Gastroenterology

Lakeside Community Healthcare Gastroenterology features highly trained board certified physicians, who specialize in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders. These conditions include disorder of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon), liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

Common reasons to visit our gastroenterologists are for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, Barrett's esophagus ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, cancer of the GI tract and liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, cirrhosis gallstones and pancreatitis.

Lakeside Community Healthcare gastroenterologists are continually trained in the latest techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and are expert in performing many minimally invasive methods. These procedures include esophagogastroduodenscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). In addition, we offer a non-surgical method for the removal of hemorrhoids, called endoscopic hemorrhoidal ligation (EHL).

For further information about the physicians at Lakeside Community Healthcare Gastroenterology, information regarding any of the procedures or preparation direction, or to make an appointment, please call 818 295-MYGI (6944).

Our Gastroenterologists


Michael J. Albertson, M.D.

Kenneth Ballan, M.D.

Paul Ephraim, M.D.

Lisandro Quinones, M.D.

Rimma Shaposhnikov, M.D.

Vicente Villa, M.D.

Kerry Weiner, M.D.

Common diagnostic procedures and their preparation: 

 

Colonoscopy

TriLyte Colonoscopy Preparation for Direct Access Colonoscopy Patients

Capsule Endoscopy

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

PillCam™ ESO Capsule Endoscopy

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Upper GI Endoscopy

Click here for FAQs for gastroenterology.

Click here for links to more gastroenterology resources.

For your convenience, please check with the office or your physician to determine which forms apply to you. As requested, please print out and complete these forms and bring them to your office visit or fax them as requested by your physician’s office.

Commonly Used Forms

Gastroenterology Patient History Form

FAQs

  • Does a gastroenterologist perform surgery?

    A gastroenterologist does not perform surgery. His or her work is limited to diagnosis and medical treatment. However, gastroenterologists do perform such procedures as liver biopsy and endoscopic ("scope") examinations of the esophagus, stomach, small and large bowel. Also, the gastroenterologist frequently works with surgeons before and after an operation in helping select the best operation for a particular patient and in providing follow-up care relevant to the particular digestive disorder.


  • What should I expect during my initial visit?

    During your initial visit, the physician will discuss your medical history and give you a general examination. You should be aware of any past operations or major illnesses. Bring a list of current medications and drug allergies. You will not receive any procedure during the first visit, except possibly a flexible sigmoidoscopy; but you will have received instructions from the office staff about how to prepare for such a procedure before your first appointment.

    To fully diagnose any condition that you might have, further tests may be prescribed such as blood, X-ray, endoscopic examinations, including a gastroscopy to view your stomach or a colonoscopy to view your colon.

    If any of these other tests will be needed, they will be scheduled during your initial office visit. The office staff will explain any special preparations that may be necessary. If you are diabetic or on Coumadin, please let them know. After the diagnostic tests are completed, the doctor will explain your situation and recommend a specific treatment plan. Your questions are encouraged. It is very important that you understand your situation fully and are comfortable with the treatment prescribed.


  • Will I still need my family doctor?

    Yes, you will. Following consultation, you will usually be referred back to your family doctor for follow-up unless your case requires the continued attention of the gastroenterologist. Even if you have a problem that requires continuing treatment by a gastroenterologist, your family doctor will still advise and/or treat you for all other non-related medical problems. Your family doctor will continue your treatment if and when your problem no longer requires the attention of a gastroenterologist. Your family doctor and gastroenterologist often consult each other about your problems and care.

 

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