Dr. Mang Ming Ma – Gastroenterologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Mang Ma 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 or hospital department in Edmonton, AB, he is a key member of the local medical community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Ma provides comprehensive care for a wide range of digestive system disorders, including conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, utilizing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy in a patient-centered environment.

He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta (Canada) and has completed extensive post-graduate training in Gastroenterology (Comprehensive Care for Digestive System Disorders). Dr. Ma holds the necessary certifications and licensure from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) to practice as a specialist in this field, ensuring his practice aligns with current medical standards and best practices in digestive health care.

Dr. Ma is committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate, and personalized digestive health care. He emphasizes patient education on gastrointestinal conditions and lifestyle modifications to support long-term wellness. His approach involves early and accurate diagnosis through advanced procedures, tailored treatment plans, and ongoing patient support. Fluent in both English and Cantonese, he strives to make his patients feel comfortable and well-informed throughout their care journey. Dedicated to serving the Edmonton community, Dr. Ma aims to improve his patients' quality of life through comprehensive digestive health management.

Dr. Mang Ma diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders

• 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.
• Gastritis (Inflammation of Stomach Lining) & Duodenitis: Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or the first part of the small intestine/duodenum (duodenitis), which can be acute or chronic and caused by various factors including infection, irritants, or autoimmune processes.

Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders

• 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.
• 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.
• Ischemic Colitis: Inflammation and injury of the large intestine that results from inadequate blood flow.

Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders

• 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.
• 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. Mang Ma.

• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Personalized Nutritional Assessment & Medical Dietary Therapy for GI Conditions: Evaluation of nutritional status and provision of evidence-based dietary advice and medical nutrition therapy tailored to specific gastrointestinal disorders like IBD, IBS, celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroparesis, or food intolerances, often in collaboration with registered dietitians.
• 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.
• Management of Chronic Constipation & Chronic Diarrhea (idiopathic & secondary): Systematic investigation into underlying causes (including motility testing where appropriate) and tailored treatment strategies for persistent constipation or diarrhea not attributed to other major GI diseases.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Ma 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. Ma's practice is located within a well-equipped gastroenterology clinic or hospital department in Edmonton's S Central area, near the University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park neighborhoods. The facility is conveniently situated close to Rogers Place, making it accessible for patients attending appointments. Public transit options include Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, providing easy access for patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can comfortably receive care. Parking is available at or near the location, offering convenient options for patients driving to their appointments.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Ma, 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. Ma'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. Ma, 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. Ma 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. Ma?

Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Ma 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.

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. Ma. 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. Ma 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.

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

Gastroenterologists like Dr. Ma 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.

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

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

130 University Campus NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2X8

Phone: (780) 492-8146 | Fax: (780) 642-4166

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ma 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. Ma 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=063f3a7e-3d93-4392-a559-f8ea0ea318d2&i=899