Dr. Farhad Peerani – Gastroenterologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Farhad Peerani 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 Edmonton, AB, he is a key member of the local medical community committed to providing comprehensive and empathetic digestive health care. His practice is situated in a modern facility in Edmonton's S Central region, near the University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park neighborhoods. The clinic is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) including LRT and bus routes, and is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring ease of access for all patients.

He provides specialized care in a wide range of digestive system disorders, utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy techniques. His focus encompasses conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, always prioritizing patient comfort and personalized treatment plans. Dr. Peerani adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that each patient receives high-quality, evidence-based care tailored to their unique needs.

Educated at the University of British Columbia where he earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD), Dr. Peerani holds specialty certification as a Gastroenterologist. His credentials include FRCPC - Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada, LMCC (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada), and a Certificate of Special Competence in Gastroenterology. His clinical philosophy centers on delivering patient-centered, evidence-based digestive health care. He emphasizes patient education regarding GI conditions and lifestyle modifications, with a commitment to early and accurate diagnosis through the use of advanced procedures. Dr. Peerani provides care exclusively in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding.

Dr. Farhad Peerani diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders

• Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic & Collagenous Colitis): Inflammation of the colon that is only visible under a microscope when biopsies are examined, a common cause of chronic watery diarrhea, particularly in older adults.
• 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.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - All Subtypes (IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M, IBS-U): A common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine, causing symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or mixed).

Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): A chronic immune system disease characterized by a buildup of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the esophagus, causing inflammation, difficulty swallowing, food impaction, and chest pain.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Acid Reflux / Heartburn: Chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and potential complications like esophagitis.
• 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.

Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders

• Functional Dyspepsia & Epigastric Pain Syndrome: Persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or specifically in the epigastric region, without an identifiable structural cause after investigation.
• Rumination Syndrome: A condition in which people repeatedly and unintentionally spit up (regurgitate) undigested or partially digested food from the stomach, rechew it, and then reswallow it or spit it out.
• Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A disorder characterized by recurrent, stereotypical episodes of intense nausea and vomiting lasting for hours or days, with symptom-free intervals in between.

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

• Comprehensive Gastroenterology Consultation & Digestive Health Assessment: In-depth assessment of digestive system disorders, including detailed review of medical history, family history, lifestyle factors, physical examination, symptom analysis, and development of a personalized diagnostic and treatment strategy.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) - Diagnostic & Therapeutic: Specialized procedure combining upper endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts, such as gallstone removal from bile duct, stent placement for strictures or leaks, and sphincterotomy.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Peerani 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. Peerani's practice is located within a reputable gastroenterology clinic in the S Central area of Edmonton, Alberta, near the University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park neighborhoods. The facility is conveniently accessible by public transit, including Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) LRT and bus routes. The clinic is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all patients. Parking is available at or near the location, providing easy access for those arriving by private vehicle. The practice is situated close to cultural landmarks such as the Citadel Theatre, making it a central and accessible destination for patients seeking specialized digestive health care in Edmonton.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Peerani, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Peerani, 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. Peerani'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. Peerani, 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. Peerani 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 are common reasons someone would be referred to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Peerani?

Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Peerani is common for various reasons, including: persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD); difficulty or pain when swallowing; unexplained abdominal pain or bloating; chronic nausea or vomiting; significant changes in bowel habits (e.g., chronic diarrhea, severe constipation); blood in the stool or rectal bleeding; iron deficiency anemia with no obvious cause; suspected or diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis); Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) not responding to initial management; celiac disease; abnormal liver function tests or suspected liver disease (like hepatitis or fatty liver); pancreatitis; or for screening and surveillance colonoscopies to prevent colorectal cancer, especially if there's a family history or personal history of polyps.

What are some common procedures a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Peerani typically performs?

Gastroenterologists like Dr. Peerani are highly skilled in performing a range of endoscopic procedures. The most common are upper endoscopy (also called EGD or gastroscopy) to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and colonoscopy to visualize the entire colon. During these procedures, He can take biopsies (small tissue samples for analysis), remove polyps (which can prevent colon cancer), dilate narrowed areas (strictures), control bleeding, and place feeding tubes. Other procedures may include flexible sigmoidoscopy (examining the lower colon), capsule endoscopy (swallowing a tiny camera to see the small intestine), and more specialized interventions like ERCP or EUS depending on their training and practice focus. Many also specialize in managing specific areas like hepatology (liver disease) or IBD.

130 University Campus NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2X8

Phone: (780) 492-8691 | Website: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/uah/uah.aspx

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Peerani 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. Peerani 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=276c641b-fe99-4247-b5f3-cd12b0f2dcf3&i=1145