Learn About FibroScan® and How It Evaluates Liver Health

by

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

by

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.

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

Get the Facts About Liver Conditions During Liver Disease Awareness Month

by

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.

Why do ultra-processed foods affect your gut (and potentially increase colon cancer risk)?

by

We’ve all heard that fresh foods are best for us, and that processed foods should be limited – but WHY are processed foods, especially ULTRA-processed foods, damaging for our health (and especially our gut)?

From a gastrointestinal standpoint, ultra-processed foods don’t go through your digestive system well – and can potentially increase your chances of colon cancer. (Learn about your colon cancer risk factors!)

What is “ultra-processed” food?

Processed foods go through a “process” to make them what they are, different from their natural state. Some processed foods are made by adding sugar or salt, like canned vegetables, with minimal added ingredients.

Ultra-processed foods, however, are processed much more. Think foods that have added colors, fats, preservatives and more…all the things that make them taste different and last on the shelf longer. They are made mostly from other substances besides just the main ingredient – and include TV dinners, hot dogs, fast food, and packaged snacks.

These ultra-processed foods are therefore also substantially higher in sodium, fat, sugar, calories, and more from all the additives.

What’s so bad about ultra-processed foods?

Because of all their added ingredients, ultra-processed foods lose their nutritional value and trade it in for increasing all those things we DON’T want in our diets.

One study claims that as a whole, the calories consumed nationally are mainly from ultra-processed foods (at 58 percent) …and that 90 percent of the energy we get is from these added sugars.

Our body gets overloaded by all the processed foods, which can lead to inflammation and an increase in other medical conditions. Because our body is designed to digest natural foods and doesn’t know what to do with all the other stuff it has to digest.

(And we’re seeing that a low-fat, low inflammation diet may help prevent colon cancer!

Since we use food as fuel, the nutrients we get from what we eat impacts our health – so we want as many nutrients as we can get from foods in their natural element.

When we can’t get all the right nutrients our body wants, it can’t run the way it’s supposed to. Just like putting bad gas in your car.

Do ultra-processed foods increase instances of colon cancer?

According to NBC News, new studies indicate that diets high in ultra-processed foods (around 9 servings per day) had a 29-percent higher risk of colorectal cancer than subjects who only had 3 servings of ultra-processed foods per day. In addition, the study showed the group with the highest consumption of ultra-processed foods had around 80 percent of their daily calories from those foods – and the U.S. average is around 57 percent. (Still a lot!)

There are still lots of questions about what impact diet has on causing colon cancer, but we know we want to fuel our bodies in the best way possible, regardless.

How can I get my more nutrients (and less processed foods) in my diet?

These 5 Easy Ways to Swap Out Processed Foods for a Healthier Gut are a good way to start getting fewer processed foods – but always talk to your doctor when making changes in your diet (especially if you have or think you may have Celiac Disease.)

When you’re out to dinner at a restaurant, you can also make slight changes with these 5 Easy Hacks to Create Healthy Habits When Eating Out – without taking away from your dining experience.

And whenever you can, opt for foods that don’t come out of a box. It takes time to make the changes, and time to plan for meals that aren’t as quick as processed ones, but your body will thank you!

Get your gut in tip-top shape at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C.

Rumbling in your tummy? Find out why. When foods don’t sit well, we can help you figure out why and get you healthier and feeling better! Contact Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. today to schedule an appointment.

Week Highlights Bone and Joint Conditions

by

Many people who suffer from chronic joint pain often give up sports or activities they enjoy with friends and family.

Severe long-term pain and physical disability may result from bone and joint conditions, according to the U.S. Bone & Joint Initiative.

Conditions like arthritis, back pain, fractures, osteoporosis, sports trauma and other ailments may limit a person’s mobility and dexterity.

Having limited mobility often leads to early work retirement, lower levels of well-being and reduced participation in society, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Bone and Joint Action Week is observed Oct. 12-20. This week raises awareness worldwide about prevention, disease management and treatment for several conditions.

Musculoskeletal conditions are predicted to increase unless new treatments and preventive measures are found, according to the U.S. Bone & Joint Initiative. Reasons for the rise in cases include increasing life expectancy and risk factor changes.

With the right care and treatment, many people can return to an active lifestyle without suffering in pain.

Billions Suffer With Pain, Lack of Mobility

Musculoskeletal conditions affect more than 1.7 billion people worldwide, according to WHO.

Bone and Joint Action Week brings attention to some of these conditions, including osteoarthritis and childhood injuries and disorders.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease that causes pain, disability and loss of function. The disease occurs most frequently in the hands, hips and knees.

