Dr. Myriam Langlois

Dr. Myriam Langlois diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders

• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO): An abnormal increase in the bacterial population in the small intestine, or an overgrowth of methane-producing archaea, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits.
• Ischemic Colitis: Inflammation and injury of the large intestine that results from inadequate blood flow.
• 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

• 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.
• 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).
• Chronic Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis B, C, D): Long-term viral infections that cause inflammation and damage to the liver, potentially leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer if untreated.

Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): A chronic immune system disease characterized by a buildup of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the esophagus, causing inflammation, difficulty swallowing, food impaction, and chest pain.
• 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.

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

• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Langlois 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 St-Eustache is situated in the vibrant areas near central Saint-Eustache, within easy reach of local points of interest and accessible via local public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and offers convenient parking options, including metered street parking and nearby lots. As a key medical facility within the hospital, it provides a dedicated unit for specialized digestive health services, supporting comprehensive patient care in a comfortable environment.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Langlois, 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. Langlois, 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. Langlois'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. Langlois, 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. Langlois 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. Langlois 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. Langlois 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.

Will I be asleep for my endoscopy or colonoscopy with Dr. Langlois?

For most endoscopic procedures like upper endoscopy (gastroscopy) and colonoscopy, patients are typically given sedation to help them relax and be comfortable. This is often called 'conscious sedation' or 'moderate sedation,' meaning you'll be drowsy and may not remember much of the procedure, but you won't be under general anesthesia (completely unconscious with a breathing tube). The specific type and level of sedation can vary and will be discussed with you by Dr. Langlois or the anesthesia provider beforehand. Because of the sedation, you will need to have someone accompany you to drive you home after the procedure.

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

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

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. Langlois'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.

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

Phone: (450) 473-6811

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Langlois 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. Langlois 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=17562