Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver that can lead to liver dysfunction. There are many causes of cirrhosis, but the most common causes are infection with the hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus, chronic heavy alcohol use, or fat deposits in the liver. Complications of cirrhosis can include jaundice (yellow

C. diff is a bacterial infection of the large intestine that causes diarrhea, and sometimes colitis (inflammation of the lining of the large intestine). This bacteria is found in the environment. Patients most commonly develop an infection after taking a course of antibiotics, or after being exposed

Colorectal cancer is a cancer of the large intestine and rectum. It is the third most common cancer in the United States. These cancers typically form from smaller polyps which are abnormal growths on the lining of the colon. Common symptoms include a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal

Colon polyps are growths that occur on the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum). They typically do not cause symptoms, although larger polyps can bleed or cause a change in bowel habits. Some polyps have the potential to turn into colon cancer, which is why they are completely removed at

This is a procedure that allows a physician to visually examine the large intestine (colon and rectum), typically while the patient is sedated. Prior to the exam, patients will drink a laxative to clean out their digestive tract. A colonoscope is used, which is a long thin flexible tube with a light

Crohn's disease causes inflammation of part of the digestive tract. Any area can be affected but most commonly occurs at the end of the small intestine and the right side of the large intestine. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, fatigue, and weight loss. Crohn's disease

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a disorder characterized by multiple recurring episodes of nausea and vomiting. It can sometimes be severe enough to lead to dehydration. In between episodes, patients typically have no symptoms. Chronic marijuana use has been associated with some cases. Physician and emotional

Diverticula are pockets or sacs that form in the lining of the intestine. Risk factors for forming these pockets include age, obesity, smoking, and a low-fiber diet. Diverticulitis occurs when these pockets become inflamed or infected. Symptoms include abdominal pain and fever. Antibiotics are typically

This is a procedure that allows a physician to visualize the upper portion of the digestive tract, which is the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). It is performed for symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or difficulty swallowing. Patients

ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is a procedure that evaluates and treats disorders of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. It is performed with an endoscope, which is a long flexible tube with a light and camera at the end of it. The tube has a channel that allows the