Explore the Differences Between a Colonoscopy and an Endoscopy Procedure

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Have you been experiencing abdominal pain or bowel conditions? An endoscopic procedure can offer a minimally invasive solution to pinpoint the gastrointestinal (GI) problems affecting your health. Our gastrointestinal doctors in New Orleans, LA utilize endoscopic services to examine the different areas of the GI tract. These options help lessen the need for more invasive procedures and long healing times.

An endoscopy is a commonly performed procedure that assists with the diagnosis of conditions found in the esophagus, throat, stomach, and the rest of the abdomen. Among the more well-known endoscopic assessments is a colonoscopy screening, which aids in identifying and reducing the development of colon and rectal cancer.

What are the differences between an endoscopy vs. a colonoscopy, and how might these endoscopic procedures improve your health? Continue reading to learn more about these exams offered at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our experienced team works to ensure patients in and around the New Orleans, LA area can get the treatment needed for digestive health.

What are the primary differences between an endoscopy and a colonoscopy?

Even though an endoscope (a long, thin, and bendable device containing a camera and light) is used to obtain high-resolution pictures for both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy, there are a few primary distinctions between these two procedures.

In instances when the upper portion of the digestive tract must be viewed, an upper endoscopy is conducted. With this approach, the endoscope is positioned in your mouth. It then travels through the throat and into the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. Comparatively, a colonoscopy might be conducted if the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract needs to be examined. With a colonoscopy procedure, the endoscope is positioned in the rectum and advanced into the large intestine (colon).

Further differences involve the preparation process for colonoscopies vs. endoscopies. When preparing for a colonoscopy procedure, you’ll likely only consume clear liquids for 24 hours prior to your appointment. Instructions on how to clear your bowel of stool will be given and might involve the use of laxatives or cleansing solutions. This permits easy assessment of the rectum and large intestine.

Prepping for an upper endoscopy is simpler. You should fast from drinks or food for around six hours before the procedure and cease taking certain blood thinners as recommended by your doctor. If you’d like to learn more about the variations between an endoscopy vs. a colonoscopy, request an appointment with our Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates team to have your questions answered.

How are endoscopies performed?

During the course of an endoscopy exam, a slender, flexible device (endoscope) is positioned into your mouth and carefully advanced beyond the throat and eventually into the small intestine. If necessary, special equipment can be attached to the endoscope to help provide solutions for a variety of concerns. These tools can be utilized to collect tissue for biopsies, remove food that’s stuck in the upper GI tract, or open a narrowed area (stricture).

Reasons for needing an endoscopy procedure vary. If you notice symptoms that affect your health, our endoscopy specialists in New Orleans, LA may recommend scheduling this type of exam. An endoscopy can allow our team to identify the ideal treatment option for your ailment. In many instances, an endoscopy can be a helpful approach if you experience the following:

  • Bloody stool
  • Persistent bowel changes (such as diarrhea or constipation)
  • Unexplained abdominal discomfort
  • Chronic heartburn or chest pain

How do colonoscopies work?

During a colonoscopy exam, an endoscope is gently positioned in the rectum and colon. The device sends real-time video images to a monitor so your physician can assess the large intestine. During this time, tissue biopsies can be taken to learn if cancer cells are present, and precancerous polyps (growths) can be excised.

It’s crucial to have a colonoscopy procedure if you have a family history of colon cancer or when you turn 45. Colonoscopies can also be performed if you notice the following signs or symptoms more consistently:

  • Feeling bloated
  • Ongoing fatigue
  • Thin or narrow stools
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Change in bowel movements
  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Bloody stools

Find relief from GI problems with endoscopic options

An endoscopic approach can allow your healthcare practitioner to find and treat GI conditions like intestinal blockages, growths, unexplained abdominal discomfort, and other problems. When you schedule a consultation at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, compassionate care for your digestive issues is close at hand. We look forward to helping you get relief from your GI symptoms and bowel disorders. Get in touch with our gastroenterology specialists in New Orleans, LA now to arrange for a treatment consultation.

Why You Should Have a Gastrointestinal Doctor on Your Medical List

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You go to your primary doctor for your annual tests, so why do you need a gastrointestinal doctor? Many reasons!

