Dr. Claude Brière – Gastroenterologist | Trois-Rivières, QC

Dr. Claude Brière 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 Polyclinique de Trois-Rivières in Trois-Rivières, QC, he is a key member of the local medical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based digestive health care. Dr. Brière provides comprehensive care for a broad spectrum of digestive system disorders, including conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy in a supportive environment.

He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as a Gastroenterologist since 1991, bringing over 33 years of specialized experience. He has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Gastroenterology (Comprehensive Care for Digestive System Disorders) in Quebec, ensuring his expertise in both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Dr. Brière is committed to providing patient-centered digestive health care by emphasizing evidence-based practices, patient education on gastrointestinal conditions and lifestyle modifications, and early, accurate diagnosis through advanced procedures. His clinical philosophy centers on personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, with a focus on improving quality of life. Fluent in French, he is dedicated to serving the diverse community of Trois-Rivières with compassion and professionalism.

Dr. Claude Brière diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders

• Gastroparesis (Delayed Gastric Emptying): A condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in your stomach, preventing proper and timely emptying of stomach contents, leading to nausea, vomiting, and fullness.
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Anorectal Disorders (e.g., Dyssynergic Defecation): Inability to correctly relax and coordinate pelvic floor muscles to facilitate a normal bowel movement, often requiring specialized testing like anorectal manometry and biofeedback therapy.
• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) & Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC): Persistent constipation that does not have an identifiable underlying cause (CIC) or is a side effect of opioid medications (OIC).

Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders

• Peptic Ulcer Disease (Gastric, Duodenal, H. pylori-related, NSAID-induced): Open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) and the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer), commonly caused by H. pylori infection or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Hiatal Hernia & Paraesophageal Hernia: Condition where part of the stomach pushes upward through an opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm into the chest, potentially contributing to GERD and other symptoms.
• 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.

Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (Obscure & Overt): Bleeding anywhere along the digestive tract, which can be visible (overt) or hidden (occult/obscure), requiring investigation to identify and treat the source.
• Colorectal Polyps (Adenomatous, Serrated) & Colorectal Cancer Prevention/Screening: Abnormal growths in the colon or rectum that can be precursors to colorectal cancer. Screening (e.g., colonoscopy, FIT) is vital for removal of polyps, prevention, and early detection of cancer.
• Ischemic Colitis: Inflammation and injury of the large intestine that results from inadequate blood flow.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Claude Brière.

• 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.
• Colonoscopy (Screening, Diagnostic, Surveillance) & Polypectomy: Comprehensive examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a colonoscope to detect and remove precancerous polyps, screen for and diagnose colorectal cancer, evaluate symptoms, and diagnose other colonic conditions like colitis or diverticular disease.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Digestive Diseases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging or rare gastrointestinal diagnoses, unclear test results, and proposed complex treatment plans, including for IBD, liver disease, and pancreatic disorders.
• Capsule Endoscopy (Small Bowel & Colon): Non-invasive procedure where the patient swallows a vitamin-pill sized camera that takes pictures of the small intestine (for obscure GI bleeding, Crohn's disease) or colon (as an alternative to colonoscopy in select cases).
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Testing & Eradication Therapy: Diagnosis of H. pylori infection using breath tests, stool tests, or endoscopic biopsies, and providing appropriate antibiotic regimens for eradication to treat ulcers and gastritis.
• Screening & Prevention Strategies for Gastrointestinal Cancers: Risk assessment and counseling on screening for colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer (in Barrett's esophagus), gastric cancer, and liver cancer (in cirrhosis), including FIT testing and colonoscopy recommendations.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Brière 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Polyclinique de Trois-Rivières is situated in the vibrant Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector West neighborhood of Trois-Rivières, QC. The practice is conveniently located near Les Rivières Mall, making it easily accessible for patients. Public transit options are available through the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR), providing convenient travel for those using bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, offering ease of access for visitors arriving by car.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Brière, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Brière, 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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. Brière's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) beforehand.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Brière, 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. Brière 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.

How does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Brière approach the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

The management of IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) by a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Brière is a highly individualized and long-term process. The primary goals are to induce and then maintain remission (control inflammation), alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the patient's overall quality of life. Treatment strategies often involve a combination of medications, which can include aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), corticosteroids (for acute flare-ups), immunomodulators (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate), and increasingly, biologic therapies or small molecule drugs that target specific inflammatory pathways. Regular monitoring through clinical assessment, blood tests, stool tests (like fecal calprotectin), and endoscopic procedures is crucial to track disease activity and adjust treatment as needed. Nutritional counseling and lifestyle advice are also integral parts of comprehensive IBD care.

What's the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? Can Dr. Brière diagnose and treat both?

Yes, a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Brière can diagnose and treat both IBS and IBD, but they are very different conditions. IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic inflammation and physical damage (like ulcers and strictures) to the digestive tract, visible during endoscopy and on biopsies. It's an autoimmune-related condition. IBS, on the other hand, is a functional gut disorder, meaning the GI tract doesn't work correctly, but there's no visible inflammation or damage on standard tests. IBS causes symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. While IBS can significantly impact quality of life, it doesn't cause the destructive inflammation seen in IBD. Diagnosis involves different criteria and investigations for each.

Polyclinique de Trois-Rivières
100-1900 boul des Récollets
Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4K4

Phone: (819) 373-1538 | Fax: (819) 373-2138

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Brière is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Brière for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=86070