Gastroenterology

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal system — from the mouth to the rectum — but most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine.

Unlike a stomach infection, Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the gut. This leads to inflammation, pain, and other digestive problems that can come and go over time.

Who is affected? Crohn’s disease can develop at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in young adults between 20 and 40 years of age. It affects men and women equally.

Common symptoms include

• Persistent diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)
• Abdominal cramping and pain
• Fatigue and low energy
• Unexplained weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• Fever during flare-ups
• Mouth ulcers in some cases

Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, a proper diagnosis by a best gastro doctor in Chennai is essential before starting any treatment.

Treatment

There is currently no permanent cure for Crohn’s disease, but it can be very well managed. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and help patients live a comfortable, active life.

1. Anti-inflammatory medications These are often the first step. Medicines such as aminosalicylates help reduce inflammation in milder cases.
2. Immunosuppressants Since Crohn’s involves an immune system response, medicines that calm the immune system are commonly prescribed. These help prevent flare-ups over the long term.
3. Biologic therapies For moderate to severe cases, biologic drugs (such as anti-TNF agents) target specific proteins involved in inflammation. These are given as injections or infusions and have shown excellent results in managing chronic Crohn’s disease.
4. Steroids (Corticosteroids) Used for short-term relief during active flare-ups. They work quickly to bring down inflammation but are not used long-term due to side effects.
5. Nutritional support In some patients — especially children and teenagers — a special liquid diet may be used to reduce inflammation and give the gut a rest. Our team provides detailed dietary guidance to all patients.
6. Surgery If medication is not controlling the condition, or if complications such as strictures (narrowing of the intestine), fistulas, or abscesses develop, surgery may be recommended. At Medway Hospitals, our surgical team works closely with gastroenterologists to ensure the best possible outcome.

Regular monitoring through colonoscopy and blood tests helps our doctors track how well the treatment is working and make adjustments when needed.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body — it filters blood, produces bile for digestion, stores nutrients, and helps break down medications. When it becomes inflamed, it cannot perform these functions properly.

Hepatitis can be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Acute hepatitis often resolves on its own, while chronic hepatitis can quietly damage the liver over many years if left unmanaged.

Types of Hepatitis

• Hepatitis A — Spread through contaminated food or water. Usually resolves on its own without long-term damage.
• Hepatitis B — Spread through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child. Can become chronic and lead to liver damage over time.
• Hepatitis C — Spread mainly through blood contact. Often has no symptoms for years but can cause serious liver damage if untreated.
• Hepatitis D — Only occurs in people already infected with Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis E — Similar to Hepatitis A, spread through contaminated water, more common during pregnancy.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver hepatitis — Caused by alcohol use or fat accumulation in the liver.

Common symptoms

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Abdominal discomfort on the upper right side
• Dark-coloured urine
• Pale stools

Many people with chronic Hepatitis B or C have no symptoms for years, which is why regular health check-ups are so important.

Treatment

Treatment at Medway Hospitals is tailored to the type and severity of hepatitis.

1. Hepatitis A and E These usually resolve on their own with rest, good hydration, and nutritional support. Medication is not always needed, but close monitoring ensures the liver heals properly.
2. Hepatitis B Acute Hepatitis B often clears on its own. Chronic Hepatitis B is managed with antiviral medications such as tenofovir or entecavir, which suppress the virus and reduce the risk of liver damage. Vaccination is available and strongly recommended for prevention.
3. Hepatitis C This is now highly treatable. Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) are oral medicines taken for 8 to 12 weeks and cure Hepatitis C in over 95% of patients. Our gastroenterologists at Medway Hospitals guide patients through the full treatment course with regular blood tests to track progress.
4. Alcoholic and fatty liver hepatitis Treatment focuses on removing the cause — stopping alcohol use or managing metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Dietary changes, weight management, and in some cases, medication are part of the plan.
5. Liver function monitoring All hepatitis patients at Medway Hospitals are regularly monitored with liver function tests, ultrasound scans, and fibroscan (a non-invasive test that checks for liver stiffness) to ensure the liver is recovering and to catch any complications early

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is another type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It causes long-term inflammation and tiny sores (ulcers) to develop on the inner lining of the colon.

Unlike Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive system, Ulcerative Colitis is limited to the colon and rectum. It tends to follow a pattern of flare-ups (when symptoms worsen) and remission (when symptoms improve or disappear).

Common symptoms

• Frequent loose or watery stools, often with blood or mucus
• Urgent need to use the toilet
• Abdominal cramping, especially before passing stools
• Feeling that the bowel is never fully empty
• Fatigue and low energy
• Weight loss during flare-ups
• Fever in more severe episodes

Ulcerative Colitis is not contagious and is not caused by anything you ate. It is a condition where the immune system reacts in an unusual way, and with the right support, it can be managed well.

