Conveniently Located in Wellesley
A healthy digestive system is critical to overall health and wellness. As a gastroenterologist and a practitioner of integrative medicine, Dr. Lynne Ahn is perfectly poised to offer a full range of digestive care. She will help you to proactively manage and maintain your digestive health instead of simply treating disease.
Gastrointestinal Conditions Treated
Many patients have sought out Dr. Ahn’s unique expertise in the following conditions:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Leaky gut
- Hemorrhoids
Gastrointestinal Services Offered
Dr. Ahn believes in patient-centered care. She understands that although you may be experiencing symptoms similar to other patients, you are completely unique. She will take the time to do a full medical work-up with appropriate diagnostic tests before recommending a treatment plan tailored to your specific circumstances and needs.
Available diagnostic and treatment services include the following:
Endoscopy
An endoscopy is an examination of the upper digestive tract. It is performed to investigate possible causes of conditions and problems with the digestive system, such as ulcers, abnormal growths, inflammation and acid reflux.
During an endoscopy, a long, flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted down the throat and into the esophagus. The tube has a small camera on the end that projects images onto a monitor in the exam room so Dr. Ahn can see the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine. She can take biopsies of any abnormal tissue.
Endoscopies are safe and common, and are performed at either a hospital or endoscopy center. You will receive mild sedation so you do not feel or remember anything from the procedure. The exam takes approximately 15 minutes. You will have to have someone drive you home from the procedure since you are sedated at the time of the exam.
After your procedure, Dr. Ahn will review the results of your endoscopy with you. Depending on what she finds during the exam, she can determine whether treatment is needed.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and end of the small intestine. It is performed to investigate possible causes of abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, blood in the stool and/or other digestive symptoms. A colonoscopy can also be performed to look for polyps in the colon and screen for colon cancer.
A colonoscopy is similar to an endoscopy, except that the thin, flexible tube is inserted through the anus and guided through the colon. Dr. Ahn looks at the images from inside the colon to inspect it for abnormalities. If she discovers abnormal tissue or polyps, the tissue can be removed during the colonoscopy. Biopsies can also be taken.
The process is very safe and complications are rare. You will receive mild sedation so you do not feel or remember anything from the procedure. The exam takes approximately 30 minutes.
Dr. Ahn will review the results of your colonoscopy with you. Depending on the reason for the colonoscopy and the findings, she can determine whether any treatment is needed.
Hemorrhoids and Banding of Internal Hemorrhoids:
Common but uncomfortable, hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside and/or outside the anus. Normally the first line of defense against hemorrhoids are at-home remedies such as eating a high-fiber diet or applying topical creams to the area. Over the counter creams generally do not work long term. If you are experiencing problems with hemorrhoids, you should have them evaluated to determine the best treatment option for you. A prescription medication or compounded cream may be needed to treat the hemorrhoids. You also may have an anal fissure or anal spasm, which is only going to compound the problem.
If these fail to work, an in-office procedure called hemorrhoid banding can help treat the hemorrhoids. During the procedure, tiny rubber bands are tied around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow.
The treatment takes only a few minutes and is performed in the office. There is no pain, only a “fullness” in the rectum that may last hours to days. There is no downtime.
If you are experiencing any digestive symptoms and want to discuss them with a leading Boston gastroenterologist, Dr. Ahn invites you to schedule a consultation today. Call or email our office to request an appointment.
