EXPERT
Dr. Keith H. Fiman, M.D.
Gastroenterologist
Dr. Keith Fiman is a gastroenterologist practicing in Sugar Land, TX. Dr. Fiman specializes in the digestive system and its diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract, which include organs from the mouth to the anus as well as liver disorders. Gastroenterology includes conditions such as hepatitis, peptic ulcer disease, colitis, nutritional problems and irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Fiman performs colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures and provides accurate and thorough care for patients suffering from digestive issues.
38 years
Experience
Dr. Keith H. Fiman, M.D.
- Sugar Land, TX
- Boston Univ Sch of Med, Boston Ma
- Accepting new patients
No results found
My doctor referred me to a gastroenterologist to check for ulcers. How are ulcers diagnosed?
The most accurate test to find a peptic ulcer is called an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (also known as EGD). This test is done under sedation or anesthesia (so there is no READ MORE
The most accurate test to find a peptic ulcer is called an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (also known as EGD). This test is done under sedation or anesthesia (so there is no pain or discomfort), and the doctor passes a small tube through your mouth into your esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine to look for an ulcer. It takes about 5 minutes to do, and although complications can occur, they are quite rare when a well-qualified GI specialist is doing the procedure (complications should be no more than 1 in 1500-2000 cases). A less invasive test, not done frequently any more, is an upper GI series X-ray, where the patient swallows barium (X-ray dye) and X-rays of the stomach are done. It is less likely to find an ulcer than endoscopy.
Another test that may be done before either of these is a test to look for the most common cause of ulcers, a bacteria called H. pylori. This can be assessed through a stool sample or a breath test done at a local lab (blood testing for this is inaccurate and I do not recommend that test). If you are young and healthy, this is often the first test performed as it is not expensive and is completely noninvasive.
Keith H. Fiman, MDFellow, American College of Gastroenterology
Another test that may be done before either of these is a test to look for the most common cause of ulcers, a bacteria called H. pylori. This can be assessed through a stool sample or a breath test done at a local lab (blood testing for this is inaccurate and I do not recommend that test). If you are young and healthy, this is often the first test performed as it is not expensive and is completely noninvasive.
Keith H. Fiman, MDFellow, American College of Gastroenterology
