About
Dr. Sydney Bass 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 Sydney Bass Clinic Calgary in Calgary, AB, 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. Bass adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring quality, safety, and patient-centered care.
He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of British Columbia in Canada. Dr. Bass holds specialty certification as a Gastroenterologist, with additional credentials including FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada), LMCC (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada), and certifications from the Royal College of Physicians Canada in both Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. His rigorous training and ongoing professional development enable him to stay current with advances in digestive health care.
Dr. Bass is committed to evidence-based practice, emphasizing patient education on gastrointestinal conditions and lifestyle modifications to promote optimal health. He prioritizes early and accurate diagnosis through advanced diagnostic and endoscopic procedures, and develops personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Fluent in English, he dedicates himself to providing compassionate, accessible, and comprehensive digestive health care to residents of Calgary and surrounding communities.
Dr. Sydney Bass diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:
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.
- 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.
- Pancreatitis (Acute Recurrent & Chronic): Inflammation of the pancreas that can be sudden and severe (acute), recurrent, or long-lasting (chronic), causing significant abdominal pain and digestive enzyme deficiencies.
Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders
- Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) & Odynophagia (Painful Swallowing): Symptoms requiring investigation to determine underlying causes, which can range from structural abnormalities and motility disorders to inflammatory conditions or tumors.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease (Gastric, Duodenal, H. pylori-related, NSAID-induced): Open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) and the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer), commonly caused by H. pylori infection or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders
- Ischemic Colitis: Inflammation and injury of the large intestine that results from inadequate blood flow.
- 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.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Sydney Bass.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Bass 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.
Sydney Bass Clinic Calgary is situated in the vibrant NW neighborhood of Calgary, specifically in Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington). The practice is conveniently located near Arts Commons and The Bow Tower, offering easy access for patients. Public transit options include Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), making commuting straightforward. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing flexible parking solutions for visitors to the clinic.
- Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Bass, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Bass, 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. Bass'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. Bass, 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. Bass 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. Dr. Bass'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.
- How does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Bass approach the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
- The management of IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) by a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Bass 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.
Sydney Bass Clinic Calgary
415 14 ST NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2A1
Phone: (403) 660-3765 | Fax: (403) 291-1599
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Bass 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. Bass 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=605330a1-106a-4a3b-90d2-9a9c1e0cf029&i=146