World Arthritis Day is Oct. 12. About 58.5 million U.S. adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some forms of arthritis affect only one joint, whereas many affect more than one. Without treatment, arthritis may cause long-term damage to joints.

Another observance is Oct. 19 — World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day. Every year, about 19 million children receive medical treatment for a musculoskeletal-related condition. These conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, bone fractures, tendinitis, developmental dysplasia of the hip, muscular dystrophy and osteoporosis.

Contributing factors of musculoskeletal disorders in children include car accidents, playground accidents, sports injuries, obesity, poor posture and vitamin D deficiency.

People who experienced a childhood bone or joint injury often suffer from chronic pain, stiffness or limited mobility as adults. People often experience chronic pain in their back, hips, knees or shoulders.

Treatment Options Available

Several options are available to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain.

The Arthritis Foundation suggests several tips to manage pain and maintain your mobility at home. The first tip is to take any prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs recommended by your doctor.

Managing your weight also is key because excess weight can cause more pressure on the weight-bearing joints and increase pain.

Weight management may be easier if you stay active with activities like walking, water aerobics at your local gym or yoga. These low-impact activities can help reduce joint pain and improve flexibility, balance and strength, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Cardiovascular exercise, like biking on a stationary bike, also helps keep your heart in shape.

The Arthritis Foundation also advises that maintaining a positive attitude may significantly boost your ability to cope with pain. To keep your spirits high, consider engaging in a hobby or a stress-free activity with your loved ones.

While helpful in the short term, medications, exercises and activities may not relieve your chronic joint pain or maintain your mobility as you get older.

An orthopedic procedure, like arthroscopy, or even total joint replacement surgery may be your long-term solution. Orthopedic expertise is available by contacting our group of nationwide doctors.

Schedule Procedure Before Deductible Resets

If you are experiencing severe joint pain, don’t delay your care. Our procedures and treatments are performed on an outpatient basis. This means no prolonged hospital stay and more time at home to recover.

Have you already met your insurance deductible? To take full advantage of your health plan benefits, schedule your procedure before the end of the calendar year. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your status. Then, call to schedule an appointment for an exam.

Undergoing an orthopedic procedure will help to relieve or eliminate your pain and restore your range of motion. Then, you can return to your active lifestyle and enjoy spending time with your friends and family.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy or GI Procedure Before Year End

by

As the calendar year closes, assessing whether you have utilized your healthcare benefits to the maximum is wise. If you have met your deductible, now is an excellent time to schedule a GI procedure or screening colonoscopy before the year ends.

Colonoscopy Is a Lifesaving Procedure

Getting screened for colon cancer may not be at the top of your to-do list, but it deserves to be a priority. Colonoscopy can detect and prevent colon cancer because your doctor can remove polyps before they become cancerous. In fact, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent when colonoscopy detects colon cancer early.

Some patients feel anxiety about a colonoscopy because it involves a bowel prep, sedation and the need to take time off work. While preparation is necessary to ensure that the colon is empty, colonoscopy is a simple, painless procedure. A gastroenterologist examines the lining of the colon for pre-cancerous polyps while you are sedated for approximately 30 minutes. If polyps are found during the procedure, they can be removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Other methods of colon cancer screenings like flexible sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema or stool tests do not offer the same benefits. A positive result means you would have to get a follow-up colonoscopy. Therefore, it’s best to go with a colonoscopy — the gold standard for colon cancer screening.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy at an ASC

Everyone wants to maximize their healthcare dollars. Most health insurance deductibles reset in January, so scheduling procedures and screenings are advantageous after you have met your deductible.

Most insurance plans cover a screening colonoscopy, but there may be additional fees for anesthesia and the facility where the test is performed. You can usually save money by scheduling your procedure at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) because there are fewer overhead costs. In addition, ASCs usually offer convenient parking and a more comfortable setting.

If you are primarily concerned about cost, there is good news. The Affordable Care Act requires most private insurers to cover the costs of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests. As of May 31, 2022, one crucial guideline change is that most patients will not pay out-of-pocket costs for a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool test. Plans vary, so it is essential to contact your provider to determine your coverage.

Know Your Risk for Colon Cancer

It is important to be familiar with your risk for colon cancer. Most cases of colon cancer are not hereditary. In fact, heredity only accounts for about 5 to 10 percent of colon cancer cases. Most adults are at average risk for colon cancer, but you are considered to be at increased risk if you have any of the following:

  • A family history of rectal or colon cancer or precancerous polyps
  • Previous colon cancer or colon polyps
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • Lynch syndrome
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

New Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines

Young-onset colon cancer is becoming more prevalent every year. Because the average age of colon cancer onset is decreasing, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises that adults at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45. However, if you have a family history of colon cancer, precancerous polyps or certain genetic cancer syndromes, you may need to begin screening earlier.

