Dr. Hoang Lan Thai

Dr. Hoang Lan Thai 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.

Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders

• Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion, damaging the small intestine. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity involves GI symptoms related to gluten without the autoimmune damage.
• 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.
• Diverticular Disease (Diverticulosis, Diverticulitis, Diverticular Bleeding): Diverticulosis is the presence of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall. Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of these pouches. Diverticular bleeding can also occur.

Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Duct & Pancreatic Disorders

• 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.
• Cirrhosis & Management of Its Complications (Ascites, Varices, Encephalopathy): Advanced stage of liver scarring (fibrosis) impairing liver function, leading to complications such as fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), enlarged veins that can bleed (varices), and brain dysfunction (hepatic encephalopathy).

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Hoang Lan Thai.

• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy with Biopsy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon and rectum) using a flexible sigmoidoscope, often for evaluation of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, or as part of some screening protocols.
• 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.
• 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.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Comprehensive Diagnosis & Management (including subtypes IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M): Multifaceted approach to managing IBS symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, mixed pattern) including thorough exclusion of other conditions, dietary modifications (e.g., low FODMAP diet), lifestyle changes, stress management, and targeted medications.
• 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.

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

Clinique Gastro Pierre Boucher is situated in Longueuil's vibrant areas near central Longueuil, conveniently accessible from various parts of the city. The practice is located within a modern healthcare facility close to Place Charles-Le Moyne, providing easy access for patients. The site is well-served by public transit options via the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL), making it convenient for those using buses and other transit modes. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Ample parking is available, with metered street parking and nearby lots to accommodate visitors arriving by car, facilitating a comfortable and stress-free experience.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Thai, 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. Thai'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. Thai, 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. Thai 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. Thai. 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. Thai 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. Thai 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. Thai 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). He will work with you to find the most effective combination of strategies.

What are common reasons someone would be referred to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Thai?

Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Thai 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's the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? Can Dr. Thai diagnose and treat both?

Yes, a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Thai 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.

Clinique Gastro Pierre Boucher
103-601 rue Adoncour
Longueuil, QC J4G 2M6

Phone: (450) 647-2422 | Fax: (450) 647-6755

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Thai 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. Thai 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=88623