A gastrointestinal doctor has a specialty: Your digestive system. And your digestive system includes your esophagus all the way where your food travels through everything in your digestive tract…to its exit.

That means a gastroenterologist is more well-versed in every tiny nuance of your gastrointestinal system and is up-to-speed on every in-the-minute cause and treatment option. Your gastrointestinal doctor can often diagnose and treat those issues more efficiently than your primary doctor, because your gastrointestinal doctor has all the tools at their disposal.

Plus it always helps to know where to go when you have stomach pain, instead of waiting for it to get better (which can make things worse).

When you’d see a gastrointestinal doctor

  • Whenever you have pain in your throat, like difficulty swallowing or a burning down your throat, a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
  • Anytime your stomach hurts after eating – whether from ulcers,  indigestion or from something like Celiac Disease or lactose intolerance – a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
  • If you get frequent heartburn, acid reflux or GERD, a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
  • Sudden weight loss (when you aren’t actively dieting or exercising frequently) means something is amiss, and a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
  • Bowel movement concerns – including diarrhea and constipation – that occur persistently can indicate an issue that a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
  • Any bleeding from the rectum isn’t normal and should be investigated…so a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
  • Plus when you turn 45 (or have a family history or risk factors for colon cancer), you’ll need a colonoscopy from a gastrointestinal doctor.

A gastrointestinal doctor can work with you to keep your colon healthy (and you can use these 6 Tips for a Healthy Colon to get started) and reduce your pain and discomfort.

Metro Detroit Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. can help!

Schedule your appointment today with Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., and let us talk with you about your gastrointestinal concerns. We can figure out what’s causing you pain and get you on the path to feeling better!

Stomach Cancer Awareness Month Is in November

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Many Americans likely know at least one person who has or who has experienced some form of cancer. You may even be affected by this condition. While many can identify the signs of breast cancer, or other common types of cancer, stomach cancer is one form that can come about quietly and quickly, and commonly isn’t diagnosed until it’s in the later stages. In an effort to draw attention to this frequently silent disease, November is designated as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month.

Read on to explore important information to know about stomach cancer so you may have a heightened awareness of this disease and know what to do should you ever find yourself dealing with this health concern. In the event you or a member of your family has stomach cancer or is at an increased risk, get in touch with Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to request a visit. Our group of experienced gastroenterologists in New Orleans, LA can help you receive the advanced treatment you need.

What, exactly, is stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is diagnosed in around 30,000 people across the United States annually. It develops when the cells located in the stomach start to grow uncontrollably. Gastric cancer commonly develops over several years and starts with premalignant growths within the stomach lining. These developments commonly go unnoticed given that they don’t generally present any associated symptoms.

Given that evaluating for gastric cancer is not as common as colon cancer, it might often go undetected until the condition has spread or grown quite large. When this stage occurs, individuals will most likely begin to have signs or symptoms.

Are there common signs of stomach cancer?

As the condition progresses, several common gastric cancer symptoms may occur, including:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Decreased appetite
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Heartburn symptoms/abdominal discomfort
  • Feeling full even after having a small meal
  • Blood in the stool

If you notice any of these stomach cancer symptoms, our skilled New Orleans, LA gastroenterologists can help. Please contact our team at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to visit a skilled provider.

Who is at risk of gastric cancer?

As indicated by the American Cancer Society®, the average age of a person diagnosed with stomach cancer is 68. Furthermore, approximately 60% of those with a stomach cancer diagnosis are over 65.

There are an array of additional things that increase a person’s chance of having stomach cancer outside of their age, including:

  • Previous stomach problems (such as Menetrier disease, polyps, acid reflux, or stomach ulcers)
  • Tobacco and alcohol use
  • Ethnicity (more prevalent in Asian/Pacific, Native American, African American, and Hispanic individuals)
  • Gender (more common among males)
  • Location (more prevalent among those from South American, Central America, Eastern Europe, and East Asia)
  • Diet (more common in those who eat a high-sodium diet or a large amount of processed foods)
  • Family history of gastric cancer
  • Weight (more prevalent in overweight or obese persons)
  • Occupation (more prevalent in people who work in the coal, rubber, or metal industries)

How is gastric cancer treated?

