Dr. Robert Allan Enns – Gastroenterologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Robert Allan Enns 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 St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, BC, he is a key member of the local medical community. He 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. Dr. Enns adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) to ensure high-quality, ethical, and patient-centered care.

He graduated with a MD from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Gastroenterologist. His credentials include certifications from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in gastroenterology (Comprehensive Care for Digestive System Disorders).

Dr. Enns is committed to evidence-based digestive health care, emphasizing patient education on gastrointestinal conditions and lifestyle modifications. He believes in early and accurate diagnosis through advanced procedures, and provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. Fluent in English, he provides compassionate and thorough care to patients in Vancouver, ensuring they are well-informed and actively involved in their health management.

Dr. Robert Enns diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders

• Rumination Syndrome: A condition in which people repeatedly and unintentionally spit up (regurgitate) undigested or partially digested food from the stomach, rechew it, and then reswallow it or spit it out.
• 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.

Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Duct & Pancreatic Disorders

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders

• Hiatal Hernia & Paraesophageal Hernia: Condition where part of the stomach pushes upward through an opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm into the chest, potentially contributing to GERD and other symptoms.
• 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.

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

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Testing & Eradication Therapy: Diagnosis of H. pylori infection using breath tests, stool tests, or endoscopic biopsies, and providing appropriate antibiotic regimens for eradication to treat ulcers and gastritis.
• Diagnosis & Management of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO): Utilizing glucose or lactulose breath tests for diagnosis and providing targeted antibiotic/antimicrobial therapy, prokinetics, and dietary advice for SIBO and IMO.
• 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.
• Chromoendoscopy & Advanced Imaging Techniques (e.g., NBI, FICE): Use of special dye sprays (chromoendoscopy) or electronic light filters (Narrow Band Imaging, Fuji Intelligent Chromo Endoscopy) during endoscopy to enhance visualization of mucosal patterns and improve detection of subtle lesions or precancerous changes.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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. Enns 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.

St. Paul's Hospital is located in Vancouver's Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood, serving as a prominent medical facility with a dedicated gastroenterology unit. The hospital is situated near City Square Shopping Centre, making it convenient for patients. Accessible via public transit options including TransLink's SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront station). The hospital facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the hospital, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. As a key center for specialized digestive health care, St. Paul's Hospital offers a comprehensive environment for diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Enns, 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. Enns'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. Enns, 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. Enns 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. Enns. 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. Enns 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 common reasons someone would be referred to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Enns?

Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Enns 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.

St. Paul's Hospital
770-1190 Hornby St
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K5

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

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Enns 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. Enns 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/305638/Enns%2CRobert