Diagnosis - Gastroenterology
Acute liver failure
Acute liver failure (ALF) refers to a rapid loss of liver function. Liver failure often progresses over the course of many years however in acute liver failure it develops within days. There are many factors that can cause acute liver failure including viral infection, paracetamol overdose and alcohol abuse. Many complications are associated with acute liver failure including excessive bleeding and increased pressure in the brain (cerebral edema). Immediate hospitalisation is necessary in cases of acute liver failure as this is a medical emergency.
Experts
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Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Frieling
Gastroenterology , Krefeld-Düsseldorf
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PD Dr. med. Michael Schepke
Gastroenterology , Siegburg-Bonn
Hospitals
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HELIOS Hospital Krefeld-Duesseldorf
Krefeld is located close to Duesseldorf and its international airport, which is one of the largest in Germany. The HELIOS Hospital Krefeld has a long history that reaches back to 1845. Since this time the hospital is known for medical care on the highest level.
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HELIOS Hospital Siegburg-Bonn
With 380 beds, the HELIOS Hospital Siegburg is an acute care hospital with two highly-effiecient medical facilities.
Barrett’s esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus usually occurs in a small subgroup of people who have had gastroesophageal reflux disease over a long time period. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic condition whereby stomach acid is regurgitated from the stomach into the lower portion of the esophagus. This repeated exposure to stomach acid changes the composition of the cells lining the lower esophagus, resulting in Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Although this risk is relatively small, people with Barrett’s esophagus should be examined periodically and treated as necessary to reduce the risk of cells becoming cancerous.
Experts
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Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Frieling
Gastroenterology , Krefeld-Düsseldorf
-
PD Dr. med. Michael Schepke
Gastroenterology , Siegburg-Bonn
Hospitals
-
HELIOS Hospital Krefeld-Duesseldorf
Krefeld is located close to Duesseldorf and its international airport, which is one of the largest in Germany. The HELIOS Hospital Krefeld has a long history that reaches back to 1845. Since this time the hospital is known for medical care on the highest level.
-
HELIOS Hospital Siegburg-Bonn
With 380 beds, the HELIOS Hospital Siegburg is an acute care hospital with two highly-effiecient medical facilities.
Bile reflux
Bile reflux occurs when bile flows up from the small intestine and into the stomach and esophagus. Bile is an important digestive fluid that is produced in the liver. Bile reflux is often also accompanied by acid reflux, resulting in serious inflammation of the esophagus which may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Bile reflux is typically treated with medications, however surgery may also be necessary in more serious cases.
Experts
-
Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Frieling
Gastroenterology , Krefeld-Düsseldorf
-
PD Dr. med. Michael Schepke
Gastroenterology , Siegburg-Bonn
Hospitals
-
HELIOS Hospital Krefeld-Duesseldorf
Krefeld is located close to Duesseldorf and its international airport, which is one of the largest in Germany. The HELIOS Hospital Krefeld has a long history that reaches back to 1845. Since this time the hospital is known for medical care on the highest level.
-
HELIOS Hospital Siegburg-Bonn
With 380 beds, the HELIOS Hospital Siegburg is an acute care hospital with two highly-effiecient medical facilities.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis refers to an inflammation of the gall bladder. The gallbladder is a small organ situated on the right side of the abdomen, directly beneath the liver. The gallbladder is a storage organ for bile, a fluid important in the digestion. Cholecystitis is often caused by gallstones that block the secretory passageways out of the gallbladder. This causes an accumulation of bile in the gallbladder that can lead to inflammation. Additional causes of cholecystitis include tumours and infection. Cholecystitis can lead to severe complications such as spreading infection and tissue damage if not treated and it requires admission to hospital to be treated correctly. Treatment for cholecystitis often requires removal of the gallbladder.
Experts
-
Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Frieling
Gastroenterology , Krefeld-Düsseldorf
-
PD Dr. med. Michael Schepke
Gastroenterology , Siegburg-Bonn
Hospitals
-
HELIOS Hospital Krefeld-Duesseldorf
Krefeld is located close to Duesseldorf and its international airport, which is one of the largest in Germany. The HELIOS Hospital Krefeld has a long history that reaches back to 1845. Since this time the hospital is known for medical care on the highest level.
-
HELIOS Hospital Siegburg-Bonn
With 380 beds, the HELIOS Hospital Siegburg is an acute care hospital with two highly-effiecient medical facilities.
Colon polyps
Colon polyps are small growths of cells that originate in the inner lining of the colon. Colon polyps are generally harmless but they can develop into cancer with time. The fact that there are usually no symptoms of colon polyps makes regular screening the only way to identify them at an early stage. The risk of developing colon polyps is increased when over the age of 50, overweight, in smokers or when colon cancer is known in the family. If detected early, colon polyps can be removed safely, thus preventing colon cancer.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract (inflammatory bowel disease or IBD). Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks the intestines, causing an inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract. This inflammation can cause numerous symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss and malnutrition. Crohn’s disease can be very painful and can potentially lead to fatal complications. Although there is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease, treatments aimed at controlling the symptoms and keeping the disease in remission are established and have proven to be successful in many cases.
Experts
-
Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Frieling
Gastroenterology , Krefeld-Düsseldorf
-
PD Dr. med. Michael Schepke
Gastroenterology , Siegburg-Bonn
Hospitals
-
HELIOS Hospital Krefeld-Duesseldorf
Krefeld is located close to Duesseldorf and its international airport, which is one of the largest in Germany. The HELIOS Hospital Krefeld has a long history that reaches back to 1845. Since this time the hospital is known for medical care on the highest level.
-
HELIOS Hospital Siegburg-Bonn
With 380 beds, the HELIOS Hospital Siegburg is an acute care hospital with two highly-effiecient medical facilities.
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening, inherited disease that can cause severe lung damage and complications associated with poor nutrition. Brought about by a genetic mutation, cystic fibrosis affects secretory cells. In healthy individuals the secretions of these cells are thin and slippery and act as lubricants. In people with cystic fibrosis the secretions become thick and viscous and clog up the secretory passageways. This occurs most significantly in the pancreas and lungs. In the lungs, cystic fibrosis can lead to respiratory failure which can be life-threatening. In the pancreas, enzymes for the digestion of proteins and fats can not be properly secreted which then prevents the body from obtaining the nutrients and materials it needs.
Experts
-
Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Frieling
Gastroenterology , Krefeld-Düsseldorf
-
PD Dr. med. Michael Schepke
Gastroenterology , Siegburg-Bonn
Hospitals
-
HELIOS Hospital Krefeld-Duesseldorf
Krefeld is located close to Duesseldorf and its international airport, which is one of the largest in Germany. The HELIOS Hospital Krefeld has a long history that reaches back to 1845. Since this time the hospital is known for medical care on the highest level.
-
HELIOS Hospital Siegburg-Bonn
With 380 beds, the HELIOS Hospital Siegburg is an acute care hospital with two highly-effiecient medical facilities.

