Dr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu

Dr. Mandeep Sandhu diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders

• 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.
• 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.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Focus

• 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.
• Microscopic Colitis (often considered alongside IBD for chronic diarrhea): Though distinct from classic IBD, it's an inflammatory condition of the colon diagnosed by biopsy, causing chronic watery diarrhea.
• 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.

Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Duct & Pancreatic Disorders

• Pancreatic Cysts, Tumors & Pancreatic Insufficiency (Evaluation & Co-management): Evaluation of fluid-filled sacs (cysts) or growths (tumors) on or in the pancreas, and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) where the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes.
• 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).
• Gallstone Disease (Cholelithiasis), Cholecystitis & Choledocholithiasis: Formation of hardened deposits (gallstones) in the gallbladder. Cholecystitis is gallbladder inflammation. Choledocholithiasis refers to gallstones in the common bile duct.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Management of Common & Chronic Digestive Symptoms: Investigating and treating common but potentially disruptive digestive symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, excessive gas, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and unexplained weight loss.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Located within a well-equipped gastroenterology clinic in St. Albert's St. Albert City neighborhood, the practice is situated at a facility that offers convenient access for patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of entry for individuals with mobility challenges. Public transportation options include St. Albert Transit (StAT), providing both local and commuter services to Edmonton, making it accessible for patients from surrounding areas. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. The practice is close to Servus Credit Union Place, a popular recreation and community hub, offering a welcoming environment for patients seeking comprehensive digestive health care.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Sandhu, 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. Sandhu'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. Sandhu, 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. Sandhu 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 is generally involved in preparing for a colonoscopy procedure?

Preparing for a colonoscopy is a critical step to ensure the procedure is effective and safe. Dr. Sandhu's office will provide very specific instructions, which must be followed closely. Typically, preparation involves dietary changes for a few days beforehand (e.g., low-residue diet), followed by a clear liquid diet for the 24 hours prior to the exam. The most important part is the bowel cleansing process, which involves drinking a prescribed laxative solution designed to completely empty and clean your colon. This usually starts the evening before and may continue the morning of the procedure. You'll also need to arrange for transportation home, as sedation is commonly used.

What exactly does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Sandhu 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. Dr. Sandhu specializes in the comprehensive medical and procedural management of digestive system disorders. He is skilled in performing endoscopic procedures (like gastroscopy and colonoscopy) for both diagnosis and treatment, interpreting complex diagnostic tests, and developing personalized management plans for a wide variety of acute and chronic digestive health issues.

201 Boudreau Rd
St. Albert, AB T8N 6C4

Phone: (780) 418-8587 | Fax: (780) 418-8584

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Sandhu 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. Sandhu 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=1d2e404a-e5ac-4492-affa-e27ea158c61a&i=1276