In the event you or a family member has been diagnosed with gastric cancer, our New Orleans, LA gastrointestinal (GI) doctors can determine a dynamic gastric cancer treatment plan depending on the type, stage, and progression of the disease.

Forms of treatment protocols our team might consider involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or other services. We will also take your age, overall health, and additional information into account when devising a treatment plan.

Is there a way to prevent gastric cancer?

Although there is no absolute method to prevent the occurrence of gastric cancer, there are a few things you can do to lower the risks, such as:

  • Consuming a balanced diet containing plenty of fresh fruits (particularly citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges) and veggies, limited processed or red meats, and whole grains
  • Exercising regularly
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Avoiding tobacco use

Elevating awareness is the first step in preventing stomach cancer

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we strive to help all patients live happy, healthy lives. Even though our team is devoted to addressing your GI needs, we are passionate about providing the information required to potentially prevent certain gastrointestinal conditions and issues. Since Stomach Cancer Awareness Month is in effect, now is the ideal time to take action. Schedule a consultation with our New Orleans, LA digestive health specialists to learn your risk of gastric cancer and how you might take steps to protect your GI health.

Shoulder Injuries Common in Racket Sports

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Across America, pickleball is gaining popularity as a fast-paced, competitive sport for all ages and skill levels.

In fact, pickleball is the new major league sport of choice for many professional athletes. NFL Super Bowl champs Drew Brees and Tom Brady, NBA stars LeBron James and Kevin Love and other high-profile stars now own or partner with Major League Pickleball teams.

Invented in 1965, this popular indoor-outdoor sport combines tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The game can be played as singles or doubles, with two or four players.

Before taking the ready position on the court, players need to protect their bodies from injury.

Stretching May Prevent Rotator Cuff Problems

Like other paddle or racket sports, pickleball requires repetitive movement and motion of your arms and legs. During a game, players use a paddle to hit a plastic ball with holes over a slightly modified tennis net on a badminton-size court.

When making an overhead shot or slam, the force generated by the rotator cuff tendon can cause, aggravate or worsen rotator cuff injuries. The rotator cuff is the group of four muscles and four tendons around the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons work together to provide the range of motion in the shoulder.

Additionally, playing racket sports could lead to other injuries, like meniscus tears, tendon ruptures and aggravation of arthritic knees (MedicalXpress).

To help prevent these repetitive motion injuries, experts say stretching and exercising before playing sports helps to maintain the body’s flexibility and strengthen the muscles.

Doctors in sports medicine advise players to warm up before and ice down after every game. Drinking plenty of water and wearing proper shoes are some additional safety tips to reduce injury.

Pay Attention to Pain Warnings

“Consider seeing a physician if you have pain that gets progressively worse in the shoulder or pain that persists for a long time after your activity,” Bruce Moseley, MD, of the Baylor College of Medicine, told MedicalXpress. “These may be warning signs of a torn rotator cuff tendon, so make sure to get it checked.”

The severity of the pain or injury may determine the treatment needed for a full recovery. Doctor recommendations for a torn rotator cuff tendon may include physical therapy, altering activity, rest, pain medication or injections to reduce inflammation.

If the pain does not respond to nonsurgical methods or the injury worsens, shoulder arthroscopy or other surgery options may be advised.

“The success rate of surgery to permanently fix the problem goes down as the size of the tear goes up …,” Moseley told MedicalXpress. “If we can get to the tear and fix it while it is small, the success rate is much higher.”

Do not let shoulder problems, knee pain or injuries keep you from playing pickleball or other sports you enjoy. Take a minute to request an appointment with your orthopedist for an evaluation.

Race Could Affect the Disparity in Certain Eye Diseases

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Eye disease does not affect all races equally. Studies show that Black individuals may be at increased risk for chronic eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

November Is National Diabetes Month

Diabetic eye disease is a family of eye conditions affecting people with diabetes. These include the following:

  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Diabetic macular edema
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects 11.7 percent of non-Hispanic Black Americans compared to 7.5 percent of non-Hispanic white Americans.

Diabetic eye disease is a leading cause of vision loss, so it’s important to detect it early. Unfortunately, in many cases, diabetic eye disease has no early warning signs, so getting treatment as soon as possible is essential.

Black Patients Are at Increased Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) often occurs with long-term diabetes. It affects blood vessels in the retina and can cause vision loss and blindness.

