Description

Introduction:

We strive to grow as a nationally recognized center for compassionate, comprehensive and innovative care for patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases. The Department of Gastroenterology at the Madinah Teaching Hospital established in 2017 provides specialized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and services to diagnose and treat patients with a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders. This Unit provides endoscopy services, round the clock emergency services, indoor including intensive care services and outdoor two times a week, There is close liaison with other departments in the management of the patients who might also have Gastroenterology related issues.The consultants are also available within the hospital for consultation in the evening and night. There is an ever growing patient load in all these modalities of services.

An endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a long flexible tube, with a camera and light at the end of it, to examine the inside of the body. We provide state-of-the-art endoscopy services, offering a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including special investigations of the esophagus, stomach, intestine, liver and pancrease. Our consultants perform complex biliary procedures (minimally invasive treatments for blockages or narrowing of the bile duct). We work with the surgical team to treat gallstones disease. Our team also provides general anaesthetic and sedation for children undergoing tests and procedures in the endoscopy unit. As our department has trained female gastroenterologist, colonoscopy in complete privacy is provided to women who prefer a woman to examine them.

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GI bleed), also known as gastrointestinal hemorrhage, is all forms of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the rectum. It is a serious condition caring a high mortality if not managed early. At our departments we have Bleed Control Unit, which works 24/7. We have dedicated staff that is highly trained in the management of such patients. If required in addition to medical management we offer emergency endoscopy.

We have twice weekly outpatient clinic where in addition to routine patient checkup, we offer free screening for viral hepatitis and latest recommended medications for its treatment. Many patients are getting benefited from this program. Special attention is paid to the prevention aspect of these diseases by educating the masses.

In collaboration with our Radiology Department we have recently started offering treatment to the patients with liver cancer. It is the latest minimally invasive treatment for liver cancer, in the form of TACE, MWA and RFA. Post-procedure care is offered to these patients with close monitoring of complications and timely management for better outcome.

It is the only recognized unit by the College of Physician and Surgeons of Pakistan for Post-graduate Training of Gastroenterology in the whole division.The ultimate goal of this training experience is to have individuals leave our program who are skilled and respected gastroenterology consultants.The three year program is designed to have graduated levels of experience and independence such that first year fellows focus their training on general endoscopic procedures and consultation skills while second and third year fellows have increasing level of exposure to more complex procedures and patients.GI Fellows gain proficiency in upper endoscopy, colonoscopy and will participate in diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP. Additional educational activities within the GI section include; attending GI Clinical Conference, weekly case presentations, pathophysiology discussion, radiology discussion and Journal Club.

Keeping in view the importance of research work in modern medicine our faculty and trainees have keenly participated in different research projects. We have many publications at our credit not only at national but also international level. Our work is frequently presented at both national and international conferences and getting much appreciation from the peers.

We care passionately about making people better and helping our patients to live happy, healthy and independent lives.

“Consultants trained at our department are serving communites in Punjab/KPK Pakistan and Gulf Countries”

Services:

Our Clinical Specialties

• Management of Liver Cirrhosis and all its complications
• Colorectal Cancer Screening
• Management of Pancreas, Bile Duct and Gallbladder diseases
• Management of Functional Bowel Disease (e.g. Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Management of Hepatitis (e.g. Hepatitis A, B and C)
• Management of Fatty Liver
• Management of Alcoholic Liver Disease
• Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (e.g. Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis)
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Liver and Pancreatico-biliary Cancers
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms (e.g. diarrhea, constipation)

Our Clinical Facilities

• Outpatient Clinics twice a week
• Hepatitis Clinic offering free hepatitis screening and Treatment
• Endoscopy Center (Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy)
• Inpatient ward
• Specialized bleeding control unit working round the clock

Endoscopic Procedures:

Upper GI Endoscopy

• Examination & Biopsy from esophagus, stomach and duodenum
• Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal
• Esophageal Dilatation of benign and malignant Strictures
• Esophageal Stenting of the strictures
• Endotherapy of Achalasia
• Esophageal Variceal Ligation
• Endoscopic Glue injection in Fundal varices
• Endoscopic Ulcer bleed management, Sclerotherapy, APC, Hemoclip.
• PEG Tube Placement & Removal

Colonoscopy

• Diagnostic examination with biopsies.
• Polypectomy
• Lower GI bleed management, Sclerotherapy, APC, Hemoclip.

ERCP

• Removal of stones from the common bile duct
• Dilatation of the common bile duct stricture
• Stenting of the Common bile duct structure, benign and malignant.
• Management of post surgical common bile duct injury
• Removal of stones from pancreatic duct
• Stenting of pancreatic duct

Introduction:

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 Gastroenterologists. 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 providing nutritional consultation for critical care patients.

The 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 performed under fluoroscopic guidance and, in some cases, 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 available 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:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): a common condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, causing inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): a chronic disorder affecting the large intestine, causing abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
• Liver Disease: conditions affecting the liver, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease.
• Gastrointestinal Cancers: including cancer of the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreas.
• Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas that can be acute or chronic, causing severe abdominal pain.
• Hemorrhoids: swollen veins in the anus or rectum, causing itching, pain, and bleeding.
• Gastroparesis: a condition in which the stomach empties too slowly, leading to 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 complex conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Faculty:

Dr. Afia Munir
M.B.B.S. / F.C.P.S. (Gastroenterology)
Senior Registrar,
Department of Gastroenterology,
Ali Fatima Hospital, Lahore.