Everyone is at risk for colon cancer, but you can take precautions to lower your risk:

  • Avoid smoking.
  • Use alcohol in moderation.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce intake of red meat and processed foods.
  • Increase servings of fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Exercise regularly.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy at Age 45

Don’t leave any of your healthcare benefits on the table. Contact your insurance company to verify your status and call today to schedule your colonoscopy or GI procedure at an ASC.

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Before Year Ends

by

Have you had an eye exam lately? If you haven’t, you should consider making an appointment soon. You can maximize your health insurance benefits by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam or eye procedure before the end of the year.

What is a healthcare deductible?

One of the best ways to stretch your healthcare dollars is to schedule appointments and procedures after you meet your annual deductible. Your healthcare deductible is the amount you must pay for covered medical procedures before your insurance company begins to contribute.

Most deductibles reset on Jan. 1, so now is the time to evaluate whether you should schedule a comprehensive eye exam or cataract surgery. If you meet your deductible, your out-of-pocket responsibility for an elective eye procedure could be considerably less.

Reasons to visit your ophthalmologist before the year ends

Here are three reasons you should visit your ophthalmologist before the calendar year ends:

Make sure your prescription is updated.

Vision changes are usually gradual, so you probably will not notice if your vision is changing or getting blurry. Your ophthalmologist will check your visual acuity and assess whether your current prescription needs adjusting.

Maintain your eye health.

Are you experiencing eye pain, blurry vision, cloudy vision or dry eyes? These symptoms can be indicative of a chronic eye condition like glaucoma, cataracts or dry eye syndrome. Your doctor can make a diagnosis during a comprehensive eye exam and refer you to a specialist for further testing. Ignoring symptoms of eye disease can permanently affect your eyesight and lead to vision loss.

During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor will examine you for eye diseases such as the following.

Cataracts: a clouding of the eye lens that will affect all adults as they age

Glaucoma: a family of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve

Macular degeneration: a condition that destroys a person’s sharp, central vision

Use your flexible spending account (FSA) dollars before they expire.

Using an FSA account is cost effective because you can use pre-tax dollars for approved healthcare procedures and products. These dollars will not roll over into next year, so you must “use them or lose them.” You can use FSA funds for new eyeglasses, contacts, prescription sunglasses or even cataract surgery.

Why you should schedule an eye procedure at an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)

If your ophthalmologist suggests you need to schedule an eye procedure or surgery, you can do so at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). An ASC is a less-expensive option and offers exceptional patient care.

An ASC is often smaller than a hospital, which makes it easier to navigate, and it usually has convenient parking. In addition, most procedures at an ASC will be more cost effective because they don’t have all the overhead costs of a hospital. Finally, an ASC facility is dedicated to specific procedures like cataract surgery rather than emergency procedures, so your appointment is less likely to get delayed or rescheduled.

Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist

Have you met your deductible already? Schedule your procedure before the end of the year to take full advantage of your health plan’s benefits. Your deductible will reset soon, so contact your insurance company to verify your status.

Actors “Lead From Behind” With Colonoscopy Screenings

by

A simple bet between friends — and colonoscopy screenings — may have saved the lives of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The co-owners of the Wrexham Association Football Club in Wales made a friendly wager, which Reynolds ultimately lost. McElhenney bet that if he learned to speak Welsh, Reynolds would publicly broadcast his first colonoscopy to raise awareness regarding colon cancer.

The actors’ screening video launched the Lead From Behind campaign in partnership with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA). The campaign’s focus is to “help people learn that colon cancer is ‘The Preventable Cancer’” through timely screenings.

Research shows more young people are getting colon cancer. Now, leading healthcare agencies recommend screenings begin at 45 for those at average risk.

Both Reynolds (Deadpool) and McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) are 45.

“Part of being this age is getting a colonoscopy,” Reynolds said in the video. “It’s a simple step that could literally — I mean literally — save your life.”

Colonoscopy Saves Lives

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.

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 colonoscopy, polyps can be both detected and removed before they become cancerous.

Reynolds underwent his colonoscopy first. Following the procedure, Dr. Jonathan LaPook, his gastroenterologist, praised Reynolds’ thorough bowel prep. This preparation helped LaPook find and remove an “extremely subtle polyp” on the right side of Reynolds’ colon.

“This was potentially lifesaving for you,” LaPook said. “This is exactly why you do this.”

Later, Dr. Leo Treyzon, also a gastroenterologist, told McElhenney he found three polyps during his colonoscopy.

“They were small,” Dr. Treyzon said. “They were not a big deal, but [it was] certainly a good idea that we found them and removed them.”