Treatment

1. Aminosalicylates (5-ASA medicines) These are anti-inflammatory drugs taken orally or as suppositories/enemas. They are effective for mild to moderate UC and are often used as long-term maintenance treatment to keep the condition in remission.
2. Corticosteroids Used to bring down inflammation quickly during flare-ups. They are effective short-term but are not recommended for continuous use.
3. Immunomodulators Medicines such as azathioprine help reduce the immune system’s activity and are used to maintain remission over the long term.
4. Biologic therapies For moderate to severe UC, biologic medicines — including anti-TNF agents and integrin inhibitors — are used when other treatments have not worked well enough. They target specific parts of the immune response and have significantly improved outcomes for many patients.
5. Dietary and lifestyle support While no specific diet cures UC, certain foods can trigger or worsen symptoms. Our team provides personalised dietary advice and helps patients identify and avoid their triggers.
6. Surgery In cases where the colon is severely damaged, or where medication is no longer controlling the condition, surgical removal of the colon (colectomy) may be considered. After surgery, patients can lead full and healthy lives. Our multidisciplinary team supports patients through this decision with complete care and counselling.

Gallbladder Disease

The gallbladder is a small organ tucked under the liver. Its job is to store bile — a fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fats. Gallbladder disease refers to several conditions that affect how this organ functions.

The most common gallbladder condition is gallstones — hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball, and many people have them without any symptoms. However, when a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can cause significant pain and complications.

Other gallbladder conditions include:

• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to a blocked duct)
• Gallbladder polyps
• Biliary dyskinesia (poor gallbladder function)
• Gallbladder cancer (rare but managed at Medway Hospitals with a specialised team)

Common symptoms:

• Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen or centre of the abdomen
• Pain that spreads to the right shoulder or back
• Nausea and vomiting after fatty meals
• Bloating and indigestion
• Fever and chills (if the gallbladder is infected)
• Jaundice (if the bile duct is blocked)

Not everyone with gallstones has symptoms. When symptoms are present and affecting quality of life, treatment is usually recommended.

Treatment

1. Monitoring (for asymptomatic gallstones) If gallstones are found incidentally and are causing no symptoms, a watchful waiting approach may be taken with periodic ultrasound monitoring.
2. Dietary changes Reducing fatty, fried, and spicy foods can help manage symptoms while treatment is being planned. Our team provides practical dietary guidance suited to each patient’s lifestyle.
3. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Keyhole Surgery) This is the most effective and commonly performed procedure for symptomatic gallstones or cholecystitis. The gallbladder is removed through small cuts in the abdomen using a tiny camera and instruments. Recovery is quick — most patients go home within a day or two and return to normal activities within a week. At Medway Hospitals, our surgeons are experienced in minimally invasive techniques, ensuring less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery for patients.

4. ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) If a gallstone has moved into and blocked the bile duct, an ERCP procedure is used to locate and remove it. This is done using a flexible camera passed through the mouth, with no external cuts required.
5. Medication (limited use) In select patients who cannot undergo surgery, medication may be used to try to dissolve smaller cholesterol gallstones. This approach takes longer and is not suitable for all cases.
6. Treatment of gallbladder infection If the gallbladder is infected, antibiotics are given first to control the infection, followed by surgery to remove the gallbladder when the patient is stable.

At Medway Hospitals, we take digestive health seriously. Our gastroenterology department is built around one simple idea — giving every patient the attention, clarity, and care they deserve.

Here is what sets us apart:

• Experienced specialists — Our team includes some of the best gastro doctors in Chennai with expertise across the full range of digestive and liver conditions.
• Female gastroenterologist available — We have a best lady gastroenterologist in Chennai for patients who are more comfortable consulting a female doctor.
• Advanced diagnostics — From endoscopy and colonoscopy to fibroscan and ERCP, we have the tools to find answers quickly and accurately.
• Personalised treatment — No two patients are the same. Every treatment plan at Medway Hospitals is built around your specific condition, health history, and lifestyle.
• Compassionate care — We know that digestive problems can be embarrassing to talk about. Our team creates a respectful, judgment-free environment so you feel at ease.
• Convenient location — Centrally accessible, making us a trusted choice for families across Chennai looking for a reliable stomach specialist doctor in Chennai.

If you have been experiencing digestive discomfort, do not put it off. An early consultation can make a significant difference. Book an appointment with our gastroenterology team at Medway Hospitals today.