About
Dr. Cathy Lu is a dedicated Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of disorders affecting the digestive system in adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at a gastroenterology clinic within a hospital department in Calgary, AB, she is a key member of the local medical community committed to providing comprehensive digestive health care. She adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring the highest quality of patient-centered care. Dr. Lu’s practice focuses on delivering accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for a broad spectrum of digestive conditions, utilizing advanced endoscopic and diagnostic techniques in a supportive environment.
She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Gastroenterologist. Her credentials include certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC), licensing through the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), and a Certificate of Special Competence in Gastroenterology. These qualifications reflect her extensive training and dedication to specialized digestive health care, enabling her to provide expert medical and procedural services tailored to each patient's needs.
Dr. Lu’s clinical philosophy is rooted in evidence-based practice, emphasizing thorough patient education on digestive conditions and lifestyle modifications. She is committed to early and accurate diagnosis through the use of advanced diagnostic and endoscopic procedures, and developing personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique health profile. Her dedication to delivering compassionate, high-quality care ensures that patients in Calgary receive expert management of their digestive health concerns, all delivered in English with professionalism and reassurance.
Dr. Cathy Lu diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:
Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Duct & Pancreatic Disorders
- Pancreatic Cysts, Tumors & Pancreatic Insufficiency (Evaluation & Co-management): Evaluation of fluid-filled sacs (cysts) or growths (tumors) on or in the pancreas, and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) where the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) & Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A spectrum of conditions characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver not caused by alcohol. NASH involves liver inflammation and cell damage and can progress to cirrhosis.
- Gallstone Disease (Cholelithiasis), Cholecystitis & Choledocholithiasis: Formation of hardened deposits (gallstones) in the gallbladder. Cholecystitis is gallbladder inflammation. Choledocholithiasis refers to gallstones in the common bile duct.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Focus
- Crohn's Disease (Ileal, Colonic, Ileocolonic, Perianal): A chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, causing transmural (full-thickness) inflammation, pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and potential complications like strictures or fistulas.
- Ulcerative Colitis (Proctitis, Left-sided Colitis, Pancolitis): A chronic inflammatory condition that causes inflammation and ulcers primarily in the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum), typically presenting with bloody diarrhea, urgency, and abdominal pain.
Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders
- Esophageal Motility Disorders (e.g., Achalasia, Esophageal Spasms, Nutcracker Esophagus): Disorders affecting the coordinated muscle movements of the esophagus required for swallowing, leading to symptoms like dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), chest pain, and regurgitation.
- Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) & Odynophagia (Painful Swallowing): Symptoms requiring investigation to determine underlying causes, which can range from structural abnormalities and motility disorders to inflammatory conditions or tumors.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Cathy Lu.
- Diagnosis & Management of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO): Utilizing glucose or lactulose breath tests for diagnosis and providing targeted antibiotic/antimicrobial therapy, prokinetics, and dietary advice for SIBO and IMO.
- Interpretation & Correlation of Advanced Digestive Health Diagnostic Tests: Expert analysis and clinical correlation of results from endoscopies, biopsies, imaging studies (CT, MRI, MRCP, ultrasound), breath tests (e.g., for H. pylori, SIBO, lactose intolerance), stool tests (e.g., calprotectin, FIT), motility studies, and genetic testing for GI conditions.
- Chromoendoscopy & Advanced Imaging Techniques (e.g., NBI, FICE): Use of special dye sprays (chromoendoscopy) or electronic light filters (Narrow Band Imaging, Fuji Intelligent Chromo Endoscopy) during endoscopy to enhance visualization of mucosal patterns and improve detection of subtle lesions or precancerous changes.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with Fine Needle Aspiration/Biopsy (FNA/FNB): Procedure combining endoscopy with ultrasound to obtain high-resolution images and tissue samples (FNA/FNB) of the digestive tract wall, surrounding organs (pancreas, liver, adrenal glands, gallbladder), and lymph nodes for staging cancers or diagnosing lesions.
- Enteroscopy (e.g., Double-Balloon, Single-Balloon, Spiral Enteroscopy): Advanced endoscopic techniques allowing deep visualization, biopsy, and therapy within the small intestine, beyond the reach of standard endoscopes, for conditions like obscure bleeding or small bowel tumors.
- Endoscopic Dilation of Gastrointestinal Strictures (Esophageal, Pyloric, Colonic): Procedure to stretch narrowed areas (strictures) in the esophagus (e.g., due to reflux, EoE), stomach outlet (pylorus), small intestine, or colon using balloons or Savary-Gilliard dilators passed through an endoscope.
- Management of Chronic Constipation & Chronic Diarrhea (idiopathic & secondary): Systematic investigation into underlying causes (including motility testing where appropriate) and tailored treatment strategies for persistent constipation or diarrhea not attributed to other major GI diseases.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Lu for care relevant to your specific condition.
All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Cathy Lu practices at a specialized gastroenterology department situated in Calgary's NW neighbourhood, specifically within the Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington) area. The facility is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor South and Chinook Centre, making it accessible to patients from across the city. Public transit options are plentiful, including Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), ensuring easy access for those using public transportation. The practice location is fully wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. This center serves as a key medical facility for advanced digestive care, equipped to handle a broad spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in a patient-friendly setting.
- Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Lu, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Lu, as well as most diagnostic procedures (e.g., endoscopies for investigating symptoms, biopsies for medical reasons) and treatments for provincially insured digestive conditions (e.g., IBD, celiac disease, screening colonoscopies as per provincial guidelines, liver disease management), are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Procedures considered purely for screening outside of guidelines, or for non-medical reasons, and some advanced technologies or specific drug therapies might have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment or procedure with Dr. Lu's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) beforehand.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Lu, a Gastroenterologist?
- Yes, in nearly all cases, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (such as an internist or surgeon) is required to schedule an appointment with a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Lu for services covered by the provincial health plan. Gastroenterological issues often require initial assessment and preliminary investigations by your primary care provider. The referral ensures that a specialist consultation is appropriate, helps with prioritizing appointments, and facilitates coordinated care, including the transfer of relevant medical information.
- What is generally involved in preparing for a colonoscopy procedure?
- Preparing for a colonoscopy is a critical step to ensure the procedure is effective and safe. Dr. Dr. Lu's office will provide very specific instructions, which must be followed closely. Typically, preparation involves dietary changes for a few days beforehand (e.g., low-residue diet), followed by a clear liquid diet for the 24 hours prior to the exam. The most important part is the bowel cleansing process, which involves drinking a prescribed laxative solution designed to completely empty and clean your colon. This usually starts the evening before and may continue the morning of the procedure. You'll also need to arrange for transportation home, as sedation is commonly used.
- What exactly does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Lu specialize in?
- A Gastroenterologist, often called a GI specialist, is a medical doctor who has undergone extensive specialized training beyond medical school and internal medicine residency to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases of the entire digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon (large intestine), rectum, anus, as well as associated organs like the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. She is a Gastroenterologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and procedural management of digestive system disorders. Dr. Lu is skilled in performing endoscopic procedures (like gastroscopy and colonoscopy) for both diagnosis and treatment, interpreting complex diagnostic tests, and developing comprehensive management plans for a wide variety of acute and chronic digestive health issues.
3330 Hospital Dr NW
Calgary, AB T2N 4N1
Phone: (403) 944-6546
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Lu is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Lu for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=347f4dec-42db-4a4e-b45a-45b4387469e1&i=888