Although there are few symptoms of DR in the early stages, people may experience floaters, blurred vision, fluctuating vision, shadows and missing areas of sight. Data from the Salisbury Eye Evaluation (SEE) study found that Black individuals were four times as likely as white individuals to have vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, DR causes 17 percent of vision loss among Black individuals.

Black Individuals Are More Likely to Develop Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affects the optic nerve, which transmits visual signals to the brain. Black individuals are five times more likely to develop glaucoma than white individuals and are six times more likely to go blind from glaucoma. The disease also typically strikes Black patients 10 years earlier than other ethnicities.

Often known as the “sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma usually has no symptoms in the early stages. However, once the condition is diagnosed, it often has already caused permanent vision loss. Black individuals with a family history of glaucoma should be especially vigilant, as they are at a 20 percent higher risk for glaucoma than those with no family history of the disease.

Importance of Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams

The most effective way to prevent eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration is by scheduling annual comprehensive eye exams.

“Being that Black patients do not get eye exams as early or frequently, this increases risk for or prevalence of conditions like glaucoma and diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy going undetected,” said Darryl Glover, OD, a private practitioner from Durham, North Carolina. “This puts Black patients in a disadvantaged position by setting off a cascade of events that negatively impact how they function in life. Overall, we need to see all walks of life earlier and more frequently, especially in the Black community” (Healio).

Call Your Ophthalmologist for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

When was the last time you had a comprehensive eye exam? Call your ophthalmologist to verify the date of your last eye exam with dilation. Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension must be especially vigilant, as they may be at increased risk for eye disease. Your eyes offer a window into your overall health, so contact your eye care center today.

Prevent Reflux with a GERD-friendly Thanksgiving Diet

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Thanksgiving is probably the most anticipated meal of the year, but it can cause serious discomfort for people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This year, plan your Thanksgiving menu early to help minimize troublesome symptoms from acid reflux. .

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, 20 percent of Americans have GERD. There is no single cause for the condition, but it is characterized by a weak muscle between the esophagus and stomach. The most common symptoms of GERD are regurgitation and heartburn, but not everyone with GERD experiences both symptoms.

National GERD Awareness Week

November 20-26 is National GERD Awareness Week, a time for people who experience symptoms of GERD to seek medical treatment. This year, Thanksgiving falls on the Thursday within National GERD Awareness! If you or a family member has GERD, you can create a GERD-friendly holiday meal that can reduce painful heartburn.

As you plan your menu and shopping list, remember the common GERD trigger foods, which include:

  • Coffee
  • Citrus fruits and juices
  • Chocolate
  • Mint
  • Tomatoes
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Alcohol
  • Fatty foods
  • Spicy foods
  • Fried foods

Tips to avoid heartburn on Thanksgiving Day

You can also make some strategic decisions about the Thanksgiving meal to prevent GERD symptoms. Many traditional dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and candied sweet potatoes are high in fat and may aggravate heartburn. Consider replacing casseroles with steamed or roasted vegetables seasoned with olive oil and fresh herbs.

Timing is also important. Experts suggest eating earlier in the day to allow more time to digest the meal. Alcohol is a heartburn trigger for many people, so you may want to avoid alcohol or just have a small glass of wine with your early meal. Instead of an after-dinner coffee or glass of spirits, consider drinking a soothing cup of herbal tea.

Seek prompt treatment for GERD symptoms

It is easy to make excuses for heartburn, but delaying GERD diagnosis and treatment could pose serious health risks. Untreated GERD can cause chest pain or a narrowing of the esophagus called a stricture. It can also cause pre-cancerous changes to the esophageal lining called Barrett’s esophagus.

Make an appointment with your gastroenterologist

Contact your gastroenterologist if you experience persistent heartburn, regurgitation, or any of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Feeling that food is trapped behind the chest
  • Choking or wheezing
  • Weight loss

Your doctor can recommend lifestyle modifications and medication, if necessary. Call today to make an appointment to discuss your symptoms.

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Get Your Colonoscopy Before Year’s End (and Maximize Your Deductible)

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As we head into the fall and winter months, now is an ideal reminder to take stock of the state of your health and your wellness goals for 2023. One way to help make sure you stay on top of your goals might be to schedule your regular colorectal health screening with an expert GI specialist.