The doctors recommended the actors repeat the colonoscopy in a couple of years.

Young People Are at Risk

The CCA reports one in 24 people gets colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is not just a disease of the elderly. One in 260 people will get colon cancer before they turn 50. This is called early-onset or young-onset cancer.

Research indicates that people who are diagnosed when younger than 50 are more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

For these reasons, screenings should begin at 45 for those at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Individuals should be screened even if they don’t have symptoms. People with digestive symptoms should be considered for colonoscopy regardless of age.

Don’t Delay Your Screening

By 2030, colon cancer is predicted to be the top cancer killer for people younger than 50, according to the CCA.

If you are 45 or older, don’t delay your colorectal cancer screening. The five-year survival rate is about 90 percent when found at an early stage before it has spread to other organs.

The Affordable Care Act requires most private insurance to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests. Plans vary, so it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to verify your coverage.

If you do not have insurance, there are resources to learn about a low-cost or free colonoscopy. Some resources include the CCA Helpline, ColonoscopyAssist™ or your state’s health and human services or department of health.

A colon cancer screening may save your life or the life of a loved one. Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at surgery centers around the country. Search for a gastroenterologist in your area and schedule a colonoscopy.

When to Visit a Pediatric GI Specialist

by

When we consider the type of person more likely to need treatment for a digestive problem, we usually think of a mature adult or those of advanced age. As much as age is a factor in the advancement of some gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, the truth is that kids are not immune to gastrointestinal (GI) problems — and can be more vulnerable to certain digestive issues.

If you believe your child may have a pediatric intestinal concern, the GI specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates may be able to help bring them back to health. Here is some key information to note when deciding if you should consult one of our pediatric gastroenterologists in New Orleans, LA.

How is a child’s gastrointestinal system different from an adult’s?

Similar to every other system present in the body, the gastrointestinal system takes some time to mature following birth. GI problems in babies are quite common during this period of development. For example, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), muscle tissue at the bottom of the esophagus that helps prevent stomach acid from flowing upward, is usually not completely formed in newborns, leading to problems with acid reflux.

Because proper nourishment is strongly linked to a child’s growth and development, it’s essential that you request a consultation with a pediatric GI physician if you feel your child is experiencing gastro problems. Pediatric gastrointestinal issues are more common than you might anticipate, with some even beginning at birth.

Which pediatric gastro complications are most commonly experienced?

Although children could be impacted by many of the digestive issues that are typical in adults, certain types are more likely to occur than others. Some of the more frequent issues involve:

  • CVS (cyclic vomiting syndrome): This disorder causes excessive vomiting episodes that happen in frequent cycles and is usually observed in kids.
  • Constipation: Constipation involves difficulty when passing stools.
  • Abdominal distress: Several minor GI problems (like gas) will often work themselves out over time, but persistent or excessive pain warrants a visit with a pediatric GI provider.
  • IBD (inflammatory bowel disease): IBD includes GI issues like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • Food intolerances: Among kids, this often includes lactose intolerance (difficulty processing lactose products) and celiac disease (an autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the duodenum or small intestine).
  • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): GERD involves the scarring and inflammation of the esophagus caused by recurrent acid reflux. This illness is very common among infants and newborns and is frequently evidenced by vomiting, hiccups, gagging, and an aversion to eating food.

It’s essential to manage gastrointestinal issues in infants, toddlers, and newborns, as these conditions could interfere with a child’s ability to absorb the nutrients they require for growth and development. The GI physicians at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can help you understand your child’s illness and explore the treatment options.

When is the right time to bring my child to a pediatric GI provider?

A proactive approach is generally recommended with any health issue. Even a common GI problem, such as diarrhea, can point to a greater issue if it occurs periodically. There are several clear indications that you should consult a pediatric gastrointestinal specialist, though:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Slow or little to no growth regardless of getting adequate nourishment
  • Repeat vomiting or blood present in vomit
  • Frequent diarrhea (loose, watery stools) or constipation

If you notice any of the above issues, please set up an appointment with a gastroenterology provider immediately.

Get pediatric gastro care in New Orleans, LA

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our GI providers offer treatment for a variety of pediatric digestive concerns and are devoted to assisting our patients so they can thrive. If you are concerned or worried about your child’s GI health and are seeking a pediatric gastrointestinal specialist in New Orleans, LA you can trust, contact our team today to request a consultation.

MSN: Ryan Reynolds Gets Polyps Removed After ‘Potentially Life-Saving’ Preventative Colonoscopy

by

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are letting cameras get up close and personal, for a good cause.

In a new video from colon-cancer-awareness organization Lead from Behind in association with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the two actors and soccer-club owners share their experience getting preventative colonoscopies.

To read the full story on MSN, click here.