Dr. Ferial Lilya Messekher

Dr. Ferial Lilya Messekher diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Focus

• Indeterminate Colitis & IBD-Unclassified (IBD-U): Cases of IBD, particularly early in the disease course, where it is difficult to definitively distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis based on clinical, endoscopic, and histological features.
• 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

• 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.
• 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

• 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).
• 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.
• 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.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Ferial Lilya Messekher.

• Foreign Body Removal from the Upper & Lower GI Tract: Endoscopic retrieval of ingested or inserted foreign objects lodged in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, or colon, often requiring specialized instruments.
• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) & Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) for Early GI Cancers & Large Polyps: Advanced endoscopic techniques for the removal of large, flat, or early-stage cancerous or precancerous lesions from the lining of the GI tract, offering a less invasive alternative to surgery in select cases.
• Esophageal, Gastric & Colonic Variceal Banding, Sclerotherapy & Glue Injection: Endoscopic treatment to prevent or manage bleeding from esophageal, gastric, or ectopic varices, typically in patients with portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Barrett's Esophagus & Other Conditions: Endoscopic procedure using radiofrequency energy to ablate dysplastic Barrett's esophagus or treat other conditions like gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE).
• Placement & Management of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) & Jejunostomy (PEJ) Tubes: Endoscopic procedure to place a feeding tube directly into the stomach (PEG) or jejunum (PEJ) for long-term enteral nutritional support, including tube care and replacement.
• Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) & Other Thermal Therapies: Endoscopic technique using argon gas and electrical current or other thermal modalities to treat bleeding lesions (e.g., angiodysplasias, GAVE), ablate abnormal tissue (e.g., Barrett's esophagus, radiation proctitis), or reduce tumor ingrowth.
• Placement of Esophageal, Enteral & Colonic Stents: Endoscopic placement of self-expanding metal or plastic stents to relieve obstruction caused by tumors or benign strictures in the esophagus, small intestine, or colon.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Messekher 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.

Hôpital Saint-Eustache is situated in the areas near central Saint-Eustache, offering accessible and convenient care within a well-equipped hospital setting. The facility is easily reachable via local public transit, with multiple bus routes serving the hospital. The hospital is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for patients with mobility needs. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby parking lots, providing ease of access for patients arriving by car. The hospital's specialized units, including the digestive health department, are equipped with modern technology and staffed by experienced healthcare professionals dedicated to optimal patient outcomes. Its central location and comprehensive services make it a vital part of the Saint-Eustache healthcare landscape.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Therapeutic Endoscopist (Gastroenterologist) like Dr. Messekher, 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. Messekher'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. Messekher, a Therapeutic Endoscopist (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 Therapeutic Endoscopist (Gastroenterologist) like Dr. Messekher 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 Dr. Messekher approach treating functional GI disorders like IBS or functional dyspepsia?

Treating functional GI disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or functional dyspepsia often involves a multi-faceted approach tailored by Dr. Messekher to your specific symptoms and triggers. Since these conditions don't have a structural cause seen on tests, management focuses on symptom relief and improving quality of life. This may include dietary modifications (like identifying trigger foods or trying a low FODMAP diet for IBS), lifestyle adjustments (stress management, regular exercise), fiber supplements, over-the-counter remedies, and prescription medications. Medications can target specific symptoms like pain (antispasmodics), diarrhea (anti-diarrheals), constipation (laxatives), or abnormal gut-brain interaction (neuromodulators in low doses). She will work with you to find the most effective combination of strategies.

What exactly does a Therapeutic Endoscopist (Gastroenterologist) like Dr. Messekher specialize in?

A Therapeutic Endoscopist (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 Therapeutic Endoscopist (Gastroenterologist), specializing in Therapeutic/Advanced Endoscopy. Dr. Messekher 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.

What are some common procedures a Therapeutic Endoscopist (Gastroenterologist) like Dr. Messekher typically performs?

Gastroenterologists like Dr. Messekher 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, She 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.

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

Yes, a Therapeutic Endoscopist (Gastroenterologist) like Dr. Messekher 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.

Hôpital Saint-Eustache
520 Boul Arthur-Sauvé
Saint-Eustache, QC J7R 5B1

Phone: (450) 473-6811

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Messekher is a licensed Therapeutic Endoscopist (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. Messekher 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=12572