Although other testing methods are available, in the world of colon cancer screening, colonoscopy remains one of the most efficient and reliable of all screenings available. The specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates regularly conduct colonoscopy screenings to help patients identify indicators of colorectal cancer early on and to provide care for any concerns concerning the colon. Keep reading to hear more related to colonoscopies with our New Orleans, LA gastroenterology doctors.

Why is colonoscopy the preferred screening when checking for colon cancer?

Not only does it assist in helping evaluate for markers of colorectal cancer, having a colonoscopy also allows your GI specialist to ascertain the general health of your colon and also take out any polyps discovered in the course of the exam.

Colonoscopy may be recommended for individuals who are at least 45 years of age or for those who:

  • Are from specific ethnicities (African Americans are at a higher risk of getting colon cancer than people of other groups, though no ethnicity is immune.)
  • Have a history of bowel cancer in their family
  • Consume a diet that is low in fiber but high in calories and fat
  • Have specific inflammatory bowel diseases (including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) that have been known to increase the chance of developing colorectal cancer

It’s imperative to consult with a digestive health specialist to understand your risk regarding cancer and when to schedule a colonoscopy.

When is the optimal time for me to go in for a colonoscopy?

In the big scheme of things, there is no “right” or “wrong” time to be proactive regarding the care of your health. However, deductibles are due to reset for the majority of health insurance plans, on Jan. 1, so if you have already met your plan’s deductible, now might be the optimal time to get in a colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA and to take advantage of your deductible having already been met. If you’re enrolled in a plan that has a flexible savings account (FSA), the end of the year is your last opportunity to use up any money that won’t carry over into the next year.

Additionally, performing any needed health screenings now will set you up to enter into the new year with the knowledge that you’re prioritizing your health needs.

How does a colonoscopy screening work?

Colonoscopies are a frequently performed exam that takes place in a private room at your doctor’s practice location or a local endoscopy center. Upon your arrival at the exam site, preparations will be made, and you will be asked to lie on your side, and a member of our team will administer intravenous (IV) sedation in measured and controlled amounts to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. After sedation is administered, your Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates gastroenterology doctor will start the colonoscopy exam by carefully inserting a scope via your rectum and up through the colon, ascertaining your bowel health by way of the camera affixed inside the end of the scope. Depending on the results of the colorectal screening, the test usually takes about 15 – 30 minutes.

Reserve a time for your colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA

Colorectal cancer is the cause of over 50,000 deaths annually in the United States alone, but the odds of survival increase exponentially if the cancer is recognized and treated in the early stage of its development. This is the reason it’s imperative to enlist the help of an expert colonoscopy doctor who can recognize the warning signs of cancer and work with you if additional treatments are called for. With the knowledge and resources of our physician-led group of gastrointestinal providers available, the providers at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates are here to assist you in ringing in a new year in which caring proactively for your health is a top priority. For additional information regarding colon cancer screenings or to visit with a provider specializing in colonoscopies in New Orleans, LA, please reach out to our GI office today.

Learn About FibroScan® and How It Evaluates Liver Health

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At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our staff is pleased to provide individuals with diagnosis and treatment utilizing cutting-edge methods. This tool helps our doctors provide leading-edge services, more brief visits, and more accurate outcomes in contrast to more traditional techniques.

By offering FibroScan (liver elastography) to New Orleans, LA individuals, our doctors will be able to observe liver wellness and diagnose and supervise several different diseases of the liver. To hear more information on the ways FibroScan can help you improve your liver health, reach out to your nearest Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to book a consultation today.

What should I know about FibroScan?

As a nonsurgical liver assessment, FibroScan involves ultrasound technology to deliver a full image of your liver well-being, observe the progression of liver issues, and work to uncover liver problems. When you have this quick test, your GI specialist will request that you lie flat and put your right hand under your head. Your technician will pass a transducer, much like those involved in ultrasound tests, on your liver. As we perform this procedure, we can:

  • Track liver wellness following a transplanted liver
  • Test the health of the liver to determine the presence of liver scarring
  • Detect problems in your liver
  • Oversee the advancement of liver conditions
  • Verify liver fibrosis

In the majority of circumstances, FibroScan can be used rather than undergoing a more invasive liver biopsy. Most individuals choose this method because there is no need for additional time off of everyday routines or seek out a person to take them home from the examination, and it is virtually painless. Though this test might not always take away the need for a biopsy test, it permits your provider to acquire swift images with more accuracy.

