Dr. Hin Ko – Gastroenterologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Hin Ko 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 reputable gastroenterology clinic in Vancouver, BC, she is a key member of the local medical community. Her practice is committed to providing comprehensive and patient-focused digestive health care, utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in a supportive environment. Dr. Ko adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality care for her patients.

She received her medical degree from the University of Toronto, Canada, and holds specialty certification as a Gastroenterologist from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training includes extensive clinical experience and subspecialty expertise in digestive health care, enabling her to manage complex conditions effectively. Dr. Ko continuously updates her knowledge through ongoing education and participation in professional development activities to stay current with the latest advancements in gastroenterology.

Driven by a philosophy of evidence-based practice, Dr. Ko is dedicated to early and accurate diagnosis of digestive conditions through the use of advanced endoscopic and diagnostic procedures. She emphasizes patient education on GI conditions and lifestyle modifications to optimize health outcomes. Committed to personalized care, she develops tailored treatment plans that align with each patient's unique needs. Fluent in English and Cantonese, Dr. Ko is dedicated to serving Vancouver's diverse community with compassion and professionalism.

Dr. Hin Ko 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.
• 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.

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).
• 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.
• 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.

Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders

• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Biofeedback Therapy Coordination for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Fecal Incontinence: Evaluation for defecatory disorders and fecal incontinence, with coordination of biofeedback therapy and other interventions to improve pelvic floor muscle function.
• 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.
• Upper Endoscopy (EGD - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) with Biopsy & Interventions: Diagnostic and therapeutic procedure to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible tube with a camera. Allows for targeted biopsies, polyp removal (polypectomy), dilation of strictures, control of bleeding (hemostasis), and foreign body removal.
• Endoscopic Hemostasis for Acute & Chronic GI Bleeding: Various endoscopic techniques (e.g., injection therapy, thermal coagulation/APC, mechanical clips, hemostatic sprays) used to stop acute or recurrent bleeding from ulcers, varices, angiodysplasias, or tumors in the GI tract.
• Gastrointestinal Motility Disorder Evaluation & Management Coordination: Initial evaluation of symptoms suggestive of GI motility disorders (e.g., gastroparesis, achalasia, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction), with coordination for specialized testing like esophageal manometry, antroduodenal manometry, wireless motility capsule, or gastric emptying studies, and subsequent management strategies.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Ko 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Ko practices in a modern gastroenterology clinic located in Vancouver's vibrant Yaletown, Downtown South neighbourhood. The facility is situated conveniently near the upcoming Future Subway Extension, providing easy access via multiple transit options including TransLink (SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), buses, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The clinic is fully wheelchair accessible and offers paid parking options nearby, ensuring convenience for all patients seeking digestive health care in the city.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Ko, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Ko, 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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. Ko's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand.

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

Are there significant risks associated with procedures like gastroscopy or colonoscopy?

Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) and colonoscopy are generally very safe procedures, especially when performed by an experienced Gastroenterologist like Dr. Ko. Complications are uncommon. Potential risks can include bleeding, particularly if polyps are removed or biopsies are taken; perforation (a tear in the wall of the digestive tract); infection (rare); or adverse reactions to the sedative medication used. Before your procedure, Dr. Ko will thoroughly discuss the specific potential risks and benefits based on your individual health and the reason for the procedure, allowing you to make an informed decision.

How does Dr. Ko 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. Ko 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.

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

The management of IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) by a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Ko 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 exactly does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Ko 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. Ko 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.

770-1190 Hornby St
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K5

Phone: (604) 688-6332 | Fax: (604) 689-2004

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ko is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Ko for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/328122/Ko%2CHin