancreatic function and improve quality of life.

Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the pancreas. Most are detected incidentally during imaging and are benign, while some cysts have the potential to become cancerous and require regular monitoring or treatment.

Pancreatic cancer develops from the cells of the pancreas and often causes few symptoms in its early stages. Although it is an aggressive disease, early diagnosis allows more treatment options and improves outcomes.

Autoimmune pancreatitis is an uncommon form of chronic pancreatitis caused by an abnormal immune response. It often presents with painless jaundice or pancreatic enlargement and may resemble pancreatic cancer on imaging. Most patients respond remarkably well to steroid treatment.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to poor digestion and nutrient absorption. It commonly develops in patients with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery, or pancreatic cancer.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of gut–brain interaction that affects bowel function without causing visible structural damage to the intestine. It can cause recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both. IBS does not cause intestinal cancer or permanent damage, but persistent symptoms can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of chronic immune-mediated conditions that cause ongoing inflammation within the digestive tract. The two main types are: - Crohn’s Disease, which may affect any part of the digestive tract and can involve the full thickness of the bowel wall - Ulcerative Colitis, which affects the large intestine and rectum IBD is different from IBS. Unlike IBS, IBD causes visible inflammation and may lead to ulcers, bleeding, narrowing, fistulas, nutritional deficiencies, and other complications.

Chronic diarrhoea refers to frequent loose or watery stools lasting for more than four weeks. It may result from infections, IBS, IBD, coeliac disease, food intolerance, malabsorption, pancreatic disease, thyroid disorders, medication side effects, or colorectal conditions. Because the causes are varied, treatment should be based on the underlying diagnosis rather than relying only on anti-diarrhoeal medicines.

Chronic constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, excessive straining, difficulty passing stool, or a persistent feeling of incomplete evacuation. It may result from low fibre intake, inadequate hydration, reduced physical activity, medications, thyroid disorders, neurological disease, slow bowel transit, or pelvic floor dysfunction.

Blood in stool may appear as bright red blood, maroon-coloured stool, or black tarry stool. Common causes include haemorrhoids, anal fissure, intestinal infection, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, polyps, or colorectal cancer. Although many causes are treatable and non-cancerous, recurrent or unexplained bleeding should never be assumed to be due to piles without appropriate evaluation.

Coeliac disease is an immune-mediated condition in which eating gluten damages the lining of the small intestine. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye. The condition may cause digestive symptoms, but some patients present only with anaemia, weakness, low bone density, infertility, or nutritional deficiencies.

Intestinal tuberculosis is a form of tuberculosis that affects the intestine, most commonly the ileocecal region where the small intestine joins the colon. Its symptoms and endoscopic appearance may resemble Crohn’s Disease, infection, or intestinal cancer. Therefore, careful evaluation is essential before starting treatment.