How is FibroScan performed?

When you have your FibroScan exam at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, the special device will utilize sound waves into your liver. The probe will inspect about three cubic centimeters of the liver – about 100 times the scale of a biopsy test. As soon as the sound pulses are emitted, it will take them longer to make their way through a healthy liver. However, the ultrasound pulses will travel through a stiff liver pretty fast, and possibly faster the stiffer the liver is.

The FibroScan test can also show the volume of fat in the liver by tracking the amplitude and intensity of ultrasound waves. Whenever the sound frequencies are delivered, they will be received into fatty livers more in comparison with healthier livers. The fatty liver has a higher rate of attenuation, although the healthier liver will have a lower attenuation rate.

All of these details will be documented using our specialized technology, which lets your GI doctor discuss your outcomes with you in real time. You can talk to your specialist about questions during your exam, or you can wait and discuss them once the results are shown in-depth.

Why would you have a FibroScan exam?

If you experience signs or symptoms of liver disease, such as abdominal pain, brown urine, yellow-colored skin or eyes, or something similar, your New Orleans, LA digestive health doctor might suggest a FibroScan to assess your liver function.

Depending on your problems, health history, and additional factors, our team might use FibroScan to assess or help our diagnosis of:

  • NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis)
  • Alcohol liver disease
  • Hepatitis B or C
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • Excess iron

Receive a FibroScan in New Orleans, LA

If you find that you or a loved one has symptoms and signs of liver disease, have had liver disease in the past, or have a family history of liver problems, your GI doctor might order a FibroScan exam. This swift and effective exam could help detect liver disease and assess the total wellness of your liver, providing a more precise way to address and check for liver conditions.

To hear more about FibroScan and how it can help you maintain your liver and overall well-being, call Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates now to set up an appointment.

European Study Confirms Value of Colonoscopy

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A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has generated considerable attention regarding the value of screening colonoscopy.

Unfortunately, some media reports of the results have caused confusion about the effectiveness of this preferred colorectal cancer screening method.

“The study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine actually confirms what we have known for years — screening colonoscopy works,” said Jay Popp, MD, AMSURG Medical Staff Lead.

“It underscores the importance of not letting the headlines guide your healthcare decisions. Instead, base your decisions on facts and a discussion with your healthcare provider,” Dr. Popp said.

Screenings Effective if Completed

In the study, more than 84,000 men and women ages 55-64 from Poland, Norway, and Sweden were randomly invited to have a screening colonoscopy.

Only 42 percent of those invited to have a colonoscopy actually underwent the procedure. The study showed, however, the procedure was beneficial to their health.

“The take-home message here is that patients undergoing colonoscopy in this study had a 31 percent reduction in the development of colon cancer and a 50 percent reduction in death from colon cancer,” Dr. Popp said.

“This study shows that colonoscopy screening is effective — if it is completed. The test can’t prevent cancer if it isn’t done,” Dr. Popp added. “Adherence to screening, whichever method you choose, is the only way to prevent colon cancer.”

Dr. Popp noted the Norway study also reveals the importance of obtaining a quality exam.

“Two benchmarks that have been established and recognized as indicators of a quality exam include adenoma detection rate (ADR) and colon withdrawal time,” Dr. Popp said.

For each 1 percent increase in ADR there is a 3 percent decrease in colorectal cancer risk, according to a 2014 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

“About a third of the physicians participating (in the Norway study) had ADRs of less than 25 percent,” Dr. Popp said.

By comparison, the US benchmark for ADRs is 25 percent. Knowing a physician’s ADR is an important factor in selecting the specialist with whom you feel most confident performing your colonoscopy.

In this study, participants were followed for a median of 10 years.

“The benefits of colonoscopy take time,” Dr. Popp said. “To really know the benefits of screening, patients would need to be followed for a much longer period of time.”

Get Screened at age 45

Colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in the US, but it doesn’t have to be. This type of cancer is preventable through timely screenings.

Healthcare agencies recommend people at average risk for developing colorectal cancer get their first screening at age 45. The five-year survival rate is about 90 percent when colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread to other organs.

Many screening methods are available, but colonoscopy is the only screening method that can both detect and prevent colorectal cancer. The disease often begins as a growth, called a polyp, inside the colon or rectum. Through a quality colonoscopy, polyps can be both detected and removed before they become cancerous.

“Colonoscopy remains the gold standard,” Dr. Popp said, “but the best screening test is the one that actually gets done!”

Our gastroenterologists perform quality colonoscopy screenings at surgery centers around the country. Call today to schedule your appointment.

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Get the Facts About Liver Conditions During Liver Disease Awareness Month

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As the weather cools down and we are gearing up for pumpkin spice, it is also significant to focus our attention on our health, including one of the most crucial and hardest working parts of the body — the liver. This organ is in charge of aiding in the digestive process, changing food into energy, and removing harmful materials from our systems so that we can stay healthy.

By and large, the liver is an important organ that performs a range of tasks, enabling us to enjoy ideal health. October is Liver Disease Awareness Month. This month serves as an important reminder that it is essential to monitor our liver health and ask important questions like: “What can I do to elevate my liver function?” or “How do I know if I’m at risk for liver disease?” The gastrointestinal specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates are ready to address these questions and can help you access the best care possible for your health. Keep reading as our New Orleans, LA team explains additional details regarding conditions that affect the liver.

Are there different forms of liver disease?

The term “liver disease” describes health issues that cause inflammation in or damage to the organ. Liver disease is not a “condition” per se but rather a general term to refer to the varying types of conditions that can affect the liver. The causative factors behind the different types of liver concerns can vary as well. Some liver conditions result due to excessive alcohol consumption or infectious agents such as a virus. Others may result from an excess amount of bilirubin in the liver. Liver disease includes several conditions, such as:

  • Bile duct diseases – These conditions cause blockage in the bile ducts and impede the proper flow of bile. Bile duct diseases may consist of:
    • Birth defects (such as biliary atresia)
    • Inflammation (which leads to scarring and can cause liver failure)
    • Gallstones
    • Cancer
    • Infections
  • Fatty liver disease – A condition that develops when fat has built up inside your liver. This may result in liver cirrhosis.
  • Jaundice – An overabundance of bilirubin in the liver causes the whites of the eyes and the skin to take on a yellow hue.
  • Hepatitis – This involves an inflammatory issue of the liver.
  • Cirrhosis of the liver – Healthy tissue within the liver is overtaken by scar tissue, resulting in impaired functioning.

Since there are varying differences involving the conditions mentioned here, it is advised to partner with a skilled digestive health specialist to determine the reason behind your liver condition so that a personalized treatment plan can be developed to help improve your health.

What are the signs and symptoms of liver disease?

Although varying liver issues can have different causes, many liver disease symptoms will be the same. It is important to consult a gastroenterologist at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, so a proper diagnosis and treatment strategy can be identified. Common signs of liver disease include:

  • Abdominal discomfort and swelling
  • Nausea
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased appetite
  • Yellowish hue to the skin and white portions of the eyes (jaundice)
  • Itchy skin (pruritus)

In the event you experience any of these signs or symptoms listed here, contact one of our digestive health specialists in New Orleans, LA to request an appointment.

What can I do to boost my liver health?

Under the care of a GI specialist for conditions affecting the liver, you might be provided individualized instructions on what you can do to help address your unique needs. But there are some general tips that all individuals should consider to boost their liver health and function. These include:

  • Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
  • Follow a balanced diet.
  • Avoid foods high in sugar, salt, and fat.
  • Consume adequate amounts of water.
  • Consume foods rich in fiber.

Learn more about liver disease treatment in New Orleans, LA

Around 1 out of every 10 individuals in the United States is impacted by some form of liver disease. As such, you or a member of your family might need help identifying treatment solutions for addressing liver concerns. In honor of October being Liver Disease Awareness Month, we invite you to contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to request an appointment and hear more about how our team can treat your liver issue or what you can do to help guard against it. For those already dealing with signs or symptoms of liver disease, our New Orleans, LA digestive doctors can listen to your concerns, render a diagnosis, and curate a treatment strategy that best suits your personalized health needs.